After and insane two weeks sprinting to the finish line of Tourbillon 1 and Tourbillon $1 it is a relief to sit down and provide an update on whats next for these two projects and of course a look at what is next for the K2 micro-rotor.
Whats Next for Tourbillon $1?
A total of 1227 people have taken part in the giveaway from all over the world. Honestly speaking our greatest expectations for this giveaway were tremendously exceeded, so thank you to everyone that entered.
For all that took part in Tourbillon $1 we will make the official draw on September 12th at 14:00CET. We need this extra time as our watchmakers are preparing the three watches for giveaway. Also our accounting department is working through all the donations and preparing this for presentation to ZeitZentrum the watchmaking school in Grenchen. Also, we would still like to allocate part of the donation to inviting a couple lucky watchmakers or engineers from anywhere in the world for a week in Biel where they can learn more about movement development and build their very own
Tourbillon 1.
Watchmakers & Engineers, Tell Us Why It Should Be You!
For any and all watchmakers and mechanical engineers enrolled in horological related studies or who have recently graduated please tell us why we should pick you. Please send along a little back story with school/training details, references and a little information on your passion for horology and what you would like to achieve in the future.
Our team will review and will decide on up to two individuals.
Submissions are open now and will close on September 18th, 2021 at 14:00 CET
Send submission to lostintime@horage.com in any digital format that works best for you.
Whats Next for Tourbillon 1?
It has been 2.5 years since we first announced the Tourbillon 1 project and at 11:58 on September 1st the last Tourbillon 1 order was made before closing the store one minute later at 11:59. Thank you to all that have supported Tourbillon 1.
For all those that have ordered we are now deep in the production portion of the project. Our team works in batches of 25 with each and every component manufactured, measured, quality controlled, built into sub-assemblies and then built into the movement. There are over 3000 processes to manage and thus the reason it takes time for good things to come to light.
Those that have been with us for all of, or a good part of the Tourbillon 1 journey have understood the development timeline of this project. For those of you newer to us and that have placed orders this past month the production journey of your watch has just begun and although this is a lengthy process it ensures we deliver a manufacture quality watch at industrial level precision and reliability.
What Can you Expect?
From now until the final Tourbillon 1 leaves the production line I will be providing updates in this forum as well as on our YouTube channel. I will be joined by Horage CEO and founder Andi along with various engineers and watchmakers who will be providing insights into the development of the movement and watch. We have done this previously and this time we will keep you informed from production of parts whenever possible to assembly starting at T0 all the way through to T3 production.
T-What?
T0 (terminage zero) is the quality control, decoration and assembly of individual parts into sub-assemblies , T1 is the assembly of the movement, T2 is the casing of the watch, regulation and chronometer certification and T3 is final quality control and preparing the watch for shipment. Parts production and T0 take the most amount of time as we, along with our suppliers, need to machine parts and the second longest timeline is chronometer certification.
Engineering and building a new movement that is not "off the shelf" means that each and every component and process needs to be placed in production. We are not producing Tourbillon 1 to be on stock and therefore we are producing only for what is on order. We believe this is a more holistic and sustainable approach to watchmaking as it ultimately reduces waste and has ensured we can deliver the best quality at the fairest price.
The end result is a very special timepiece that only the exclusive Tourbillon 1 supporters will have and from those that have received theirs so far, they have said it was well worth the wait.
How many brands take you along for the production journey? We aim to make the production of your watch a lot of fun so definitely join in the discussion here on the forum and send us some ideas and suggestions for what you would like to see.
What's Beyond Tourbillon 1?
As many of you will know we have been involved in the development of our K2 micro-rotor movement. We have given space to the Tourbillon 1 project, but now with the order window closed we are ready to dive back into K2.
Next week on Tuesday September 7th at 14:00CET we will announce the next project.
It is a project that will go from pre-order to production over a one year timeline. There is a specific material that we have been waiting to offer that requires this longer timeline. The project is super exciting and we cannot wait to hear what you all have to say.
There is a lot of community involvement along with some voting on what you like most for that project. It's going to be exciting so be sure to check back in next Tuesday for all the details.
Till next time...
Landon Stirling
I absolutely adore your tourbillion watch🤤😍, I sincere hope I am able to win the draw since the is my final chance of obtaining one😖. I can't wait to see what are more to come.
The moment I read "pre-order', my mind already made a budget reservation :-)
I would like to see a travelers GMT complication available with the K2 - jumping (fore and back) 12 hour hand, while the GMT hand remains uneffected by that crown controlled action.
Existing time 🙌