DELMA 1924 Tourbillon

DELMA has a rich history originating in 1924 in Lengnau, Switzerland. Founded by the brothers Adolf and Albert Gilomen, the company initially operated under the name A. & A. Gilomen S.A., showcasing four distinct brands, with Delma emerging as the prominent name associated with quality and craftsmanship. Throughout the years, DELMA continued to establish itself with significant milestones, such as the introduction of their first Periscope watch in 1946 and the acquisition by Ulrich Wüthrich and partner in 1996, further solidifying their commitment to independent, high-quality Swiss watchmaking.

The unveiling of the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon watches marks a significant point in the brand's journey, a celebration of their centennial anniversary. These timepieces are not mere commemorations, they represent the culmination of a century's worth of watchmaking expertise, and the dedication to progress and innovation. These new editions of the 1924 Tourbillon stand as a testament to DELMA's enduring legacy, blending traditional Swiss watchmaking with modern advancements.



The DELMA 1924 Tourbillon watches come in two distinct variations, each limited to only 25 pieces. The first, reference 41702.770.6.044, boasts a deep, signature DELMA blue dial. The second, reference 41702.770.6.184, features a beautifully warm, salmon-colored dial. Both dials showcase a "grains de riz" guilloché pattern, a sophisticated and intricate texture that adds visual depth and interest. This rice-grain pattern is a classic decorative technique in watchmaking, creating a dynamic surface that plays beautifully with light.

The heart of these timepieces is the tourbillon, a complex mechanism that is prominently displayed at the 6 o'clock position. The tourbillon cage, which houses the escapement and regulating organ, makes a full rotation every 60 seconds. This constant rotation counteracts the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy, ensuring consistent timekeeping. The tourbillon is not just a functional component, it's a visual spectacle, a display of horological mastery.

The Caliber DT100.01, DELMA's proprietary hand-wound movement, powers these exceptional watches. This 100% Swiss-made movement is a point of pride for DELMA, showcasing their commitment to in-house development and manufacturing. The movement boasts a substantial 105-hour power reserve, meaning the watch can run for over four days when fully wound. This extended power reserve is a testament to the movement's efficiency and the quality of its construction. Furthermore, the Caliber DT100.01 features a variable-inertia balance, contributing to superior precision.



The movement's construction is further enhanced with a shock absorption system, protecting the delicate internal components from impacts up to 5000 G. Additionally, the movement utilizes non-magnetic components, including an alloy hairspring and a Glucydur balance wheel. This attention to detail allows the watch to resist magnetic fields up to 2000 gauss, ensuring consistent performance in a world increasingly filled with electronic devices.

Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal exhibition case back, allowing for an unobstructed view of the beautifully finished movement. The baseplate is decorated with perlage, a circular graining pattern, while the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève, a series of parallel stripes. Golden text and a sprinkling of blue screws add further visual appeal, subscribing to traditional watchmaking aesthetics. The movement is treated with ruthenium, giving it a contemporary dark gray finish that contrasts with the polished components.



The case of the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material commonly used in high-end watches. The 41mm diameter case features a predominantly brushed finish, giving it a subtle, tool-watch aesthetic. However, the beveled edges along the top and sides of the case are highly polished, adding a touch of refinement. The crown, positioned between protective crown guards, has a textured grip for easy manipulation.

The stainless-steel bracelet is robust and well-integrated with the case. It features a deployant clasp with pushers for secure and convenient fastening. The use of quick-release spring bars is a thoughtful addition, enabling the wearer to easily switch between the bracelet and the included Italian leather strap without the need for any tools. The blue dial variant comes with a matching blue leather strap, while the salmon dial is paired with a brown leather strap.



The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. This coating minimizes glare, ensuring excellent legibility under various lighting conditions. The applied hour markers, along with the hour and minute hands, are palladium, nickel-plated, and generously filled with white Super-LumiNova® BGW9. This luminous material emits a bright, blue-green glow in low-light conditions, making the watch highly readable in the dark.

With a water resistance of 20 ATM (200 meters / 660 feet), the DELMA 1924 Tourbillon is far more than just a dress watch. It's built to withstand the rigors of daily wear and even some aquatic adventures, speaking to the brand's heritage of producing robust and reliable timepieces. The screw-down crown further contributes to its water resistance.

These watches, while intricate mechanical creations, also carry subtle design touches. The contrast between the brushed case and the polished bevels showcases a thoughtful approach to finishing. The guilloché pattern on the dial, with its intricate detail, elevates the visual appeal, and the use of Super-LumiNova® not only enhances functionality but also adds a modern aesthetic.



DELMA's decision to produce these watches in limited editions of only 25 pieces per dial color adds to their exclusivity and desirability. Each watch represents a rare and special creation, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history. It's a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship and their dedication to producing exceptional timepieces.

The 1924 Tourbillon not only appeals to the seasoned watch collector, but even those just beginning the journey into the world of horology. It is a representation of mechanical art. The movement's components, meticulously crafted and assembled, work in perfect harmony to achieve a single goal, the accurate measurement of time. The watches are available for pre-order from March 18th to March 31st, 2025, at a special price of $10,500.00. After this period, and starting in May 2025, the watches will be available at select DELMA retailers for $14,500.00.

Case: 316L stainless steel. Diameter 41 mm, Height 14 mm, Lug width 22 mm, Lug-to-lug 47.5 mm. Fully brushed finish, stainless steel exhibition case back with curved sapphire crystal. Stainless steel, circular brushed bezel, Domed sapphire crystal with AR coating. Stainless steel screw-down crown, Water-resistance 20 ATM / 200 m / 660 ft.

Movement: Caliber DT100.01, hand-wound. Tourbillon. 105-hour power reserve. Variable-inertia balance, shock absorption system up to 5000 G. Non-magnetic components, alloy hairspring, Glucydur balance wheel, magnetic resistance up to 2000 gauss. Perlage on baseplate, Côtes de Genève on bridges, golden text, blue screws, ruthenium-treated dark gray finish.

Dial: DELMA Blue or Salmon grains de riz guilloche pattern. Applied indexes with BGW 9. Hour, minute hands with BGW 9, small seconds hand. Hands are palladium, nickel-plated.

Strap: Stainless-steel three link bracelet with quick release. Stainless-steel deployant clasp with pushers. Additional hand-made Italian leather strap with quick release and folding clasp, blue for blue dial, brown for salmon dial.

Price: Pre-order price: CHF 9,250 / USD 10,500. Retail price: CHF 12,900 / USD 14,500.

Reference Number: 41702.770.6.044 (Blue Dial), 41702.770.6.184 (Salmon Dial).

Notes: Limited to 25 pieces per dial color. 100% Swiss-made proprietary movement. Created to celebrate DELMA's 100th anniversary.