Hello, today I would like to talk about a brand that we still see too little of in the watchmaking sphere. It is the brand Auffret Paris, launched by the talented independent French watchmaker born in 1995, Théo Auffret. Before presenting his second model, let me introduce the person behind this brand.
Théo Auffret discovered watchmaking by chance in a watch shop. After his baccalaureate, he decided to devote himself to watchmaking full-time instead of following a more traditional engineering school. A student at the renowned Edgar Faure high school in Morteau, France, he apprenticed for 2 years with an independent watchmaker named Denis Corpechot, specializing in the repair of antique clocks and watches.
After this apprenticeship, he honed his skills with Jean-Baptiste Viot for 3 years, who passed on his expertise in watchmaking construction and his inimitable style. After a short stay in Switzerland as a prototype watchmaker at Luca Soprano’s Ateliers 7h38, he returned to Paris. Théo Auffret became one of the three winners of the young talents competition sponsored by the FHH and F.P. Journe, with his “Tourbillon à Paris,” which features a regulator-style dial, a large hand-made tourbillon, and a sterling silver case.
Since then, Théo Auffret has evolved his brand, keeping in mind the goal of designing watches that appear more technical than aesthetic, even though they spend as much time on the aesthetics of a watch. It is in this vein that they presented a contemporary character tourbillon timepiece, which was also nominated as a finalist for the GPHG 2022 awards ceremony in the Tourbillon category. Let’s look at the watch.
What are the features of the Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport?
Case
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport features a very profiled and comfortable concave titanium case. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness, this case has a brushed and polished bezel that supports a domed sapphire crystal. With alternating satin and polished surface finishes, this case exudes a very modern feel.
Dial
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport is adorned with a sapphire dial that gives the watch a lot of character. It retains the basic mechanical layout of the “Tourbillon à Paris” and abandons the regulator design in favor of a central display of hours and minutes. Indeed, the dial places the hours and minutes at the center, with a sweeping second hand hovering over the skeletonized steel tourbillon bridge at 8 o’clock. To complete the look, a special power reserve indicator is located at 4 o’clock: it does not indicate the remaining operating hours but rather the instantaneous torque available. The hour and minute hands have been blued for ease of reading and immediate contrast.
Movement
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport houses a movement using a precision Swiss lever escapement, as well as some parts from a Peseux 260 caliber. Operating at a frequency of 3Hz, this manual winding caliber has a power reserve of 50 hours. For most of the components, specialized suppliers are involved, but the adjustments, finishing, and assembly are all done in-house by hand.
Strap
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport is delivered with an integrated grey alligator leather strap.
How much does the Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport?
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport is a model that was produced in only 4 examples in a subscription program. It was available at the price of EUR 128,000 (excluding VAT).
Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport: A contemporary character tourbillon timepiece
The Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport is truly an interesting piece for this price level. Indeed, when you look at the level of decoration and the production of only 4 pieces, one might have expected a higher price. In a much more modern style, this piece departs from the ultra-traditional aesthetics that the watchmaker brought to life in his first piece. This watch beautifully combines artistic craftsmanship with the making of a modern and sporty watch. I would like to warmly thank its humble owner, Mr. Hamdan Bin Humaid, for introducing me to this magnificent piece. I highly encourage you to visit Perpétuel Gallery in Dubai, a place created at his initiative to represent independent watchmaking in the Middle East.
Auffret Paris Tourbillon Grand Sport – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Auffret Paris
- Model: Tourbillon Grand Sport
- Case Material: Titanium
- Dial: Sapphire Crystal Sial Suspended over the Mainplate
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Power Reserve Indicator, Tourbillon Instant Torque Indication
- Movement: In-House, Manual-winding Mechanical, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz)
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Grade 5 titanium and sapphire crystal
- Case Dimension: 41 mm (Diameter) × 13 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Integrated handmade leather strap with pin buckle
- Availability : Subscription series of 4 pieces
- Retail Price: EUR 128,000 (excluding VAT)
Do you know this artisanal brand? Are you drawn to its design? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more information about Auffret Paris, click here.
