What is the new Vyntage Horology Strata T1 Tourbillon?
It is Vyntage Horology’s first grand complication timepiece featuring a tourbillon, and it is the second model in their new Strata collection. A UAE-based independent watch brand, Vyntage Horology was founded in 2023 by the Seddiqi family, who own Ahmed Seddiqi, the leading watch and jewellery retailer in the Middle East and among the top worldwide.
Their collection was (and still is) largely dominated by multiple references of the Monograph, a monopusher chronograph, and the Purity, a three-hand timepiece with an off-centre small seconds subdial. The Strata, a two-hand timepiece with a date, was launched during Dubai Watch Week last November. Powered by an automatic movement from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, it featured design inputs from renowned independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi of both Akrivia and Rexhep Rexhepi fame. I recall attending the launch event for this model where Mr. Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiq introduced Rexhep Rexhepi on stage.
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The Strata T1 Tourbillon pushes the brand’s watchmaking ambitions a step further by venturing into grand complication territory. A cushion-shaped watch, it features a manual winding tourbillon movement designed and crafted by Chronode SA, a top-notch Swiss movement workshop. Its founder is Jean-François Mojon, whose name appears on MB&F’s recently unveiled Legacy Machine N°1 EVO (LM1 EVO) along with renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.
The Strata T1 Tourbillon was unveiled during the second edition of Mavericks of Time recently held on October 29th–30th in Abu Dhabi.
Also Read: The innovative Mavericks of Time exhibition returns for a second time
What is its dial, case, and bracelet features?
Dial: Yas blue-coloured guilloché dial performed by CNC (computer numerical control). The skeletonised hour and minute hands and hour markers are silver coloured, brushed, and feature polished bevels. They are coated with Super-LumiNova C1 X2 GL.
Case: Made from Grade 5 titanium, measuring 40 mm (diameter) * 10.8 mm (thickness). The dial side features a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The caseback features a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside. The watch is water resistant up to 10 ATM, which is approximately 100 metres.
Bracelet: Made from Grade 5 titanium. It is fitted with a buckle made from both stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium.
What are its movement features?
The watch is powered by Chronode C501, a manual winding tourbillon movement. It measures 32.8 mm (diameter) * 5.76 mm (thickness), comprises 23 jewels, beats at a luxurious frequency of 3 Hz or 21,600 vph, and delivers a power reserve greater than 60 hours from one barrel.
What do we think?
Families that own a watch and jewellery retail business and decide to establish their own watch brand are not a typical occurrence. Yet the Seddiqi family did so, and now they are onto their fourth model, a tourbillon – all in a span of three years. They deserve applause for this endeavour.
The Strata T1 Tourbillon is a handsome timepiece, one with a universal appeal. It is hopefully a sign of further designs and complications arising from the young brand.
Additional Details
Name: Strata T1 Tourbillon
Price: On request
Available at Ahmed Seddiqi boutiques in the UAE and KSA.
Please click here to learn more.
