The charity auction Only Watch is frequently the platform of choice for adventurous brands looking to debut experimental models and gauge the potential for their latest horological concepts. One of the latest brands to explore this path is Reservoir, who have partnered with movement specialists Telos to present their first in-house tourbillon movement in the form of the Reservoir x Télôs Watch Edition Only Watch.
Those familiar with Reservoir will immediately recognise the jumping-hour and retrograde-minutes display that is so closely associated with the brand. Such an affinity with this specific time-display format is derived from their long-established design inspiration of precision measuring instruments. These measuring instruments may come from the world of automobiles or aviation — or indeed any realm which relies on practical mechanical tools of this sort.
The Reservoir x Télôs Watch Edition Only Watch elevates the brand’s horological offer with two traditionally prestigious features. A grand feu white enamel dial is marked with a chemin-de-fer scale for the minutes, with numerals in alternating black and blue print. An aperture at the bottom of the dial occupies the space left by the 240° retrograde minute scale, allowing the jumping hours (also in blue) to be read clearly and easily.
The bottom half of the watch is taken up by a flying tourbillon, rotating once per minute, with a balance frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph), which connoisseurs will appreciate for the added stability and accuracy it brings to the chronometric performance of the watch. Celebrating the fact that this is the first proprietary tourbillon movement of Reservoir, the upper tourbillon cage is shaped like the brand logo, with no upper tourbillon bridge to disrupt our view of the whirling motion of the rotating escapement.
Submarines are the source of design inspiration for the Reservoir x Télôs Watch Edition Only Watch. Its oscillating mass, which is visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, resembles an engine order telegraph, otherwise known as a Chadburn. This particular piece of maritime equipment is used to communicate directions from the pilot on the submarine bridge to the engine room in order to adjust the speed and orientation of the vessel.
The nautical associations don’t end there, as the watch itself is encased in bronze, an evocative material that alludes to historical marine instruments and equipment such as antique dive helmets. A 60-hour power reserve ensures optimal timing capabilities, essential for modern lifestyles and the exacting standards of today’s watch lover.
