The luxurious watchmaker Cabestan has recently changed ownership and is undergoing extensive changes. In March 2013 the dynamic Lionel Betoux bought the company. He has used his vast experience in engineering to reinvigorate the brand and give it the recognition it deserves. This has culminated in the development of the incredible new Terra Luna.
Cabestan has always been one of the most exciting brands within the industry. Innovations such as the Winch Tourbillon and Trapezium have won them critical acclaim. In 2012 the company’s creative and technical director (and chief watchmaker) Eric Coudray was honoured with the highly prestigious GTE 2012 Design Award. Over the last few months I have had numerous conversations with Sales director Philippe Koubbi. His main priority is to raise the brands profile and exposure in the market. When he initially described the wonderful Terra Luna I was really excited about seeing the final results. The appearance of this sensational timepiece has exceeded my expectations.
In June 2013 I wrote an article entitled ‘If Money Was No Object’. This editorial featured five aspirational watches including the phenomenal Winch Tourbillon Vertical. I would definitely include the magnificent Terra Luna in similar lists in the future. Size wise the watch display muscular proportions of 46.5mm x 50.8mm x 19.1mm. Clearly these dimensions won’t appeal to the more conservative tastes. Although I haven’t personally worn the watch I would imagine it would sit fairly comfortable on the wrist. This is down to the ingenious design and choice of material used in production. Realistically this objet d’art would only be sported on select occasions.
Visually the Terra Luna is absolutely stunning and is a feast to the eye. The time is displayed via a range of highly distinctive drums. Aesthetically these features are synonymous with Cabestan’s innovative approach to watchmaking. The skeletonised mechanical façade is truly awesome and showcases Eric Coudray’s exceptional talent. I love the overall industrial composition especially the mind blowing revolving moon phase indicator. In my opinion this watch is a master class in Avant-garde horology.
Powering the Terra Luna is the unbelievably complex Calibre CAB EC 102L. This manual winding tourbillon movement comprises 46 rubies and oscillates at a frequency of 21, 600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). Amazingly this mechanism contains a staggering 939 components, which are individually assembled and regulated by hand. The watch also features a sophisticated chain and fusee system to deliver constant force. This entire brilliance has been conceived and developed by Cabestan at their manufacturing facility in Switzerland. Functionally the watch features jumping hours, minutes, seconds and delivers a respectable power reserve of 72 hours.
The stunning Terra Luna is available in a choice of brushed titanium, 3N yellow gold, 5N pink gold, palladium white gold and platinum. With a limited edition of only 135 pieces this exclusive timepiece will certainly appeal to the serious collector. The suggested retail price is CHF 197,000 (approximately $216,089).
