Earlier this year we got hands on with the Tempovision Big Date from newcomer MRC, a small but exciting manufacturer headed up by talented watch-designer and creator Rodolphe Cattin. This was Cattin’s first return to the big stage after parting ways with the Franck Muller Group a few years earlier, and as you would expect he was ready to show the watch world he had truly moved on. Today we take a look at another piece from this superb new collection, the Witness One Tourbillon.
A Feast For The Eyes
Cattin is first and foremost a designer and this really shows through in the visual impact of the Witness One Tourbillon. Bevelled and diamond-polished blue-faceted hands, finely sandblasted surfaces and black gold-treated bridges augment the effect of the open-worked dial, and work together to create a sense of depth and complexity without compromising on legibility. Completing the mesmerizing view is an open-worked 60-second tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
The hand-wound tourbillon caliber MRC800 movement is visible through the cambered anti-reflective sapphire case back and features skeletonised plate and bridges. The power reserve is a respectful 72 hours and functions include hours, minutes and seconds (via the tourbillon).
The Witness One is presented in MRC’s distinctive 45 mm round case complete with oversized lugs and a large ball-like crown. It is available in your choice of stainless steel, 18K white gold or 5N 18K pink gold and is presented on a black alligator with folding clasp matching the case.
Price estimates are upwards of CHF150,000 (US$157,000.)
The Final Word
For me the Witness One Tourbillon is quite simply a visually stunning timepiece. It’s not overtly complicated and yet in some ways it’s the lack of these more traditional complications often found in this price range (perpetual calendar, minute repeater, etc.) that make it more attractive. It’s this simplicity that has allowed it to avoid the clutter trap other, more complicated pieces, sometimes fall prey to and instead shift the focus to creating a visual feast for the eyes. And yet, that being said, it still boasts an exceptionally well-made in-house tourbillon movement!
Certainly not a piece to suit all tastes but if it has captured your interest please visit Manufacture Rodolophe Cattin’s official website for more information: www.manufacture-rodolphe-cattin.ch
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