BOUTIQUE
CECIL PURNELL
Spherion
Cecil Purnell has been making multi-axis tour-
billons for the past fifteen years, and this latest
might be its most impressive. After more than
two years of development with Swiss movement
masters TEC Ebauches and Eric Coudray (the
watchmaker behind the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyro-
tourbillon and the Cabestan Trapezium) this
new triple-axis tourbillon puts on quite a perfor-
mance by rotating a full 360 degrees in just
eight seconds.
The inner tourbillon cage of Spherion’s triple-
axis tourbillon makes more than seven rotations
each minute (less than eight seconds); the inner,
middle and outer tourbillon cages all rotate at
higher velocities than previously attained in a
triple-axis tourbillon: 8 seconds, 16 seconds, and
30 seconds respectively.
All this activity is highly visible thanks to an
unusual sapphire crystal that provides an unim-
peded view. The complex 48mm by 19mm case
and crystal design are both critical features for
optimally displaying the tourbillon in action.
As if this technically proficient work wasn’t
enough, Cecil Purnell has devised a plan than
makes the Spherion customizable. The indepen-
dent watchmaker offers five case options and
many color choices for the dial, hands and outer
tourbillon cage. The outermost tourbillon cage
can also be customized by color or finish. Even
the hands and dial can be can special-ordered.
If you don’t want a custom version, the Spherion
is available in a choice of polished, satin-blasted
or black DLC-coated titanium, rose gold or white
gold. Price: CHF 285,000 or about $290,000.
IW RATING
Design: 8 (out of 10)
Technology delivered cleanly and clearly.
Innovation: 9
The case cinches it.
Finissage: 8
Less the point here, yet admirable.
Legibility: 9
A clear performance piece...plus the time.
Rarity: 9
Limited by production.
Value: 7
Pricey to be sure, yet but customization is
possible.
Overall iW rating: 50 (out of 60)
40 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2019