Discover the Stunning Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon by ArtyA
In my experience, ArtyA watches truly shine when seen in person. While photographs can be captivating, they often miss the nuances that make these timepieces special. The brand’s unique use of unusual materials and unconventional case designs creates an experience that can’t be fully captured through a lens. You’ll definitely want to get hands-on with the new Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon to appreciate its beauty and intricacies.
Last September at Geneva Watch Days, I stopped by the ArtyA boutique to get an up-close view of some recent masterpieces. It was my first encounter with the Curvy case, and the name clicked instantly. The case features soft arcs that flow from lug to lug, free of harsh edges, creating a shape that hugs the wrist more comfortably than traditional tonneau designs might suggest. Surprisingly, despite its sculptural appearance, it felt incredibly cozy. These curves are not merely for aesthetics; they also enhance usability.
ArtyA has taken this Curvy design to new heights with the Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon. At first sight, it resembles a beautifully carved crystal block, but it’s actually crafted from moissanite— a material with a birth story that’s as fascinating as the watch itself.
Moissanite: A Material from Beyond Earth
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan while examining fragments from a meteorite. Although it’s now produced synthetically, its cosmic origin adds to its allure. Despite its initial resemblance to sapphire, moissanite is vastly different. Chemically, sapphire is aluminum oxide, whereas moissanite is silicon carbide, leading to distinct behaviors and properties.
From a watchmaking perspective, moissanite is a unique choice. It boasts a hardness rating of approximately 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs scale, ranking just below diamond and far above most materials typically used for cases. This hardness makes it remarkably scratch-resistant, but also presents challenges in shaping and finishing compared to traditional sapphire.
What truly sets moissanite apart is its captivating interaction with light. With a dispersion index of about 0.104—more than double that of diamond—it splits light into vibrant spectral colors. In simple terms, the case emanates an alluring fire that far exceeds what diamonds can muster. Each faceted surface acts like a miniature prism, casting colorful flashes that shift with movement, creating a subtle rainbow effect that changes from different angles.
Curves, Facets, and Ever-Changing Views
Returning to the Curvy case design, its geometry is crucial to how the material behaves. Measuring 41mm wide and 42mm long (excluding the lugs), the case profile elegantly arches to follow the wrist. The design feels fluid rather than rigid, which perfectly complements moissanite. Comprising 65 individual facets, the case interacts with light in various ways. Together with the curves, these facets create an illusion where the movement inside appears to change depth based on your viewpoint.
From certain angles, the movement seems almost suspended within the crystal case. From others, the curved sides act like a magnifying lens, enhancing the intricate details of the movement. Unlike many transparent-cased watches that aim to make the case invisible, this one draws attention to it. The case itself becomes a dynamic component of your experience, which is quite clever.
A Movement Designed for the Curvy Case
Inside the Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon is ArtyA’s PUR-T3 Curvy Tourbillon caliber. Instead of placing a standard movement in a curved case, this architecture follows the watch’s profile.
The layout positions the hours and minutes display in the upper portion of the dial, while the tourbillon is located at 6 o’clock. Operating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement is powered by a pair of barrels arranged in parallel, offering a guaranteed power reserve of 65 hours, which could extend to 70-72 hours under optimal conditions.
The tourbillon uses a traditional regulation approach based on timing weights rather than a standard regulator index. This fine calibration allows for precise adjustments, demonstrating that this watch doesn’t just look good; it performs exceptionally well.
A Modern Approach to Finishing
The finishing of the movement is purposefully understated, providing a perfect complement to the case’s intricate visuals. The skeletonized bridges are sandblasted with cast iron, achieving a delicate matte texture, while hand-beveled edges accentuate the movement’s geometry.
A gray NAC treatment enhances the components’ darker tones, offering a striking contrast against the brightness of the moissanite case. Rather than overshadowing the case’s brilliance, the finishing highlights depth and structure. The overall effect is remarkably balanced: the case brings dramatic flair, while the movement remains intricate and legible.
Experiencing the Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon
ArtyA has never been one to adhere to traditional norms. Their watches frequently feature unconventional materials and bold designs that challenge the watchmaking world.
The Purity Moissanite Curvy Tourbillon seamlessly extends this philosophy. By merging the Curvy case design with the optical expressiveness of moissanite, ArtyA has crafted a timepiece where the case actively participates in the visual experience. Limited to only nine pieces, each is priced at CHF 170,000 / €189,000 / US$216,000.
If you find yourself in Geneva, don’t miss the chance to visit the boutique and take a closer look. As I learned last September, experiencing ArtyA watches in person reveals so much more than you might expect. The brand will also be showcasing during Watches and Wonders, providing another excellent opportunity to see this remarkable piece up close.
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