Just as another Baselworld show is about to begin, figures suggest that overall watch sales are down about 7.9% (compared to this time last year). I know from speaking to many brands that they are concerned by this news. Maybe the Apple watch has had an impact or it could be just the state of the global economy. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t seem to have stifled the level of creativity at all. A great example is ArtyA’s 3 Gongs Minute Repeater, Regulator & Double Axis Tourbillon. The name might be long winded but the watch is absolutely fantastic.
Regrettably due to other commitments I won’t be able to attend Baselworld this year and see some of these exquisite timepieces in the metal. Previously ArtyA’s watches have had an eclectic and experimental appearance. The 3 Gongs Minute Repeater is Yvan Arpa’s attempt to enter the world of Haute Horlogerie. Certainly this is the most complicated and extravagant watch they have produced. However I feel the overall design is more reminiscent of Spero Lucem rather than ArtyA.
Visually the 3 Gongs Minute Repeater slightly resembles Cabestan’s sensational Triple Axis Tourbillon. This isn’t a criticism at all because they are both beautiful watches. Essentially the concept has been devised by Yvan Arpa and is inspired by the unique sound of the famous Bo Diddley 1959 Gretsch Guitar. This watch is absolutely massive and has a luxurious 18-karat gold (ArtyOr) and titanium case measuring 64.6mm x47.3 mm x 18.1mm. I love these oversized proportions but I am sure they will not appeal to everyone.
Powering the watch is a highly sophisticated Swiss made manual winding movement. The caliber comprises 46-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. This intricate mechanism contains 450 individual handcrafted components and involved over 1,000 man-hours to complete. Functionally the 3 Gongs features hours, minutes a customizable gong minute repeater and double axis tourbillon.
Priced at a whopping 480,000 CHF ($486,436) this unique 1/1 piece is truly reserved for only the most serious of collectors.
