The limited edition Égard Phase 2 Tourbillon from Egard Watch Company (an American microbrand) is Egard's second skeletonized tourbillon release, with the escapement and balance wheel rotating a full 360 degrees every minute in lieu of a second hand, something we always find absolutely mesmerizing to look at. Like Egard's first release, which quickly sold out, Egard's Phase 2 Tourbillon has been exceptionally hard to get hold of, being made in very small batches with final assembly in the United States. We had to wait a year before we could get our first shipment of just a few Phase IIs, only a fraction of what we ordered, and when we sell out, we'll likely not be able to stock more for some considerable time.
The wait however has been well worth it. This 43mm skeletonized design gives off a dressy tool watch vibe making it eminently suitable for smart casual occasions, with a wrist presence that tends to draw attention without being over the top. It is also a wonderfully balanced and symmetrical design with the tourbillon on display at 6 o'clock, and the twin barrel dual mainsprings on display in the other two corners, giving this automatic watch an extended 72 hour power reserve. The unique custom scratch resistant sapphire crystal also curves downwards towards 6 o'clock which gives the wearer a better peek at the tourbillon in action, a really nice touch and indicative of the overall attention to detail on this special timepiece.
As you can expect on a watch of this quality, the watch has been treated with a scratch resistant DLC (diamond-like carbon) transparent finish, and uses Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 lume. The exhibition case back also nicely showcases the skeletonized movement with blued screws and a skeletonized rotor, and includes an engraving of each Phase II watch's unique serial number from the limited edition. The included custom bracelet with butterfly clasp looks the best we've ever seen for this style of watch, and the package also includes leather straps and a lockable presentation box.
When Neil, The Microbrand Store's owner, first saw the Égard Phase 1 Tourbillon, he completely fell in love with it, purchased one as a customer at retail pricing, and it is the only tourbillon watch that he currently keeps in his personal collection. Neil liked the Phase 1 so much that he collaborated with Egard on the design of the Égard Phase 2 Tourbillon, so we're excited to be carrying the Phase 2 tourbillon in our store.
