After a brief hiatus, Neuchâtel-based Kerbedanz has re-emerged on the Swiss haute horlogerie scene with a fresh, ambitious statement. The independent brand – known for creating compelling timepieces that blend symbolism, storytelling and technical smarts – signals a striking return to the fold with its latest release, the Maximus GR8 2-Minute Tourbillon.
Seven years ago, Kerbedanz captured the industry’s attention with the Maximus, a record-breaking watch featuring the world’s largest tourbillon. Now, the Maximus GR8 reimagines this concept with innovative mechanical refinements and contemporary aesthetics that perfectly embody the brand’s ethos of delivering a spectacular “Micro-Mechanical Show”.
The Maximus Legacy
Launched in 2017, the original Maximus was a showcase of Kerbedanz’s technical prowess and artistic vision. Its 27mm central flying tourbillon, the largest ever seen in a wristwatch, rotated once every six minutes.
Made out of titanium and weighing just 1.35 grams, the majestic tourbillon cage was part of a proprietary manual-winding movement. This calibre featured four mainspring barrels operating in parallel on the same plane, a patented innovation that delivered a decent 54-hour power reserve – a noteworthy accomplishment given the tourbillon’s size and energy demands.
Visually, the Maximus was a pure spectacle. The 49mm by 21.7mm round case resembled a Colosseum, serving as the perfect theatre for the larger-than-life tourbillon. The intriguing, octopus-shaped winding key on the back only added to all the drama.
Two-Minute Innovation
The Maximus GR8 takes its predecessor’s achievements and accelerates them – quite literally. The oversized tourbillon remains the star of the show, but its new streamlined titanium cage now completes a full rotation every two minutes instead of six.
This faster rotation brings tangible benefits. From a technical perspective, the increased speed should enhance chronometric averaging, reducing the effects of gravitational forces on the 2.5 Hz balance wheel and escapement. This improvement is particularly crucial for large tourbillons like this, which face greater challenges in terms of inertia and positional errors. Also, Kerbedanz’s reworked gear train ensures the energy-hungry mechanism maintains the original 54-hour power reserve.
Symbolically, the faster tourbillon reflects the accelerating pace of modern life, a concept embraced by Kerbedanz as it enters a new chapter of dynamic reinvention. And visually, the result is a more animated and engaging display, with the tourbillon’s intricacies in constant sped-up motion.
Another update to the movement is the new flip-out winding crown, a simpler and more elegant feature that provides unobstructed views of the four-barrel system and the arc-shaped power reserve indicator visible through the display back.
Avant-Garde Reimagining
While the movement’s engineering is impressive, the Maximus GR8’s overall design further sets it apart. Indeed, the case has been entirely reimagined, evolving from the imposing round silhouette of the original to a sleeker, more modern profile. Measuring 46mm wide and now 11mm in height, the new octagonal-tonneau-spherical GR8 shape has a decidedly more contoured feel to it.
Designed by the brand’s Chief Design Officer Aram Petrosyan – who has been the company’s creative driving force since its founding in 2011 – the new case is available in titanium (33 pieces), colourless sapphire (20 pieces) or blue sapphire (8 pieces), with each material lending a distinct personality to the watch.
The sapphire versions, in particular, add a futuristic, almost sci-fi edge, with their transparency showcasing the mechanical magic within.
The watch’s dial, of course, is equally striking, featuring grey-tinted layers that radiate outward from the tourbillon. Bridges in hues of blue, grey or red add a splash of colour, harmonising with the rubber strap featuring an ergonomic fit and embossed chevron design. A matching rubber grip on the octagonal 2 o’clock winding crown reinforces the sporty vibe.
The Spirit of Kerbedanz
With prices starting around CHF 220,000, the Maximus GR8 is available in the executions outlined above. Collectors can also enjoy bespoke personalisation of colour and material combinations, reflecting the brand’s decade-and-a-half tradition of celebrating individuality and personal expression.
One thing is certain: the Maximus GR8 not only builds on the legacy of its groundbreaking predecessor, but also paves the way for an exciting new chapter in the brand’s story. Kerbedanz is back – and it’s accelerating into the future!
For more information, visit the Kerbedanz website.
