Five years ago, the HORAGE team was faced with a huge decision: The ambitious tourbillon project was in danger of failing after attempts to co-develop a tourbillon movement with an external partner fell through. Horage decided to take the much more difficult, but also more exciting path - and so the KT1 was born. Over the next eight months, the engineers worked passionately to perfect every detail: reducing the weight of the cage, integrating the anti-magnetic silicon escapement and finding a cost-effective solution for the elegant edge polishing (Anglage) decoration. Using a clever CNC process, it was possible to mill polished edge cuts - an innovation that took the look of the calibre to the next level.
As HORAGE not only wishes to create exceptional timepieces, but also everyday wearable watches with character, the bearing system of the tourbillon cage had to be completely rethought. Tourbillons are not traditionally known for being watches that are tank tough, but we wanted it to be resilient and durable. The result: a robust ball bearing with ceramic balls that protects the flying tourbillon from shocks - up to 5,000 G. For even more precise timekeeping, a new silicon anchor was also developed, combined with an optimized balance wheel construction.
But the journey does not end with the KT1: HORAGE has never been a company that stands still. The KT2 calibre offers well considered improvements on the rear side which, refine the movement even further. The ratchet wheel and the mainspring barrel have been placed in line, which not only makes aesthetic sense, but also makes the hand winding action smoother and more tactile.
In addition, the design of the movement KT2 skeleton has been optimized to accommodate a wafer-thin sapphire crystal index ring measuring just 0.45 mm between the movement and bezel - a real eye-catcher. The goal was achieved by cleverly shortening the axles in the gear train. In addition, the material of the plate (the so-called “meat”) had to be reduced. To achieve this, the play between the wheels was minimized without compromising the calculated safety values. New arrangements of the wheels were developed, whereby the directions of force and thus the lateral bearing pressures changed. These height optimizations allowed to create even thinner version of the movement. Only after HORAGE’s laboratory technicians successfully carried out and confirmed the wear tests, nothing stood in the way of production of the new calibre KT2 skeleton.
HORAGE always tries to go one step further, a small but subtle change has been made to the dial side: Instead of the arrow, a blue screw on the tourbillon cage now indicates the exceptional precision of the KT2. Additionally, the KT2 Skeleton calibre now features a power reserve indicator, which was first introduced on the KT2 calibre, and helps the owner to keep track of the impressive running time of over 120+ hours. And thanks to the innovative 5,000 G shock-resistant ball bearing, the tourbillon remains stable and precise even in the most extreme situations.
As a longtime HORAGE watchmaker, I look forward to sharing more interesting insights in the future and keeping you up to date.
Let us know in the comments if you have any further technical questions.
Would you like us to get even more technical?
Your watchmaker,
Lenny
Brilliant write up Lenny!
Really enjoy a tech talk, it adds appreciation for what us wannabe watchmakers don’t notice or imagine. BTW - my hair fell out the first year after my daughter was born. Yup, stress does that, my brother in needing a sunhat.
Love that Horage is experimenting with sapphire dials. It’s a fantastic way to make a skeleton fully legible (tho’ I wish for greater legibility and lume than the just released black model has).
Love that you’re crash testing the Tb. Would a slender bridge above it add much to the shock resistance? Or it’s so light, there's almost no momentum, so it doesn’t matter?
Love ceramic bearings - I’ve added them to my bikes derailleur and bottom bracket - worth the price for the amazing performance they give.
I imagine your shock tolerance baseline is: ‘Will it tolerate a hard game on the rugby pitch?’ which is re assuring to us all.
I watched Sevens YVR last week, those were some epic impacts 🤯!
This is really nice. Could you please show a side by side picture of this one and the Autark Tourbillon to assess size?
Hi folks;
Love the look of the tourbillon. I assume it's timed to COSC standards. What is the thickness of the case? Thanks and keep up the great work!
Hi Lenny!
No questions, just a little remark about the very clever, sleek, old fashionend, simple and failsafe click spring.
It's: 👌
Erik.
Good to hear more about tech stuff at our company and from the people who do it 👍