"Prototype" Grand Sport Tourbillon in Steel
Protoype in Steel
A Modern Expression of the Tourbillon Tradition by Théo Auffret
The Tourbillon Grand Sport reimagines one of mechanical watchmaking’s oldest and most revered complications for the world of contemporary collectors — blending traditional horology with a dynamic, sport-inspired character. Shortlisted in the Tourbillon category of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2022, this timepiece stands as a rare union of artisanal finish and architectural design.
At its core lies a highly finished mechanical movement featuring a large, hand-crafted tourbillon cage, a hallmark of classical watchmaking meant to counter the effects of gravity and showcase the artistry of escapement construction. Rather than adhering to the traditional regulator layout, the Tourbillon Grand Sport places hours and minutes at the center of a translucent sapphire dial, allowing luminous indices and hands to float above the exposed mechanics.
The dial’s open architecture invites the eye inward, where a torque-based power reserve indicator adds practical intelligence to the visual spectacle. The tourbillon’s rotating carriage and visible gear train weave a narrative of precision and motion, a living testament to mechanical ingenuity.
Encased in a sculpted titanium or steel case with a concave profile and modern proportions, the Tourbillon Grand Sport bridges the world of classical finishing and contemporary design. Its balanced silhouette and technical presence make it at home on both the wrist and the pages of horological history.
The watch is produced in extremely limited numbers — a reflection of its handcrafted movement and boutique ethos — and stands among the most compelling independent interpretations of the tourbillon in the modern era.
Technical Information
Case diameter:
41 mm
Case thickness:
13 mm
Case Material:
316L Steel
Movement:
Manual-winding Mechanical
Lens:
Sapphire
Strap:
Leather
Water-resistance:
3 ATM
Country of Manufacture:
France
Color:
Skeletonized
ABOUT
THÉO AUFFRET
A New Generation of Independent Mastery
Théo Auffret stands among the most compelling voices of contemporary independent watchmaking. Rooted in classical French horological tradition yet driven by a distinctly modern vision, Auffret represents a new generation of artisans redefining what haute horlogerie means in the 21st century. His work is characterized by technical integrity, architectural balance, and an unwavering commitment to handcrafted excellence.
Emerging from the prestigious Lycée Diderot in Paris and refined through experience with respected ateliers, Auffret quickly established himself as a watchmaker of uncommon precision and artistic clarity. His creations reflect not only mechanical mastery but a deep understanding of proportion, finishing, and structural harmony.
Heritage and Craftsmanship
Although an independent of the modern era, Théo Auffret draws heavily from the golden age of 19th-century French watchmaking. His movements are conceived with traditional construction principles — visible bridges, hand-executed anglage, mirror polishing, and meticulous interior finishing.
Each timepiece is assembled, adjusted, and finished with extraordinary attention to detail. Rather than relying on industrial processes, Auffret embraces artisanal techniques that require patience, discipline, and time. The result is not merely a watch, but a study in horological architecture.
Timeless Design with Contemporary Strength
Théo Auffret’s aesthetic language balances classical restraint with bold structural presence. His cases exhibit strong geometry and refined proportions, while dials reveal depth and mechanical transparency.
From openworked tourbillons to regulator-inspired layouts, his designs allow the movement to become the dial — transforming mechanics into visual poetry. Every line serves a purpose; every detail reflects intention. The result is a timepiece that feels both rooted in tradition and unmistakably contemporary.
Mechanical Innovation
At the heart of each Théo Auffret creation beats a movement designed with clarity and performance in mind. Whether incorporating a tourbillon or torque-based power reserve system, his calibres are built not only for visual impact but for precision and mechanical reliability.
Hand-finished to the highest standards, the movements reveal sharp internal angles, polished steel components, and a depth of finishing rarely seen in modern independent watchmaking. They are mechanisms conceived as sculptures — technical yet expressive.
A Commitment to Independent Excellence
Théo Auffret produces his watches in extremely limited numbers, ensuring that each piece retains exclusivity and artistic integrity. Independence, for Auffret, is not simply a business model — it is a philosophy centered on creative freedom and uncompromising standards.
Each watch represents a personal dialogue between watchmaker and collector. It is an object shaped by human hands, guided by conviction rather than trend.
Experience Théo Auffret
Discover the precision, architecture, and handcrafted excellence of Théo Auffret — where French horological heritage meets contemporary independent mastery. For collectors who value mechanical integrity and artisanal depth, his timepieces stand as enduring expressions of modern haute horlogerie.
