ArtyA Purity Central Tourbillon Green

The ArtyA Purity Central Tourbillon is the latest in a series of bold, avant-garde timepieces from the independent watch brand led by Yvan Arpa. Known for pushing the boundaries of conventional watch design, ArtyA has made a name for itself with daring creations that defy tradition. Among the brand’s standout pieces, the Purity collection has garnered attention for its sleek, skeletonized movements encased in transparent sapphire crystal, offering a clear view of the intricate mechanics.

The first thing that strikes you about the ArtyA Purity Central Tourbillon is the enormous, centrally-positioned flying tourbillon. Measuring 20mm, the large tourbillon cage is a stunning visual representation of time’s passage, spinning in full view beneath a sapphire crystal. The balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, an impressive technical feat considering the size of the tourbillon. The time is displayed at the periphery of the dial, with the hands cleverly hidden beneath a coloured disc, leaving the tourbillon in the spotlight. As the tourbillon completes a full rotation every 60 seconds, it also serves as the watch’s second indicator, adding another layer of functionality to its design.

On the back of the watch, the movement reveals an open-worked tungsten rotor and two barrels mounted in parallel, delivering a strong 60-hour power reserve. The movement, while still highly technical, takes a more minimalist approach compared to the previous skeletonized movements in the Purity collection. This refined, modern decoration adds balance to the futuristic design of the watch, making it both striking and wearable.

Central tourbillon watches are a rarity in the world of horology, and the ArtyA Purity Central Tourbillon is no exception. Although Omega introduced the first central tourbillon in 1994, the concept remains uncommon. Omega followed up with the Omega De Ville Tourbillon in 2020, featuring a centrally-mounted Co-Axial tourbillon with Master Chronometer certification. Other notable watches with central tourbillons include Bulgari’s Octo Roma Papillon, MB&F’s HM7 Aquapod, Haldimann’s H1 Flying Central Tourbillon, and the Kerbedanz Maximus, which boasts a massive 27mm tourbillon cage.

What sets ArtyA’s interpretation of the central tourbillon apart is its 4Hz frequency, a faster beat rate than is typically found in tourbillons of this size. Most large tourbillons operate at lower frequencies, but ArtyA’s design is powered by two parallel barrels that supply a consistent, ample driving force, ensuring precision timekeeping.

The Purity Central Tourbillon’s case is crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, measuring 43mm in diameter. This full-sapphire construction provides an unobstructed view of the intricate movement, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the mechanical artistry at work. The transparent case also adds to the watch’s aesthetic appeal, as it amplifies the visual impact of the central tourbillon, making it the focal point of the design.

Accompanying the watch is a nubuck strap with a pin buckle, offering a subtle contrast to the transparent case and complex movement. In keeping with ArtyA’s philosophy of creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, the Purity Central Tourbillon is available in various colours, including green, red, and blue. The latter has already been presented at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2024 and has been preselected in the Men’s Complication category.