The Autark Tourbillon model was undoubtedly one of our most ambitious projects yet. Could we combine two of the most desirable technologies in mechanical watchmaking in one package and still achieve the HORAGE-typical industry-busting price point?
Well, you already know the answer to this! And with the dedication and old-fashioned hard graft from our team we also upheld another HORAGE tradition. Autark Tourbillon was delivered quicker than originally predicted, with 99% of orders fulfilled by Q4-2024.
Now it’s time for a subtle re-fresh. Maybe we’re a little bit on the hyperactive spectrum? Maybe we’re like teenagers rearranging furniture in their bedroom every six months? We love new! So, it’s time for the “Galactic Blue” Autark Tourbillon to be revealed. A fresh new take on a popular and classic colourway.
Look out the window in the northern hemisphere and you’ll see blossom, a riot of colours and energy bursting out of every living thing. The annual explosion of life is well underway, and we can breathe deeply in, knowing that spring is here once again. Time to throw open the windows and let the fresh, succulent, warm air inside.
What does this mean in concrete? We will no longer offer Sunray Blue but have a brand new “Galactic Blue” dial colour to remind you of the endless summer days, which are hiding just around the corner. Blue is one if not the most popular colour for dials.
It is serene, timeless, versatile and has more depth than black. For the new “Galactic Blue” dial finding a perfect texture was of equal priority to the colour. Dials fulfil a critical role for a timepiece: they need to enhance legibility, draw in the viewer, contrast yet align with the hands, indices, case and bracelet design and keep you coming back for more and more. Surely the herculean task in horology….all condensed into a small, round disc.
We also decided to focus on the essentials, so along with Sunray Blue the Salmon Pink model without power reserve indicator will drop from the range. Those of you wanting a PR indicator will be able to choose from the two most popular colour variants: Gradient Grey and Salmon Pink. If you prefer the simple, uncluttered approach to horology both the existing Sunray Black and “Galactic Blue” dials will be available without the power reserve indicator.
Turning to the back of the calibre, the movement casing will in future only be produced in Anthracite Grey: Terracotta Red and Blue colour options have been phased out. We started on a journey of “K3EPing it simple” elsewhere in the HORAGE family and this train of thought seems to have snuck into the Autark Tourbillon VIP lounge and is running riot!
Whilst our attention is on the back of the watch there’s also been an update for the micro rotor. All Autark Tourbillons will be configurable with either a new design Rhodium-plated Tungsten micro-rotor, or for those of you desiring a timepiece of superlatives we will offer the PT950 Platinum upgrade. This über- feature is not just about the delights of owning precious metals [Ed: reason enough if you ask me]. The PT950 micro rotor offers an evening higher level of automatic re-winding efficiency.
A topic we undoubtedly didn’t talk enough about during the initial launch of Autark Tourbillon is its unparalleled shock absorbing capabilities. Tourbillon equipped timepieces are not generally renowned for their ruggedness. But why would you NOT want to enjoy such a beautiful object as a daily wearer?! By using a ceramic bearing system for the Tourbillon instead of the more typical pinion and bushing, the K-TMR calibre can offer a remarkable shock resistance of 5000G. We wouldn’t suggest you try this out in real life, but this is equivalent to using your watch as a golf ball. This is the same shock rating as that of a popular Japanese brand who use this number to market an entire product range of ‘rugged’ quartz watches. A more sensible scenario would be Benson Ko’s completion of a Half Iron Man triathlon wearing a Tourbillon 1, which uses the same bearing tourbillon mechanism (although most normal people might not consider multiple hours of running/swimming/cycling pain to be ‘sensible’). Many tourbillon-equipped timepieces lean very heavily into decorative extravagance. Whilst it’s great to see such opulent engineering, how often do these watches actually get worn?
At HORAGE we want to build products that you can enjoy day-in day-out.
Click the image to see the new YouTube video
Want to find out more? Autark Tourbillon How do you like the “Galactic Blue” dial colour and texture? Let us know in the comments.
Is there a dial texture or colour you would like us to add to the range?
Looks stunning! Also good to know Salmon no PR is a collectors item now :)
Love that color and texture. Would love to see blue tipped hands.