ArtyA Geneve Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition adds customisable coloured fun to its sapphire cased tourbillon madness
Andrew O'Connor- ArtyA Geneve releases the new Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition with interchangeable coloured case-back gaskets that change the thematic colour of the case.
- With the case, caseback, and crown made entirely of sapphire, the crystal-clear case serves as a blank canvas for the wearer’s choice in colour.
- The ArtyA Geneve Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition is limited to 9 pieces total, and is priced at CHF 130,000.
ArtyA Geneve is often a breath of fresh air in high-end Swiss watchmaking. When brands release new timepieces with traditional high complications, they often feature traditional interpretations in both aesthetics and mechanics. Those familiar with other ArtyA Geneve timepieces know the brand is anything but traditional, and its latest release doesn’t disappoint. Building on the brand’s existing tourbillon and sapphire-case experience, ArtyA’s latest release brings a welcome dose of fun and personal expression with its Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition.
The main highlight of the ArtyA Geneve Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition is the sapphire case with a trick up its sleeve. The 44mm-wide, 30-metre water-resistant case is made entirely of Absolute Sapphire, including the front crystal, the case back and the crown. What is most notable about this new model is that the case-back gasket is what provides the colour.
Available in deep red, luminous orange, deep blue, and electric turquoise, the case-back gasket can be switched to change the watch’s colour. Each watch is supplied with a matching strap, but clients can purchase additional gaskets and matching straps, with more colours set to become available in the future. There’s just one limiting factor: you won’t be able to do this yourself. Any gasket and strap swaps will be handled at an ArtyA retailer, so put down those screwdrivers. Probably best to leave it to the pros with a watch like this anyway.
The movement inside is the same PUR-T1 movement used in other ArtyA Purity Tourbillon models. This exclusive ArtyA manufacture calibre features a flying tourbillon with a tourbillon cage measuring 18mm in diameter, making it one of the largest in current high-end watchmaking.
The escapement operates at 28,800 VPH, which is notably higher than many other tourbillon calibres, and the movement also features a variable-inertia balance wheel. With the larger cage, higher beat rate, and variable-inertia balance wheel, these features result in a calibre with higher shock resistance, dynamic stability, and accuracy compared to other tourbillon calibres. This calibre also features two mainspring barrels, providing a 70-hour power reserve.
The skeletonised movement makes up the bulk of the dial display. The bevelled edges for this model have been made more pronounced, with the edges finished by hand and mirror-polished. Most of the drive train of the movement is located on the 3 o’clock side of the dial, with the flying tourbillon located at 9 o’clock. At the centre are the hour, minute, and seconds hands.
Offering clients a variety of choices is not necessarily a new concept in high-end watchmaking. What is novel, particularly for a higher complication watch like this, is the ability to change the main thematic colour of a watch with a trip to a retailer. When buying such an expensive timepiece in a bold colour, I can foresee it being difficult to commit, especially if that colour is not a clear personal favourite.
Changing the colour of the gasket on a clear watch may seem like a relatively simple task, but it allows for a level of customisation and flexibility that is not often available in the world of complicated luxury watches. ArtyA Geneve timepieces may not cater to mainstream tastes, but releases like this make it apparent that the brand is more than capable of garnering devoted fans and keeping them as loyal customers.
ArtyA Geneve Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition pricing and availability
The ArtyA Geneve Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition is now available from ArtyA retailers and is limited to 9 pieces. Price: CHF 130,000.
| Brand | ArtyA |
| Model | Purity Tourbillon Sport Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm (D) |
| Case Material | Clear sapphire, coloured case-back gasket |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Skeletonised |
| Strap | Interchangeable eather strap, colour matched to case-back gasket |
| Movement | PUR-T1, manufacture-exclusive, manually-wound |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, flying tourbillon |
| Availability | Limited to 9 pieces |
| Price | CHF 130,000 |