The Open Heart Watch: A Window to Mechanical Artistry

While there is no rulebook on what a watchmaker should showcase on an open heart watch, the objective is to yield intrigue and draw attention. Collectors are naturally drawn towards the dynamics of a movement.

Components that palpitate inside the movement include the regulating organ like the balance wheel and the escapement. Acting as a micro-pendulum, the balance wheel oscillates to a set cadence, hypnotising those who lay eyes on it, while the escapement delivers periodic impulses to propel and pause the movement at regular intervals. Together they transmit the conviction that the open heart watch is unquestionably mechanical. This encourages watchmakers to open up the normally hidden mechanism to newfound appreciation.

In haute horlogerie, the same principle is remade into something remarkable. This is especially evident in the tourbillon, frequently the subject of fascination in luxury open heart watches. The tourbillon is a specific mechanism incorporating the balance wheel, hairspring and escapement on a rotating cage, innovated as early as 1795 and constantly improved since, to neutralise the nefarious effect that gravity exerts on timekeeping and precision. Its composition remains relevant and challenging even to this day. Countless watchmakers continue to practise on perfecting the tourbillon as a technical pursuit. It is no surprise that watchmakers are keen to display their own take of the tourbillon on their open heart watches.

On the other hand, the degree of skeletonisation and transparency is toned down on an openworked watch. It features a dial-free casefront and an exposed movement to reveal the mesmerising mechanisms underneath, akin to a skyscraper having its façade peeled back to reveal its steel trusses and concrete columns.

This revelatory interpretation elevates the inner workings of the movement to the surface, shedding new light on the watch’s mechanical beauty and artistry while preserving, by and large, the existing architecture of the movement.

If skeleton and openworked watches thrive on clarity, the open heart watch teases and hints at its secrets. It reveals a whisper of its inner workings, letting you in on only a small but vital clue to its mechanical nature.

Tastefully cut out, the aperture doesn’t detract from the attractiveness of the dial and it retains the legibility that might have been lost if the open heart watch were made openworked. The open heart watch enriches the repertoire of horological styles, unveiling another manner of presenting the movement.

Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin Perpetual

An encapsulation of Chopard’s watchmaking precepts and excellence, the L.U.C Flying T Twin Perpetual marks a new milestone at the Chopard Manufacture. One of the finest watches ever crafted by the Maison, the L.U.C Flying T Twin Perpetual features the L.U.C Calibre 96.36-L haute horlogerie movement, materialised in-house and pairing a flying tourbillon with a perpetual calendar and a large date display. Innovation abound in this self-winding movement with the two stacked barrels delivering 65 hours of power reserve. Not only is the movement chronometer certified, its ethereal finishing has also earned it the vaunted Poinçon de Genève recognition. Proof that refinement is married with precision and beauty.

The originality of the watch is elevated with Chopard’s steadfast belief in sustainability and ethics. The slender 40.5mm case is crafted in ethical 18-carat yellow gold. Its elegance is palpable with the gold dial base treated exclusively with PVD to realise the alluring green sheen, further decorated with a hand-crafted sunburst guilloché finish. Thanks to the ingenious interchangeable strap system, the watch can take on a variety of styles to suit any mood.