• Moritz Grossmann Tourbillon Tremblage German Craftsmanship Redefined
  • Moritz Grossmann Tourbillon Tremblage

    German Craftsmanship Redefined

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 26, 2024
  • The Moritz Grossmann Tourbillon Tremblage watch emerges not only as a mere time-telling device but as a culmination of a legacy, precision, and craftsmanship. Each aspect of this magnificent timepiece reflects the dedication and finesse of the artisans at Moritz Grossmann, a name synonymous with quality and intricate watchmaking since the 19th century.

    Moritz Grossmann's indelible mark on the watchmaking industry began in the 19th century with his profound contributions and the establishment of the German School of Watchmaking in Glashütte. Through this institution, he instilled his knowledge and passion into many protégés, creating a lineage of master watchmakers that would carry on his meticulous art form.

    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann
    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann


    The Tourbillon Tremblage watch, a paragon of the Moritz Grossmann collection, is a product of 245 meticulously assembled parts, including a wheel train of 186 and a cage of 59. Within this complex arrangement lies a marvel of 30 jewels, four of which are elegantly set in screwed gold chatons, indicating the luxury and attention to detail afforded to this timepiece.

    A glance at the Tourbillon Tremblage reveals a manufacture calibre 103.0, manually wound, and adjusted in five distinct positions. It boasts a flying three-minute tourbillon with a V-shaped balance bridge—an innovation awaiting patent approval. This caliber includes a suite of features such as an asymmetric-arm lever escapement and a Grossmann balance with a suspended balance spring, each component showcasing the pinnacle of modern mechanics.

    The watch's dial—a striking composition of argenté or black solid silver, adorned with white-printed Arabic numerals—is a masterpiece in its own right. The tremblage technique used to handcraft the dial, with its engraved, matte finish, results in a subtle play of light and shadow, captivating the beholder with its understated allure. The hands, crafted from steel or 750/000 gold and annealed to a brown-violet hue or polished to perfection, are not just indicators of time but a testament to the artisan's skill.

    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann
    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann


    Encapsulating this mechanical wonder is a three-part case in 750/000 rose gold, measuring a robust 44.5 mm in diameter and 13.8 mm in height. Its substantial presence on the wrist is not just felt but seen, as the case's luster complements the rich texture of the tremblage dial.

    At the core of the Tourbillon Tremblage watch lies its namesake—the tourbillon. This three-minute tourbillon, with its 16.0 mm diameter cage, performs a leisurely revolution every three minutes, counter-clockwise when viewed from the dial side. Its balance wheel, with a diameter of 14.2 mm and a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour, ensures a rhythmic and precise movement.

    A fully wound Tourbillon Tremblage promises a generous 72-hour power reserve. The operation of this exquisite piece is facilitated by a crown and pusher in 750/000 rose gold, which serve to wind the watch, set the time, and start the movement.

    Completing the experience is a hand-stitched alligator strap, culminating in a butterfly clasp made from the same 750/000 rose gold as the case. This choice of material and design not only ensures comfort and security but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the timepiece.

    A sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating on one side provides a clear window to the watch's intricate face, while the display back offers an inviting view of the internal mechanics, a visual feast for any horology enthusiast.

    Each Tourbillon Tremblage watch is a joint endeavor of numerous skilled hands at the Glashütte manufactory. The watch is not merely assembled; it is brought to life through various crafting techniques, each contributing to the creation of an exceptional timepiece. This model, in particular, demonstrates the expressive power of traditional craftsmanship seamlessly integrated with modern aesthetics.

    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann
    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann


    At its core, the Moritz Grossmann Tourbillon Tremblage is animated by the Manufacture calibre 103.0. This manually wound heart, beating with a steady rhythm adjusted in five positions, is the result of relentless engineering and artistic prowess. The flying three-minute tourbillon, a signature feature, is anchored by a screw-secured driving wheel and a V-shaped balance bridge—a design that is not only pending a patent for its innovation but also for its visual appeal.

    The tourbillon is often seen as the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry, and in the Tourbillon Tremblage, it is no mere decorative element. It is a functional masterpiece, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the escapement's accuracy by mounting it in a rotating cage. This particular tourbillon goes above and beyond, completing a revolution every three minutes, in contrast to the standard one-minute rotations, allowing for a mesmerizing slow-motion display of mechanical choreography.

    Moritz Grossmann takes pride in its innovative approach to traditional watchmaking. The Tourbillon Tremblage introduces a patented stop-seconds mechanism that is as ingenious as it is delicate—an elastic fine-hair brush that gently pauses the balance wheel, allowing for precise time setting. This feature is complemented by the asymmetric-arm lever escapement, a balance adjustable via poising screws, and a newly developed mainspring barrel jewel bearing, each a testament to the brand’s quest for perfection.

    With 245 individual parts, the Tourbillon Tremblage is akin to a well-orchestrated symphony, where each component plays a crucial role. The 186-part wheel train and the 59-part cage are meticulously assembled, showcasing the manufactory's commitment to precision. The harmony of the 30 jewels, including those in screwed gold chatons, elevates the movement to a visual and functional work of art.

    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann
    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann


    The dial of the Tourbillon Tremblage is not just a face, but a canvas where the legacy of Grossmann’s craftsmanship is painted. The three-part silver dial, with its tremblage finish, presents a depth and texture that is both visually enthralling and technically demanding. The dial’s parts, galvanized in ‘black-or,’ boast an anthracite hue that exudes a modern yet understated sophistication.

    In a clever design twist, the Tourbillon Tremblage replaces the missing minute scale segment from 25 to 35 minutes with a separate scale, swept by the minute hand’s extension on the opposite side. This patented feature ensures that the tourbillon's prominence does not compromise the functionality of the time display. It is a thoughtful integration of form and function that characterizes the Moritz Grossmann brand.

    The hands of the Tourbillon Tremblage are far more than indicators of time—they are the bearers of tradition and craftsmanship. Whether formed from steel or 750/000 gold, their hues—ranging from brown-violet to a polished sheen—are a result of meticulous annealing, a process that demands both patience and skill. The hands' architecture, delicate yet defined, ensures legibility and contributes to the watch’s distinctive character.

    Encasing this horological wonder is a robust three-part case in 750/000 rose gold. Its dimensions are a statement of presence and luxury, with a diameter that demands attention and a height that speaks to its layered complexity. This case is more than a protective shell; it is a proud display of the watch's stature and the wearer's discerning taste.

    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann
    Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann


    The Grossmann three-minute tourbillon oscillator, with its poised balance and suspended Nivarox 1 balance spring, ensures an equilibrium that translates into precise timekeeping. The oscillator's large diameter and the slow, graceful movement of the tourbillon are visual delights that also serve a critical functional purpose.

    In the world of haute horlogerie, the Moritz Grossmann Tourbillon Tremblage stands out as a paragon of craftsmanship and precision. With its harmonious blend of mechanical ingenuity and artisanal elegance, it transcends mere timekeeping to become a statement of heritage and innovation. Limited in edition but boundless in its appeal, this watch is a testament to the enduring legacy of Moritz Grossmann. For the discerning collector, it represents not just a measure of time, but a timeless investment into the artistry of watchmaking—a legacy worn on the wrist, and a conversation piece for generations to come.
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