Vanguart pioneers a distinctive vision within Haute Horlogerie, forging an unparalleled path in the domain of independent watchmaking. They explore new possibilities, bringing their distinct and cohesive designs and highly refined complex mechanisms to life through the combination of timeless technique, contemporary technology, and unique vision.
The Vanguart Orb introduces an entirely new hand-finished flying Tourbillon movement that allows the user to alternative between automatic and manual modes, all cased within a sleek symmetrical form that reaches beyond the contemporary and touches upon the uncharted. Creative Director, Thierry Fischer describes the Orb as ‘a harmonious shape that evokes relics of the past and visions of the future’. The unique case of the Vanguart Orb has been extensively hand-decorated throughout, including handcrafted angles, openings and symmetrical details that involve multiple techniques. The combination of sandblasting, satin-finishing and mirror polishing results in a case that shares aesthetics and techniques with the movement that it protects inside its orbital form.
The theme of symmetry and balance is also central to the openworked movement design and open dial display. Although the entire height of the watch is 10.5mm including the crystal, Vanguart takes full advantage of the volume within by creating layers of depth to be discovered.
The initial layer is the time display which is indicated by superluminova hands and a pvd-coated titanium inner bezel with superluminova hour markers. Immediately underneath the hands resides Vanguart’s automatic flying tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position and the winding barrel at the 12 o’clock position. Bordering these elements is one of the most unique features of the Vanguart Orb – a sloped pvd-coated titanium track for the orbital oscillating mass. When the user changes the mode of the watch from manual to automatic via the crown, the 2mm diamond-set orbital mass animates into existence and begins revolving around its track – appearing to float within the timepiece. When the watch is changed back into manual mode, the diamond-set orbital mass is locked into place.
Vanguart’s mindset is woven throughout the brand’s current and future blueprint – technologically advanced, highly engaging, showcasing user interface, designed with beauty and hand-decorated throughout. CEO, Axel Leuenberger describes the development as follows, “For the Vanguart Orb we consciously took the time to refine every detail, seeking ideal symmetry and proportions throughout each element of the case, movement and dial display. Our ambition was to merge futuristic aspects with traditional finishes and techniques into a harmonious, coherent design. The automatic winding system with its orbital oscillating mass provides both tactile and visual ways to engage with the timepiece.”
Chairman, Mehmet Koruturk continues “Our new model, the Vanguart Orb, will help strengthen our position in the Haute Horlogerie segment by enriching our collection with a model that fuses elegance and futurism in a unique way. The Orb is an expression of our long-term vision and our commitment to develop exceptional creations that broaden the appreciation of modern watchmaking by introducing new possibilities”.