An exceptional fusion of convention-defying watch design and profound horological sophistication, the D001 by new independent watch maison Desder is a sculpted paean to twentieth century automotive design and twenty-first century haute horlogerie, which brings together the talents of designer Mo Coppoletta and independent Master watchmaker Luca Soprana and a shared love for beautiful cars and the thrill of speed.

Inspired by the elegant streamlined profiles of 1920s and ‘30s automotive design whose sweeping contours oozed aerodynamic efficiency, and accentuated with the added poise and presence of ‘50s and ‘60s grand prix racers, the D001 is a dramatic watch which immediately seizes the attention of the onlooker. Measuring 46mm across and with a height of 24.8mm it certainly has an imposing personality on the wrist, yet thanks to being manufactured in Grade 5 titanium with polished stainless steel accents it is deceptively light to wear.

The marriage of tall, domed sapphire crystal windows at the front of the case which lead on to the curvaceous, chambered teardrop-shaped body gives the D001 an almost cathedral-esque appearance, whilst long curved sapphire windows along the top allow light to flood into the three chambers, and also provide a breathtaking view of the symmetric architecture and captivating mechanical animation of the remarkable Soprana triple axis tourbillon DSC_01 movement which beats within.

With the time displayed in a forward-facing configuration, and perfectly aligned with the driver’s line of sight when on the wrist, the Desder D001 is ergonomically tailored for the driving enthusiast. The hours and minutes are read through two cylinders which rotate behind the left and right-hand windows respectively, with jumping hours and continuous passing minutes. Even viewed from above, the time is also easily read thanks to a clever secondary display, with an aperture on the top of each of the cylinders.

The technical tour de force and focal point of the Desder D001dominates the space behind the central windows, where the hypnotic kinetic ballet of the magnificent triple axis tourbillon twists, turns and gyrates in a sixty second cycle. A showcase of the watchmaker’s extraordinary talents - as with the rest of the piece - every component is finished to the uncompromising standards of haute horlogerie. As the eye breaks away from the tourbillon and roams towards the rear of the watch, two further functions of this astonishing piece reveal themselves, with a GMT/second time zone display and power reserve indicator discretely positioned deep inside the central chamber.

Boasting circa 45 hours of autonomy and operating at 21’600 vib/h (3Hz), the Soprana DSC_01 manual winding movement is entirely conceived, designed, developed and finished in-house. The time is adjusted via the rear-positioned crown, which is flanked by the two articulated lugs which ensure a comfortable and secure fit on almost any wrist.

Manufactured in a very limited production of only six pieces, and presented on a strap of brown lizard leather with folding clasp the Desder D001 is in every sense a spectacular timepiece which flies in the face of conventional watch design.