Basel World 2010: The Tirion Répétition Minutes TriRetrograde From Milus
It’s possible you may have never heard of them before but Swiss watch-maker Milus has been creating exceptional masterpieces for just under a century, and at Basel World this year they carried on this proud tradition with the presentation of the breathtaking Tirion Répétition Minutes TriRetrograde.
Engineering Art Work
At Milus the company’s watch-making philosophy of combining art with mechanical complexity permeates throughout all of the brand’s creations. This latest piece is no exception and represents the culmination of over 2 years of intense development. Not only does it look sensational but it also firmly secures the brand’s position as a complicated watch-maker, showcasing their impressive technical credentials.
Offering an in-house calibre which features a combination of minute repetition and tri-retrograde complications the all new Tirion represents a significant milestone for Milus. Whilst the Minute Repeater is by no means a new complication, proficient execution of this novelty is considered by many to be one of the greatest challenges in modern day mechanical watch-making.
It’s All In The Sound
The achievement of a pure tone and a full, rich sound is only possible through the craftsman’s exceptional skills and precise attention to detail during manufacture, representing the absolute pinnacle of watch-making and ensuring that top quality Minute Repeaters are highly desired by watch connoisseurs the world over.
The two steel hammers of the striking mechanism are positioned on stainless steel bearings and create a deep tone for the hours, a high and deep double strike for the quarter-hours and a high tone for the minutes when they strike the two gongs wound around the movement causing them to vibrate. In order to ensure a pure sound, the gongs must not touch one another.
As one might expect the length of the gongs as well as the securing of the base to the bottom plate must be adjusted to the desired “a” and “c sharp” notes in several steps to ensure the best sound possible. As each piece is individually manufactured by hand, minimum tone variations can occur therefore giving each watch its own individual sound.
As a final touch, the Minute Repeater complication is activated by a push-piece at 9 o’clock with an engraved clef instead of the more traditional slide mechanism. And in keeping with the brand’s philosophy of combining art with mechanical brilliance the flywheel which regulates the striking rhythm and guarantees perfect time can be observed through the sapphire viewing glass on the back of the watch.
Keeping It In-House
As we mentioned earlier, the Tirion is animated by an in-house calibre, more specifically the superbly decorated M08-35RM calibre which has been certified by COSC and produced exclusively for this timepiece. Representing the use of the latest in micro-technical technologies and innovative materials this is a movement that has been designed to perform at a consistently optimum level. Add to that the double complications and a power reserve of 90 hours and we see that this latest piece really is a celebration of Milus’ watch-making prowess.
Attention To Detail
Equally as impressive is the brand’s meticulous attention to detail in the aesthetic design of this unique piece. The movement base is circular-grained, the bridges are finished with a sunray pattern and the steel parts have been treated to a traditional high-gloss polish with zinc. The 46mm round case is comprised of nine individual parts and is presented in 18K red gold.
The dial itself is quite simplistic looking and semi-skeletonized, allowing for uninterrupted views of the spectacular calibre below, as well as the fascinating play of the three hands which spring back at 20-second intervals. Positioned at 6, 10 and 2 o’clock, the flying dance of the blued hands is completed with virtuoso ease. Once one of the hands has passed through its 20-second path, it jumps back to its original position whilst the next hand starts its journey. The date is indicated by a blued hand whose counterweight is designed in the form of the Milus sign.
Presented in a limited edition of just 50 pieces the Tirion comes equipped with a hand-sewn strap in the finest alligator leather.
The Final Word
Undeniably this new piece from master watch-makers Milus is a celebration of the brand’s technical achievements and demonstrates resoundingly just what they’re capable of. Importantly though the brand has remained true to its own philosophy and has not sacrificed aesthetic appeal in the name of technical competence or vice versa, rather the two complement each other to create a truly exceptional timepiece. Furthermore, the placement of the retrograde functions within the centre of the dial ensure that it is still remarkably easy to read the clean dial whilst at the same time enjoying the complex show that is happening in the middle.
This all new Tirion Répétition Minutes TriRetrograde is a real winner for us and we look forward to seeing more of these creations from this under-the-radar watch maker.
Category: BaselWorld 2010, New This Week
I’ve never heard of Milus before but it looks like they are true craftsmen. I love seeing the lesser known brand pulling out amazing timepieces!
I could not agree with you more Julie, this really is an exceptional timepiece! I must admit that nothing brings me more pleasure than being able to share special finds like these with our readers and at the same time give some of the smaller brands some very well-deserved exposure
It has a real Patek Phillipe feel about it. Absolutely love it.