Today, I’d like to introduce you to a relatively discreet brand in the watchmaking landscape that nonetheless manages to make a bold statement. The brand in question is Lorige. Before presenting their latest creation, let me tell you a bit more about this exciting project.
Founded in 2018 by Emeric Paraud and Clément Etienvre, both automobile enthusiasts, Lorige is driven by a passion for design and mechanics. One founder is an expert in mechanical components, while the other is a graduate of the Sbarro School and deeply invested in design. The name “Lorige” is derived from the word “aurige,” meaning charioteer, a reference to Roman chariot drivers.
After three years of development, Lorige succeeded in creating watches from an unprecedented material in watchmaking: carbon/carbon. This aerospace-grade material is known for its light weight and exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures. In this case, it is sourced from used brake pads of racing cars. Through their watches, Lorige aims to evoke the raw emotion felt on the racetrack.
They launched their brand with the first model, the Lorige BL-Endurance, available in several editions, which was a major success. Alongside this model, they were preparing another, even more exclusive project. In 2017, they acquired a set of brakes from one of the most iconic figures in the history of motorsports—the McLaren MP4/8 driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1993 Formula 1 season. In 2023, Lorige unveiled the AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon to pay tribute to this legendary driver. Now, let’s dive into the details of this remarkable timepiece.
What are the features of the Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon?
Case
The Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon boasts a carbon/carbon case, giving this timepiece a truly authentic soul. The case is machined from the brake pads of the McLaren MP4/8, the car driven by the three-time world champion during the 1993 season. This season was marked by his epic battle with French driver Alain Prost, ending with Senna taking second place overall.
That year, the brake pads measured 67mm wide and 53mm tall, allowing Lorige to machine only one carbon case from each pad. The case measures 46.15mm in width, 50mm in length, and 12.55mm in thickness, with water resistance up to 5 ATM.
Dial
The Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon does not have a traditional dial, offering a full view of the stunning movement. There’s also a yellow detail on the hands, evoking the sleek lines of racing cars.
Movement
The Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon is equipped with a Central Flying Tourbillon movement, as the name suggests. It was developed by Dominique Renaud and the late Pierre Favre. The LOR-TC01 movement, featuring a central tourbillon, was created in collaboration with Timeless, Renaud-Favre’s unit. It consists of 323 components and has an impressive power reserve of 93 hours. A nod to history, the upper titanium tourbillon cage is engraved with Senna’s three Formula 1 world championship titles.
Strap
The Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon comes with a yellow strap, reminiscent of the iconic helmet colors of the Brazilian driver. The strap is made from vulcanized rubber and polyester fabric, resembling the safety harnesses of race car drivers. The rubber section perfectly complements the carbon case’s shape.
Price of the Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon
Limited to just 8 pieces, the Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon is priced at CHF 370,000 (excluding VAT).
Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon: A Piece of F1 History on Your Wrist
The Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon is a highly exclusive timepiece that fully justifies its price range. It seamlessly expands the “Brake-Late Endurance” range and solidifies the brand’s impressive potential. For motorsport enthusiasts, owning the AS-01 Tourbillon means possessing a tangible piece of Formula 1 history. In my opinion, Lorige has crafted a model that does justice to this incredible automotive legacy. This watch stands as a true tribute to motorsport history and to one of the greatest drivers of all time. A big thank you to Clément for giving me the opportunity to try on this watch, a rare sight on any wrist.
Lorige AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Lorige
- Model: AS-01 Central Flying Tourbillon
- Reference: AS-01/TC01
- Case : Reprocessed Carbon/Carbon brale pad from the McLaren MP4/8 driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1993 Formula 1 championship
- Dial: Silver color with a Sunray Finishing
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Movement: LOR-TC01, Developped by Timeless unité Renaud-Fabre Genève, Self-Winding, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz), 39 Jewels and 323 parts
- Power Reserve: 93 hours
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 46.15 mm (Width) x 50 mm (Length) × 12.55 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Yellow Rubber with Grade 5 Titanium Pin Buckle
- Availability : Limited Production of 8 Pieces
- Price: CHF 370’000 (Excluding VAT)
What do you think of this watch? Do you enjoy this project? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information about Lorige, click here.
