Tourbillon Solstitium

A perfect expression of both contemporary and also classic horology, the Tourbillon Solstitium by Dutch independent watchmaker Machiel Hulsman boasts significant technical sophistication. Limited to only 12 pieces, the model offers the client the added pleasure of the opportunity for bespoke elements, together with the prestige of owning a fully hand-made timepiece with the movement, the proprietary escapement, the hands and the 39mm case all crafted within the Hulsman atelier. Featuring a one-minute tourbillon, retrograde minutes, jumping hours and a unique concealed power reserve on the dial side, the Hulsman Tourbillon Solstitium is powered by a manually wound movement with 75 hours of power reserve.

Presented in a limited edition of only 12 pieces, the Hulsman Tourbillon Solstitium represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a fully hand-crafted timepiece with a remarkable pedigree, with the option for bespoke choices of case material, dial colours and finishing of the in-house movement. Although exhibiting a firmly contemporary aesthetic, the Tourbillon Solstitium maintains its horological integrity though the use of old-school watchmaking techniques throughout the construction and finishing of its case, dial elements and within the in-house movement.

Created using the traditional lost-wax casting method, also known as Cire Perdue, the metal for each Tourbillon Solstitium case is individually cast before undergoing multiple hand-finishing processes to reveal its flawless architecture. Defined by open lugs and sweeping curves it measures 39mm diameter with a height of9.3mm, and the client can choose their own case material with options of yellow, rose or white gold, or platinum.The dial exhibits exceptional visual harmony in its composition with the generous proportions of the dial for the jumping hours on the right balanced by the presence of the one minute tourbillon on the left. Just beneath, intricate guilloché decoration enhances the lower profile of these elements while on the upper, the sweep of the retrograde minutes hand is measured on graduating indices in 10minute increments.

The distinctive spade shaped hands are individually milled and hand-finished, and together with the dial colour they can be customised to add uniqueness. Finishing the dial arrangement, the ingenious concealed power reserve within the logo at the 12 o’clock transforms to red to indicate when winding of the movement is required and notably, unlike other jumping and retrograde mechanisms, the hours and minutes can be adjusted forwards and backwards without causing ruinous damage.The manual winding movement is revealed through the rear sapphire crystal, and it is an exemplary showcase for the independent watchmaking genre.

Embellished with a multitude of hand-finishing techniques, including emanating waves of Côtesde Genève, perlage, circular graining, bevelled edges and black polishing, the final movement finishing will be at the discretion of each client who can choose from rhodium, black rhodium, yellow gold or rose gold, with a further possibility of bespoke engraved detailing. Designed and fully crafted in-house, the movement incorporates a one-minute tourbillon with free-sprung balance operating at a frequency of 21’600 vib/h, with the proprietary Hulsman escapement, and it features twin barrels that enable a more than adequate 72 hour power reserve.Offered in a limited edition of only 12 pieces, the purchase of each Tourbillon Solstitium will be finalised via the traditional subscription purchasing method. Each acquisition will initiate an intimate collaborative process between the client and Hulsman Timepieces with regular updates during the creation of their timepiece, and with atelier visits also encouraged.