Boutique
KERBEDANZ
Maximus
Even in high watchmaking circles, Kerbedanz
is not (yet) a well-known name, but it can claim
one haute horology prize for itself: the wrist-
watch with the largest tourbillon escapement is
ensconced in the Kerbedanz Maximus.
Centered on the dial is a 27mm cage that
rotates on its axis once every six minutes while
beating at the stately pace of 18,000 bph. Unlike
so many brands that are all abuzz and focused
on faster beat rates in the search for small
improvements in accuracy, the almost relaxed
pace of the Maximus presents a different
interpretation of time and keeping.
Under the domed sapphire crystal lies the
hand-wound Kerbedanz Caliber KRB-08.
Designed, manufactured and decorated by
Kerbedanz, the movement features in-line
pallets, thirty-four jewels and four parallel
barrels that help motivate the exceptionally
large inertial balance designed specifically for
Maximus.
Running for more than forty-eight hours
from full wind, the Maximus engages an unusual
winding system to power-up the four barrels
by way of an open frame that sits flat over the
sapphire crystal back. Place your fingers in the
three openings to easily turn the frame clock-
wise and simultaneously wind all four barrels.
Of the 415 total components, the titanium
tourbillon cage alone represents no fewer than
73 individual parts weighing in at a scant 1.35
grams.
Maximus is a full-figured timepiece at 49mm
and is offered in titanium ($165,000) and
18-karat gold ($250,000) and is limited to 99
pieces. www.beaugesteluxury.com
IW RATING
Design: 9 (out of 10)
Hypnotic engineering turned into three-dimen-
sional sculpture.
Innovation: 9
Unique and complex solutions developed.
Finissage: 10
Near perfection without and within.
Legibility: 7
Hour and minutes indicators may get briefly
overlooked.
Rarity: 9
Only 99 will be made.
Value: 9
Basically unavailable on secondary market.
Overall iW rating: 53 (out of 60)
36 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2019