The term Steampunk is derived from a sub-genre of science fiction normally featuring steam powered machinery. Recently watch companies have been inspired by this styling & have incorporated elements into their designs. Here are five timepieces I feel that capture the essence & spirit of the word.
Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon
Thomas Prescher is an excellent ambassador for the Swiss watchmaking industry. All his timepieces are meticulously hand crafted & adhere to the highest possible standards. The Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon is a perfect case in point. This wonderful creation lays claim to be the first automatic double axis tourbillon wristwatch. Visually this watch is magnificent, displaying only the time, calendar & tourbillon. The movement is completely concealed & gives the timepiece magic like transparency. This amazing watch was produced in 2010 & constructed in gold, palladium or platinum. Limited to only 25 pieces this is definitely a model for the serious collector.
ArtyA Son of a Gun Tourbillon
ArtyA produce an eclectic range of watches that always excite & stimulate the senses. I recently reviewed the fantastic idiosyncratic Quadri Rotors, which was a totally invigorating experience. Owner Yvan Arpa always likes to push the boundaries of watchmaking with his radical designs. The Son of a Gun Tourbillon showcases his extraordinary talents perfectly. This is the flagship model of the series & in my opinion the most distinctive. The skeleton dial showcasing the bullets & tourbillon is utterly mesmerizing. Ultimately all the elements of the minimalistic design are cohesive & incredibly effective.
Devon Steampunk Limited Edition
Innovator Devon is synonymous for their exceptional engineering skills. The Los Angeles based company has created some of the most eye-catching watches on the market. In a relatively short amount of time they have established well-deserved success within the luxury goods market sector. Recently the company has introduced a sensational range of limited editions including the Steampunk. Dimensionally all of the Tread 1 series are sizeable watches & this model is no exception. Amazingly this formidable timepiece measures a colossal 56mm x 50mm x 18.5mm. New features include the addition of a structural bronze case with numerous screws & rivets. This splendid watch will be restricted to 150 pieces worldwide.
Vianney Halter Trio
Vianney Halter is a true visionary fastidiously producing a range of sublime timepieces. Driven by a creative passion inspired by mechanical instruments & the works of Jules Verne he established his own company in 1998. The wonderful Trio has a marvellous curved rectangular case housing the complex Caliber VH205. This mechanical self-winding movement comprises 40 Jewels & delivers an impressive 60-hour power reserve. Aesthetically the timepiece is glorious displaying all the functions through beautifully detailed portholes. Notably the watch also includes a quick setting day/date function operated via the crown.
RJ Romain Jerome Steampunk Red Auto
RJ Romain Jerome have firmly established themselves in the industry as a producer of bold & inspiring timepieces. Their DNA series of watches have been a revelation incorporating elements from the iconic Titanic & Apollo 11. The Steampunk Red Auto is a sensational looking timepiece & epitomises the spirit of the company. With a diameter of 50mm this is certainly not a watch for the faint hearted. The bold aggressive styling on the dial is superb especially the oversized Roman numeral with a raw gold finish. I personally love the Stabilized Titanic rusted steel that exudes masculine charm. To find out more about these phenomenal timepieces read my in depth review of the Moon Dust-DNA Black Mood Ochre.