The revolution of "BLACKOUT WATCHES" that expands the horizons of the tourbillon.
BLACKOUT WATCHES | XP1 Tourbillon
Introducing the "XP1 Tourbillon" from "BLACKOUT WATCHES." This revolutionary timepiece shatters conventional watchmaking norms, heralding a new era where the tourbillon is accessible to all.
Text by Kosaku Waseda
An Innovative Approach Born from a Watch Lover's Dream
Founded in 2006, "BLACKOUT WATCHES" has earned the admiration of many watch enthusiasts for its expertise in luxury watch customization. In 2022, two passionate watch lovers, Etienne and Tim, became the new owners of the brand.
Their vision was simple yet unprecedented: "A genuine luxury watch that everyone can own."
To realize this, the brand adopted a unique approach to democratize the codes of high-end watchmaking. The result is the "XP1 Tourbillon."
The tourbillon, one of the three major complications in watchmaking, is a particularly emblematic feature of luxury timepieces. Meaning "whirlwind" in French, this mechanism was developed by Abraham-Louis Breguet to counteract the effects of gravity, thereby enhancing accuracy. Its intricate craftsmanship and complex nature traditionally placed it beyond the reach of most consumers due to its prohibitive cost.
In recent years, more affordable tourbillons have emerged, often manufactured in Asia. However, these often fall short in terms of technical execution and finishing, failing to garner widespread acclaim.
"BLACKOUT WATCHES" employs a distinctive strategy to overcome this challenge.
The brand imports high-quality Asian-made tourbillon movements and meticulously reassembles them in their own workshop in Geneva, Switzerland, under the hands of skilled artisans. Components undergo rigorous inspection at their Swiss facility, are refined as needed, and then assembled on-site. This process harmonizes Asian components with Swiss watchmaking expertise, making high-quality watchmaking accessible at a more attainable price point.
The path to creating original watches for "BLACKOUT WATCHES" was significantly paved by the presence of master watchmaker David. With extensive experience at renowned luxury maisons, he now oversees the entirety of "BLACKOUT WATCHES'" manufacturing and after-sales service.
His technical prowess, officially recognized by 26 major watch brands, is highly regarded within the industry. In the Geneva workshop, he and his team meticulously finish each timepiece through the following processes:
The tuning process involves replacing and upgrading screws, identifying and reinforcing weak points through targeted stress testing, conducting precision inspections using a microscope, and replacing or reinforcing specific components as necessary. This rigorous quality control ensures a harmonious blend of beauty, reliability, and impeccable finishing, all while maintaining an affordable price.
The resulting "XP1 Tourbillon" is available in two case materials – tonneau-shaped carbon and titanium – and six color variations. The case sides are adorned with 12 screws of matching color, creating a design that is both luxurious and sporty with a sharp edge.
Notably, the carbon case model features a unique design where Luminova powder is incorporated during the forging process, allowing it to glow in the dark, a distinctive characteristic of the lightweight yet highly durable carbon.
Both the crystal and case back are crafted from sapphire crystal, offering a clear view of the watch's movement and the intricate workings of the tourbillon through the skeletonized dial.
The strap is made from FKM rubber, known for its excellent resistance to heat, cold, and staining. The folding buckle ensures a comfortable and secure fit without stress. Its quick-change mechanism also allows for easy strap replacement.
The "XP1 Tourbillon," seemingly a paradox of affordability and high quality, may introduce a new value proposition to the world of watchmaking. This value lies in the "story" and "background" that are essential for a luxury watch to be chosen.
XP1 Tourbillon LT Black
XP1 Tourbillon LT Gold
XP1 Tourbillon LT Blue
XP1 Tourbillon Frozen Blue
XP1 Tourbillon Ti
XP1 Tourbillon Ti Orange
XP1 Tourbillon Case Material | <XP1 Tourbillon LT> UAC forged carbon (Luminova forged carbon) *UAC: Abbreviation for Ultra Advanced Carbon <XP1 Tourbillon Ti> Titanium (Grade 5) Movement | Double barrel flying tourbillon (Manual wind / Chinese made) Power Reserve | 72 hours Case Size | 44 x 52 mm / Thickness 14.8mm Crystal | Sapphire glass (front and back) Dial | Brass Super-LumiNova application: Hour/minute hands / indices Strap | Premium rubber (FKM rubber) or folding buckle <XP1 Tourbillon LT> UAC forged carbon (Luminova forged carbon) folding buckle *UAC: Ultra Advanced Carbon <XP1 Tourbillon Ti> Grade 5 titanium folding buckle Price | From ¥599,500 (incl. tax) to ¥770,000 (incl. tax)
