La Chaux-de-Fonds TSE Tourbillon
CASE : stainless steel or 18K pink gold, sapphire case-back, water-resistant to 50mDIAMETER : 44mm
MOVEMENT : mechanical self-winding (Manufacture TSE caliber), 3.5-day power reserve) “irreversible” micro-rotor, flying tourbillon, barrel on the back
FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, tourbillon
DIAL : anthracite with Roman numeral cut-outs
STRAP : brown or black alligator leather with beige or red alligator leather lining, stainless steel or gold folding clasp
Founded by a couple of passionate watch enthusiasts more than a century ago, the brand has since 2003 been owned by a dynamic entrepreneur who pays tribute to his native watchmaking city by dedicating a collection to it. Over the past three years, the Swiss Manufacture Schwarz Etienne has created four new calibers for its watches produced in small series. Highly innovative on both aesthetic and technical levels, the La Chaux-de-Fonds TSE Tourbillon is immediately distinguished by the unusual arrangement of the dial, featuring the barrel, the flying tourbillon positioned at 1 o’clock and the off-centered microrotor referred to as “irreversible” by its designers. This Manufacture-made TSE caliber with its original layout brings a fresh Jura wind blowing across the Haute Horlogerie scene, while ensuring a three and a half-day power reserve. Those acquiring this model will be reassured to learn that, despite its status as a “small brand,” Schwarz Etienne is nonetheless entirely independent in turns of the sourcing of its components, all of which are supplied by its E20 sister company specializing in the production of “assortments” (sets of watch parts).
Available in pink gold or steel, with a gray or black dial, La Chaux-de-Fonds TSE tourbillons can also be adorned with brightly colored straps and numerals to further enhance their distinctive nature, or else opt for more classic interpretations such as the one pictured above.
