Tourbillon-Only Purnell Debuts Microfiber-based Composite Case
One-off Escape I Primo features a diamond-set, triple axis tourbillon.
Purnell, the watch brand that only produces tourbillon-equiped watches, has revealed a new proprietary case material made with microfibres that promises a tougher, lightweight alternative to ceramic.
The Swiss-made WPM (or White Purnell Microfibre) composite is rolled out on the 48mm Escape I Primo, a unique piece made from four blocks of the new material, which also houses the brand’s new CP11 movement.
WPM is made using vacuum injection moulding and boasts a uniform, off-white finish once polished using diamond-tipped tools. The material’s surface is then heat-hardened before undergoing an anti-UV treatment, preventing it from discoloring.
Purnell’s CP11 movement, developed by Gaia Prize-winning watchmaker Eric Coudray, features a 50-hour power reserve indicator and a single Spherion, the brand’s triple-axis tourbillon, which weighs less than a gram and here is set with 304 brilliant cut diamonds.
The Purnell Escape I Primo is available now via Purnell, priced $335,000 USD.
In other watch news, F.P. Journe vets each sale of new 99-piece limited edition to shut out flippers.
