de GRISOGONO Occhio Ripetizione Minuti

de GRISOGONO’s Occhio Ripetizione Minuti, introduced in 2005, proved a milestone in Haute Horlogerie design. Today, its maker is issuing a new limited series featuring a splendidly adorned case set with a multitude of baguette diamonds.

The novel styling approach unveiled by de GRISOGONO is meant as a salute to one of its most ambitious and exclusive creations, the Instrumento Occhio Ripetizione Minuti. Undisputed Queen of Complications, this exceptional minute repeater’s new and masterful interpretation features a mechanism inspired by a reflex camera’s. Formed by twelve mobile titanium blades, the diaphragm opens and closes at will, revealing the movement for the duration of the chimes.

While up to now the repeater has only been available with cool, understated styling, de GRISOGONO has just given its personality a dazzling makeover, setting 154 baguette-cut diamonds (totalling 18 carats) on the bezel, case flanks and lugs. This spectacular “suit of lights” contrasts dramatically with its highly complex mechanical systems.

An exclusive mechanism
The technical features that make the Occhio Ripetizione Minuti such an exceptional timepiece remain the same. Although it works on an identical principle, its exclusive diaphragm subassembly is more compact and resistant than those of cameras, opening and shutting instantaneously. It opens by the simultaneous movement of all twelve blades the instant the minute repeater is triggered, closing as soon as the hours, quarters and minutes have sounded on three gongs.

Mechanical wizardry
Since it is designed to display its mechanical wonders, the watch has nothing to hide. Its curved sapphire case back secured by six screws reveals the movement of the three hammers on the gongs and the movement’s exclusive decorative patterns. On the front, a sharply curved sapphire crystal, not unlike a camera lens, reveals the play of racks, levers and springs. Testifying to the movement’s meticulous finish, its bridges and plates are anthracite gray and screwheads brightly polished, while moving parts retain the natural colour of the material they are made of – all visual refinements enhanced by the case’s splendidly shimmering dress. Elegance reigns supreme.