BRM Tourbillon TR1 Watch: A First For The French

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Feb 14th 2009 at 12:01PM

This is the first ever (in modern times) French made tourbillon movement watch. With the surge of new French watch makers this does not surprise me. Nor does it surprise me that the movement comes from BRM, one of France's most impressive mechanical watch making masters. With obvious inspiration for the world of motor sports, BRM watches offer tasteful flashy designs, and a focus on mechanics. This is the new BRM TR1 and it is a grand new acheivement for the brand. It starts with a massive 52mm wide rose gold or titanium case (made to customer's specs), that houses the large birotor tourbillon movement set with shock absorbers.

The tourbillon cage itself is 18mm wide set in a titanium cage. As it is large, it take 105 seconds to rotate, but there is a separate hands for the seconds (most tourbillons rotate in 60 seconds). The two rotors seen through the skeletonized movement help wind the special mainspring that is also shielded from shock. The rotors themselves require no oil for lubrication as they are on ceramic bearings. The mechanical inventiveness of the TR1 does not end there - there are numerous unique elements - and it has a completely unique and forward thinking movement. Nothing else like it exists.

You are probably now aware that the BRM TR1 is for serious watch lovers and mechanical enthusiasts only. Bernard Richard of BRM wants to make sure his clientele appreciate all that went into the design and construction. At prices around 109,000 Euros, you'll most likely get an opportunity to have Mr. Richard explain it all to you personally if you get one. Availability starts this month.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bernanrd richard manufacture, BernanrdRichardManufacture, BRM, timepiece, tourbillon, TR1, watch