Arriving in the fun stand, I was greeted with huge smiles by Tim & Bart Grönefeld. I eagerly sat down to see the Tourbillon of Basel 2014. The Parallax Tourbillon created by Tim and Bart is exquisite and very much anticipated since the leaking of it emerged prior to Basle...
The initial series of 12 pieces in steel. Yes, it's even better in person!
Again, in a similar vein to the One Hertz, highly polished steel bridges.
The new dial execution in the RG One Hertz, more of a classic look. I like it very much!
The superlative One Hertz caliber in the RG case.
A wrist shot. Lovely.
Staying with the RG theme, the Parallax Tourbillon was exquisite. Blued steel hands, silver dial and RG case all coherently go together to make heck of a great looking watch, not to mention it's technical merits!
No flash this time!
And the back of the Parallax Tourbillon.
Even though Vianney wasn't exhibiting, he was very much in attendance, to show the Deep Space Triple Axis Tourbillon. Born in the recesses of his extra-ordinary mind, this watch cased in Titanium came to fruition. That it did in a relatively short period of time, is a testament to his time away from the craziness of the business of being an Independent Watchmaker. Spending almost a year away, sleeping and taking stock, this is the result and culmination of drawing on his childhood and adult memories, his previous watchmaking experiences and the sheer focus of his mind to create this watch.
Pictures as always will convey much more than my words, suffice to say, it is extra-ordinary in person and has aspects not readily appreciated in these pictures, however I think I captured much of its brilliance.
A taste if you will...
On the wrist, what follows is a series of wrist shots to hopefully give you a good idea and sense of this amazing piece from Vianney.
And finally...
Wrist profile, neat watch!
The strap is maybe Klingon...
Vianney is one of those rare fellows, whose intellect and brilliance is quite apparent upon meeting him. English is very much his second language for this Parisian born man, but we have allways communicated well. I feel great affinity for him and wish him well!
Sharing an amusing moment.
I hope I can persuade him to visit San Diego one day, it would be fun to have him back in California. Back in 2007 was the previous visit, up in the San Francisco Bay Area.