For centuries, Vienna has been synonymous with artistic and technical mastery, from the intricate waltzes of the Strauss family to the innovative designs of watchmakers like Ferdinand Adolph Lange. Now, Carl Suchy & Söhne, a modern Austrian watchmaker, is building on this legacy with the introduction of the Table Waltz Tourbillon, a limited-edition table clock that pushes the boundaries of both watchmaking and art.
The Table Waltz Tourbillon is the latest addition to Carl Suchy & Söhne's critically acclaimed Table Waltz collection. The original Table Waltz, unveiled in 2020, was praised for its stunning design and intricate movement, handcrafted entirely in Austria. The Table Waltz Tourbillon takes this concept a step further, incorporating the highly complex tourbillon mechanism into the table clock format for the first time.
Carl Suchy & Söhne was founded in 1822 by Josef Suchy, a watchmaker known for his precision and innovative spirit. The company quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality timepieces, becoming a favorite among Viennese royalty and aristocracy. Over the years,
Carl Suchy & Söhne faced challenges, eventually ceasing operations in the early 20th century. However, the brand was revived in 2005 by Michael Suchy, a descendant of the founder, who sought to preserve his family's legacy and revive the art of Viennese watchmaking.
Courtesy of Carl Suchy & Söhne
In an era dominated by wristwatches, table clocks may seem like a relic of the past. However, for discerning watch collectors, table clocks offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of watchmaking on a larger scale. The Table Waltz Tourbillon is a prime example of this.
At first glance, the Table Waltz Tourbillon is a captivating sight. The clock is encased in a dark, satin-finished brass case, milled from a single block and meticulously hand-polished. The conical shape of the case creates a dramatic silhouette, while the nickel-plating process adds a touch of modern elegance.
The true star of the show, however, is the clock's face. Crafted from hand-blown glass by the renowned Viennese crystal company J. & L. Lobmeyr, the glass panels are meticulously faceted and engraved, creating a dazzling interplay of light and shadow. When viewed from the front, the panels offer a clear view of the intricate watch movement within.
The heart of the Table Waltz Tourbillon is its in-house movement, the CS-T-1. This movement, designed and assembled by Austrian watchmaker Therese Wibmer, is a marvel of engineering. Comprised of over 50 components, each one meticulously finished and assembled by hand, the CS-T-1 boasts a seven-day power reserve and features an hour and minute display.
But what truly sets the Table Waltz Tourbillon apart is its tourbillon mechanism. A tourbillon is a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel of a watch. By constantly rotating, the tourbillon helps to counteract the effects of gravity on the timekeeping mechanism, ensuring greater accuracy.
Incorporating a tourbillon into a table clock is a significant technical challenge. The larger size and weight of the movement require a more robust design and construction. However, the Table Waltz Tourbillon overcomes these challenges with aplomb. The tourbillon cage is prominently displayed at the center of the clock face, its mesmerizing rotation adding a touch of dynamic beauty to the timepiece.
The Table Waltz Tourbillon is more than just a timepiece; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Viennese watchmaking. It combines centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create a piece of art that is both functional and visually stunning. With only ten pieces being produced, the Table Waltz Tourbillon is sure to become a coveted collector's item, a symbol of Viennese artistry and innovation for generations to come.
Powering the Table Waltz Tourbillon is the in-house developed CS-T-1 movement, a testament to the revitalized spirit of Austrian watchmaking. This beautifully crafted movement is more than just a collection of gears and levers; it's a carefully orchestrated symphony of precision engineering.
Let's start with the basics. The CS-T-1 features a traditional spring-driven mechanism, ensuring a sense of horological heritage. It boasts an impressive seven-day power reserve, meaning you only need to wind this masterpiece about once a week. The winding process itself is infused with a sense of tactile satisfaction thanks to the integrated key winding system with overwind protection – a touch of luxury and a thoughtful safeguard for its delicate mechanism.
Courtesy of Carl Suchy & Söhne
The Table Waltz Tourbillon, while primarily focusing on visual drama, doesn't skimp on functionality. It features a simple but clear hour and minute indication, marking the passage of time with uncluttered practicality. The blued-steel hands, a subtle nod to classic watchmaking traditions, stand in stark contrast against the gleaming polished brass of the visible gears.
However, functionality is merely the canvas upon which the CS-T-1 establishes its true artistry. Its intricate network of precisely finished bridges and gears, all crafted from the highest quality materials, creates a mesmerizing display of mechanical ballet. The use of 14 rubies not only adds a touch of vibrant color but, more importantly, serves a functional purpose by reducing friction at critical points within the movement, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
While every component of the CS-T-1 movement demands admiration, the true star of the show is undeniably the tourbillon. This intricate mechanism has long been a symbol of elite horology, a testament to the watchmaker's quest for ultimate precision.
In essence, a tourbillon cage houses the watch's regulating organs – the balance wheel, escapement, and associated parts – and slowly rotates them. This continuous rotation aims to average out the effects of gravity, which can subtly influence the rate of a watch depending on its orientation. While less of a practical necessity in a stationary clock, it remains an exquisite testament to human ingenuity.
In the Table Waltz Tourbillon, the tourbillon cage is front and center. Its steady rotation, reminiscent of an elaborate planetary system, offers a captivatingly dynamic element to the clock's presence. It's engineering on display, an invitation to marvel at the delicate dance of its intricate parts.
The Table Waltz Tourbillon's mechanical brilliance is inseparable from the meticulousness of its construction. From the sculpted brass case to the delicately finished components, every aspect of this clock speaks volumes about the dedication to quality.
The dark, satin-finished brass case is a testament to both modern design sensibilities and traditional metalworking techniques. Milled from a solid block, its seamless construction exudes an aura of solidity. The special nickel-plating process not only creates its distinctive color but infuses the metal with a subtle radiance that catches the light beautifully.
The movement itself is a careful blend of brass, steel, and jewels. The use of high-gloss polished brass for the gear wheels offers a visual treat, contrasting with the satiny finish of the main plate. The blued steel screws serve as functional elements yet become vibrant accents against the brass.
Encasing this mechanical marvel is a collaborative testament to another famed Viennese craft – the glasswork of J&L Lobmeyr. The handcrafted, faceted glass panels shimmer with clarity. Their intricate hand-engraved details add another layer of artistry, transforming the clock into a captivating play of light and reflection.
Courtesy of Carl Suchy & Söhne
Limited to just ten examples, the Carl Suchy & Söhne Table Waltz Tourbillon is destined to be a collector's grail. It holds the allure of both exclusivity and the undeniable charm of a handcrafted work of art. Beyond its immediate desirability, it represents a significant milestone in the modern era of Austrian watchmaking.
Carl Suchy & Söhne's revitalization is, in itself, a story of passion and dedication. The Table Waltz Tourbillon exemplifies this spirit by pushing the creative boundaries while holding true to the tradition of watchmaking mastery that's been etched into Vienna's artistic legacy.
The Table Waltz Tourbillon is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and the pursuit of precision in an age dominated by mass production and digital convenience. It's a bold statement, an object that demands contemplation. From its mesmerizing tourbillon to its flawlessly finished details, this clock isn't simply meant to tell time; it's a tangible embodiment of time transformed into exquisite, tangible art.