Purnell Escape II has a pair of three-axis tourbillons. This makes it the fastest three-axis dual tourbillon tourbillon to date, competing with recognized narrow competitors, with three cages spinning at impressive speeds of 8, 16, and 30 seconds per revolution. In general, the three cages will return to their original positions after 240 seconds, which is the lowest common multiple of each cage cycle.

The integration of an additional rotation axis into the tourbillon ensures a delicate balance of weight, size and power. Naturally, the dual three-axis tourbillon requires huge torque to make it run and maintain stable timing.

Therefore, in order to reduce energy consumption, the cage is made of titanium to reduce weight and is painted with red paint for visual effects. At the same time, the movement is equipped with a total of six barrels-placed side by side, three barrels for every three barrels in parallel, providing a 32-hour power reserve. Although there are many springs, the power reserve is short, which shows that the energy consumption of the double tourbillon regulator is very large.

The six barrels directly and simultaneously drive the second gear through the long pinion, which also directly carries the minute hand. The hour and minute hands are visible in the time display on the dial on the movement.cheap mens watches

Unlike almost all other parts of the movement, the gear train is almost completely hidden, but it reaches its extreme in the mature differential that connects the bevel gears of the two tourbillons. This is an unusual feature, because bevel gear differentials require considerable thickness, which is something most construction methods want to avoid. As a result, movement designers usually turn to planetary differentials, which are flat.

Regarding the differential, it is important to note that the differential drives the tourbillon, not the other way around. The differential distributes power from the mainspring, distributes energy to each tourbillon, and averages the respective errors to produce a single output for the time display. Therefore, if one tourbillon gains three seconds and the other tourbillon loses three seconds, the result is perfect zero deviation. However, like most ultra-exotic tourbillons, the chronograph is not the point, because Escape II lacks running seconds.

Due to insufficient power reserve, the power reserve indicator on Escape II is very useful because it reminds the wearer to wind the watch every day.

Located below the left barrel is the cone and antenna mechanism for power reserve, which originated in the 18th century nautical astronomical clock-an ironically ultra-contemporary traditional movement.

Contrary to the more common and more compact differential system that relies on planetary gears, this mechanism is slightly more sophisticated and relies on a cone that is driven up and down by screws connected to the barrel. The cone is connected to a plug that measures the movement of the cone and transmits the state of the wind to the power reserve pointer located just above.

Even if the power reserve is insufficient, the six-barrel barrel requires some additional mechanical devices to wind the mainspring. It can be seen through the back cover of the case that the crown gear will not directly drive the ratchet wheel like a traditional movement.

In contrast, the reduction gear train connects the crown gear to the barrel ratchet. When winding, the reduction gear will reduce the rotation speed of the crown, but will proportionally amplify the torque in order to wind the six barrels at the same time, otherwise this will require impractical springs because of the six barrels There was a huge resistance.

The reduction gear train on the left connects the crown to the middle wheel, which in turn winds the ratchet wheel of the barrel on both sides.

Most of the movement is finished in pure black, with few decorative accents.

A unique element of the movement is a pair of dial covers, which can be seen from the dial, with an inscription of Purnell watchmaking philosophy-undoubtedly borrowed from Greubel Forsey. Laser engraving is performed with high resolution with defined inner corners of serifs.

But the most eye-catching component is undoubtedly the bright red tourbillon cage. The outer cages of the two tourbillons are painted with lacquer, giving them an unusual organic appearance. The red cage highlights the rapid rotation of the cage, even at a distance, creating a striking visual effect.

Glossy red is one of many available appearances. The outermost cage can be customized according to the surface and color, including heat treatment or metal deposition. However, the aesthetic effects of these two technologies will result in a more metallic-looking geometric shape and angular structure, very similar to a tourbillon or Thunderdome, and only a change in paint thickness can create a novel organic appearance.

Like many ultra-contemporary watches, the movement of Escape II is mostly mechanical. Like many ultra-modern watches, decoration suits style, not price.

In the weird world of luxury and extreme, high-end complications, proper pricing is not always logical, but it is usually wise.

However, there is another watch that has an advantage in value-Jacob & Co. Twin Turbo Furious. Jacob & Co. provided an additional price of 100,000 francs, including a pair of decimal minute repeaters and a single push chronograph, as well as a pair of flying three-axis tourbillons.

In other words, Escape II luxury is technically impressive, conceptually unusual, and visually outstanding. In the final analysis, the real appeal is that it uses an esoteric 19th century escapement-clearly ahead of the times-to achieve the unquestionable pursuit of modern tourbillons-the high-speed tourbillon. It itself provides a surprisingly meaningful and complex view of the past and present watchmaking industry, which may be enough to transcend complexity and performance level.

Purnell Escape II Double Tourbillon

Diameter: 48 mm
Height: 19 mm
Material: 18k rose gold or titanium
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. CP03
Functions: Hours, minutes, power reserve display; double triple-axis tourbillon regulators
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Hand-wind
Power reserve: 32 hours

Strap: Rubber or crocodile