Swiss-based French watchmaker Sylvain Pinaud, celebrated for his exceptional independent timepieces, has unveiled his latest creation: a new Tourbillon watch. This marks his third significant release, following his acclaimed Origine, which earned him the 2022 GPHG Watchmaking Revelation prize. Pinaud's newest offering demonstrates his consistent commitment to crafting remarkable and aesthetically pleasing watches, further solidifying his position in the haute horlogerie landscape.
Independent Artisan Unveils Exquisite Tourbillon Timepiece
In April 2026, the watchmaking world witnessed the eagerly anticipated release of Sylvain Pinaud's "Tourbillon" timepiece. This exceptional creation, launched by the esteemed French-born, Swiss-based independent watchmaker, embodies a refined evolution of his previous GPHG award-winning "Origine" model. Pinaud, a master of intricate mechanics and artistic design, has meticulously crafted three distinct versions of this new timepiece, each showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. The watch cases, elegantly designed, measure a precise 39mm in diameter and 11.2mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm, ensuring a comfortable fit while maintaining a robust 30m water resistance. A prominent feature is the large 9.1mm balance, which is actually a 30-second tourbillon, boasting a variable-inertia balance and a Phillips-curve hairspring, complemented by a zero-reset mechanism for enhanced precision. The movement delivers an impressive 100-hour power reserve at a frequency of 3 Hz. Aesthetically, the watches present exquisite detailing: the titanium variant features a radiant silver dial with a white agate center. The platinum models offer two choices: one with nickel-silver dial plates, a sophisticated black dial, an onyx center, and elegant rose-gold hands; the other with rose-gold dial plates, a pristine white dial, and striking blued-steel hands. Each component, from the beveled bridges to the satin-finished surfaces and black-polished steel parts, underscores Pinaud’s dedication to a semi-skeletonized, highly refined finish. The Tourbillon models are limited to just 10 pieces per version and are priced at CHF 180,000, reflecting their exclusivity and artisanal quality.
Sylvain Pinaud’s journey from a watchmaking school graduate in 1998 to an independent artisan in 2018 is truly inspiring. His bravery in forging his own path, especially after teaching many of today's young talents, is commendable. The new Tourbillon, with its distinctive asymmetrical layout reminiscent of some Greubel Forsey Balancier watches, continues to impress with its elegant design and refined finishing. This release solidifies Pinaud’s reputation for producing exceptional timepieces that blend technical prowess with unique aesthetic sensibilities, leaving a lasting mark on the world of independent watchmaking.