The Vanguart Orb is an openworked flying-tourbillon watch whose unusual feature is a crown-operated selector for manual winding, automatic winding and time-setting. In automatic mode, a peripheral mass is free to move with the wearer’s wrist; in manual mode, it locks in place. “Levitating” describes the tourbillon’s exposed, elevated visual presentation—not magnetic levitation. The original titanium model was reported at 41 mm across and 10.5 mm thick, with a 60-hour power reserve.
How the Orb’s winding selector works
The Orb is a mechanical watch with a flying tourbillon and a peripheral winding mass. Rather than leaving the crown to perform one fixed role, a push selector lets the wearer choose among three modes. Monochrome Watches’ 2025 hands-on report describes three mode indications on the barrel; EuropaStar’s 2026 account explains how the winding mass behaves in automatic and manual modes.
- Automatic winding: the peripheral mass is released and can move as the wrist moves.
- Manual winding: the mass is fixed in place while the crown winds the movement.
- Time-setting: the crown is selected for setting the time.
The mechanism is also part of the display. A diamond set on the orbital mass makes its movement easier to see, while a gold counterweight sits opposite it, according to Monochrome. Hours and minutes are shown by luminescent hands; the flying tourbillon and openworked calibre remain visible through sapphire crystals on both sides of the watch.
Original titanium Orb: reported specifications
The figures below are published specifications from Monochrome’s November 2025 hands-on report, not independent performance measurements.
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#1 Best Overall
- - Genuine Flying Tourbillon & Caliber 8001 Manual Movement: 6 o'clock visible genuine flying tourbillon, powered by Caliber 8001 manual winding movement with approx. 40 hours power reserve. Manual winding only, NOT automatic. No battery needed.
- - 316L Stainless Steel Case & Solid Construction: 42mm 316L stainless steel case with protective crown guards. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass ensures long-lasting dial clarity. Classic bi-color unidirectional bezel for daily timing use.
- - Luminous Dial for Low-Light Legibility: Hands, applied Arabic numerals, and bezel markings with luminous coating. Charges by light, glows in dark environments for stable and clear reading.
- - Dual Strap Configuration (Steel + Leather): Standard 316L stainless steel strap and vintage brown genuine leather strap with secure butterfly clasp. Soft, breathable, and comfortable for all-day wear.
- - 5ATM Water Resistance & Daily Care Guide: 5ATM (50M) water resistance protects against splashes, rain, and hand washing. NOT suitable for swimming, showering, or diving. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure. Leather strap: avoid prolonged water contact. Push/pull crown: Always push fully IN before water exposure. Avoid direct water jets on crown.
| Specification | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 41 mm diameter by 10.5 mm thick; Grade 5 titanium |
| Crystals and water resistance | Sapphire crystal front and caseback; 30 m water resistance |
| Movement | In-house, self-winding flying-tourbillon calibre with peripheral rotor; 31.2 mm diameter |
| Frequency and reserve | 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour); 60-hour power reserve |
| Construction | 395 components and 35 jewels; Grade 5 titanium bridges and mainplate, with microblasted surfaces, polished bevels and satin finishing |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon, manual or automatic winding, time-setting selection and mode indication |
| Strap | Integrated rubber strap with titanium buckle; reported quick-change system uses pushers at the case |
How it wears, according to the hands-on reviewer
Monochrome’s author reported that the Orb’s curved, lug-less shape made it wear smaller than its 41 mm diameter suggests and found it comfortable during their hands-on experience. That is the reviewer’s impression, not a fit test across different wrists. Because the reported strap-change system is specific to the case, generic strap compatibility should not be assumed.
What changed with the 2026 ceramic editions?
In May 2026, Vanguart added two color-and-material combinations: Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium and Orb Blue Ceramic Rose Gold. WatchTime and EuropaStar report that the core movement remains the same as the existing Orb. The ceramic is used in case flanks and the crown pusher, with color-matched finishing details described by EuropaStar.
Rank #2
- Genuine Offset Flying Tourbillon, 40H Power Reserve: 9 o'clock visible tourbillon, Caliber 8001 manual wind, no battery, NOT automatic, accuracy-tested 15+ days. Asymmetric layout breaks the traditional 6 o'clock convention — a distinctive gift for enthusiasts of geometric design and offset tourbillon mechanics.
- Dodecagonal 12-Sided 316L Steel Case: 42mm twelve-facet case with brushed + polished finishes, higher machining complexity than a round case, catching light from every angle. Slim profile fits daily wear; architectural wrist presence that stands apart from conventional designs.
- Full Skeleton Dial + Luminous Hands: exposed gear train with black striped bridges, golden gears and jewels; light-charged luminous coating for clear reading in the dark. Industrial mechanical beauty on the wrist, day and night.
- Sapphire Crystal Front & Back (Mohs 9): scratch-resistant sapphire on both sides, second only to diamond; integrated 316L steel bracelet with solid 3-link construction and butterfly clasp for secure daily wear.
- 5ATM (50M) Splash Protection Only: safe for rain, splashes and hand washing — NOT for swimming, showering or diving; rinse after saltwater; wind daily. 3-year movement warranty; gift-ready for dad, husband or boyfriend.
| Version | Reported materials | Edition and reported access |
|---|---|---|
| Original titanium | Grade 5 titanium; a rose-gold/titanium version was also reported | The 2024 review said production was not limited to a specific quantity, though small-batch production could constrain availability. November 2025 reported prices were CHF 150,000 for titanium and CHF 180,000 for rose gold. |
| Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium | Pink ceramic elements with titanium | Limited to 25 individually numbered pieces; reported as available through Material Good globally. |
| Orb Blue Ceramic Rose Gold | Blue ceramic elements with rose gold | Limited to 25 individually numbered pieces; reported channels were Material Good, Seddiqi in the Middle East, and Vanguart direct in other markets. |
The ceramic-edition price was reported as “price upon request” in 2026 coverage. The CHF figures are historical reported prices from November 2025, not current quotes, and the named retail channels do not establish present inventory. Confirm price, territory and availability with the seller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the design is—and is not
The Orb’s “levitating” language refers to the flying tourbillon’s exposed, elevated appearance. It is not described as a magnetically suspended mechanism. The design centers the visual experience on the openworked movement and the moving peripheral mass, rather than a conventional dial with many complications. Monochrome’s 2025 coverage contrasts this round, two-hand presentation with Vanguart’s earlier, more conceptual Black Hole Tourbillon.
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Rank #4
- Exclusive Limited Edition Only 100 Pieces Worldwide: Each LONGIO Volcan Tourbillon is part of a strictly limited run of just 100 pieces worldwide, ensuring true rarity and exceptional collector's value
- A Tribute to Earth's Sublime Power: Inspired by the majestic force of volcanic eruptions, the Volcan blends elemental power with refined elegance for a distinctive luxury statement
- Central Tourbillon Engineering: Features a rare mechanical hand-wound central tourbillon rotating once every 60 seconds, with 16 precision screws on the cage to achieve balance
- High-Performance Hand-Wound Movement: Driven by a hand-wound mechanical movement beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), with 19 jewels and an impressive 48-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire crystal case back
- Robust 42mm DLC Titanium Case: Engineered from lightweight titanium and finished with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for exceptional scratch resistance and a sophisticated black aesthetic, ensuring durability and elegance
Rank #3
- Genuine Flying Tourbillon, 40-50H Power Reserve: 6 o'clock suspended-escapement tourbillon, Caliber 8005 manual wind, no battery, NOT automatic, accuracy-tested 15+ days. A bold gift for automotive-inspired watch enthusiasts and mechanical collectors.
- Full Skeleton Sports-Car Grille Dial: open-worked architecture exposes black bridges, golden tourbillon cage and blued screws; exhibition caseback with striped finishing and ruby bearings — a 360° mechanical view.
- Sapphire Crystal Front (Mohs 9) + AR Coating: scratch-resistant sapphire front, second only to diamond, anti-reflective for enhanced clarity; hardened mineral glass exhibition caseback keeps the movement visible from every angle.
- Ice Blue Luminous Glow: hands and 12 indices charge by light and glow ice blue in darkness; luminous accents on the tourbillon cage edge create a dynamic glow effect during rotation.
- 2 Straps + 5ATM (50M) Splash Protection Only: 316L 5-link steel bracelet + black leather strap (20mm lugs); safe for rain and hand washing — NOT for swimming or diving; 3-year warranty; wind daily.
Sources
- Monochrome Watches, “Hands-On: Time in Orbit with the Vanguart Orb Flying Tourbillon,” 10 November 2025
- WatchTime, “Vanguart’s Orb Flying Tourbillon Gets a Ceramic Evolution,” 8 May 2026
- EuropaStar, “Vanguart transforms its Orb Flying Tourbillon with coloured ceramic elements,” 2026
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
