Kerbedanz: Maximus

With its 27 mm cage diameter, the tourbillon of Kerbedanz Maximus watch is the world’s largest tourbillon in a wristwatch. Visible through the sapphire crystal, this record-breaking tourbillon that pushes the boundaries of feasibility, shows the prowess of mastery in watchmaking complications by the Swiss brand based in Neuchâtel.

In order to create a tourbillon cage with a XXL size, twice the size of the largest tourbillon known and manufactured to date, it is necessary to combine a series of technical parameters that must then be adapted to the new configuration. It is not a question of proportionally enlarging what already exists, but the master watchmaker must recalculate everything so that the reliability and robustness of the mechanism are maintained or even improved. It is therefore necessary to find space (although Maximus has a case diameter of 49mm, made of titanium to make the weight more accessible) for the functional assembly of the 415 watchmaking components, 73 of which are dedicated to the tourbillon cage.

Titanium is the material used for the tourbillon cage. The timepiece is therefore very little subject to the influence of magnetic fields. Moreover, the lightness of a titanium tourbillon cage favours the ratio between the inertia of the balance and the inertia of the cage, thus optimising chronometric performance (precision).

As for the art of “habillage”, the decoration of the mechanism, the Maximus relies among the other details, on polished “anglages”, “cerclage” on the gears and mirror polished screws.

Maximus is driven by the KRB-08 calibre with a giant central flying tourbillon. The energy is produced by 4 barrels connected in parallel. The frequency is 2.5 Hertz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 54 hours.

Subject of two pending patents, Maximus will be produced in only 99 pieces at a price of CHF 165.000. For an audience of collectors and enthusiasts of haute horlogerie and of the independent Swiss brand, specialising in the use of ancient artistic and artisanal techniques in its limited series production.

By Valeria Garavaglia