Trilobe has carved a niche for itself with its audacious and unconventional approach to watchmaking. The brand's latest creations, the Nuit Fantastique Ombre and Lumière, are a testament to this spirit of innovation, offering a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow on the wrist.
Trilobe's journey began with a simple yet profound question: "What if time could be displayed differently?" The answer was a radical departure from traditional watchmaking, with the brand eschewing hands in favor of rotating rings that gracefully orbit the dial, creating a captivating spectacle of time in motion.
Courtesy of Trilobe
This unconventional approach is deeply rooted in Trilobe's DNA. The brand draws inspiration from the Art Brut movement, pioneered by Jean Dubuffet, who sought to disrupt the established norms of art and challenge conventional notions of beauty. Like Dubuffet,
Trilobe revels in the tension between tradition and innovation, creating timepieces that are both audacious and timeless.
The Nuit Fantastique collection, to which the Ombre and Lumière belong, is a testament to Trilobe's commitment to pushing boundaries. The collection's name, which translates to "Fantastic Night," evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting the wearer to embark on a journey of horological exploration.
With the Ombre and Lumière editions, Trilobe takes this exploration to new heights, embracing the duality of light and shadow. The Ombre, cloaked in a deep, velvety black, exudes an air of mystery and sophistication. The Lumière, on the other hand, radiates with a pristine white brilliance, symbolizing purity and clarity.
The visual tension created by this juxtaposition of black and white is the defining feature of the Ombre and Lumière. The contrasting colors create a dynamic interplay on the dial, drawing the eye to the heart of the watch, where Trilobe's signature rotating rings perform their mesmerizing dance.
Courtesy of Trilobe
The rings themselves are a marvel of engineering and design. The hour ring, the outermost of the three, completes one revolution every 12 hours. The minute ring, nestled within, makes its circuit in 60 minutes. And at the center, the seconds ring spins gracefully on its axis, marking the passage of each fleeting moment.
This unique display is not just a visual spectacle; it's a testament to Trilobe's dedication to reimagining the way we experience time. By replacing traditional hands with rotating rings, Trilobe has created a timepiece that is both intuitive and captivating, inviting the wearer to engage with time on a deeper level.
Both the Ombre and Lumière are housed in a 40.5mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and presence on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished, with mirror-polished surfaces alternating with satin-brushed treatments, creating a subtle interplay of light and texture.
The dial, the true star of the show, is a study in contrasts. The grained texture adds depth and dimension, while the contrasting colors create a sense of dynamism and movement. The applied hour markers, rendered in a matching hue, further enhance the visual harmony of the dial.
Courtesy of Trilobe
Powering these timepieces is Trilobe's in-house X-Centric caliber, a self-winding movement with a micro-rotor that ensures a smooth and reliable operation. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics that bring the Ombre and Lumière to life.
At the heart of each Nuit Fantastique beats the X-Centric caliber, Trilobe's proprietary movement. This self-winding marvel, visible through the sapphire caseback, showcases a micro-rotor that seamlessly integrates with the overall design, ensuring a slim profile while delivering a robust 48-hour power reserve.
The caliber's architecture is a feast for the eyes. The bridges, meticulously finished with côtes de Genève stripes and anglage, create a pleasing contrast against the perlage of the mainplate. The balance wheel, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensures precise timekeeping, while the 33 jewels minimize friction, guaranteeing longevity.
But the true magic of the X-Centric lies in its unique display mechanism. The three rotating rings, representing the hours, minutes, and seconds, are driven by a complex system of gears and cams, creating a mesmerizing ballet of time in motion.
Courtesy of Trilobe
The Nuit Fantastique Ombre and Lumière aren't just about technical prowess; they offer a sensory experience that engages both sight and touch. The 40.5mm stainless steel case, a size that sits comfortably on most wrists, boasts a blend of polished and brushed finishes that catch the light in a subtle yet captivating way.
The domed sapphire crystal, with its double anti-reflective coating, offers a crystal-clear view of the dial, while the sapphire caseback provides a window into the mechanical heart of the watch. The crown, discreetly integrated into the case, ensures easy winding and setting, while the black alligator strap, with its contrasting stitching, adds a touch of classic elegance.
But it's the dial that truly steals the show. The grained texture, reminiscent of an artist's canvas, creates a sense of depth and intrigue. The contrasting colors – deep black for the Ombre, pristine white for the Lumière – create a visual tension that draws the eye to the rotating rings. The applied hour markers, rendered in a matching hue, further enhance the dial's legibility and aesthetic appeal.
Courtesy of Trilobe
At $10,600 (excluding tax), the Nuit Fantastique Ombre and Lumière represent a significant investment. However, for the discerning collector seeking a timepiece that transcends the ordinary, they offer exceptional value.
These watches are not mass-produced; they are meticulously crafted in limited quantities, ensuring exclusivity and rarity. They are powered by an in-house movement, a testament to Trilobe's commitment to horological excellence. And they offer a unique and captivating way of experiencing time, a feature that sets them apart from the crowd.