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The HD3 bi-axial tourbillon is a rare, historically reported mechanical watch whose rotating cage moves on two axes: one completes a rotation every minute, the other every 30 seconds. The video embedded with Professional Watches’ 2008 article offers a visual demonstration of that mechanism. Historical coverage describes an 11-piece edition and reports an 80-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance; those figures and the reported sellout are not confirmation of present-day production or availability.
What makes the HD3 bi-axial tourbillon unusual?
A conventional tourbillon rotates its regulating assembly around one axis. In the HD3 bi-axial design, the cage rotates around two axes at different intervals. Professional Watches’ 2008 coverage reports a one-minute rotation for one axis and a 30-second rotation for the other; Worldtempus reported the same intervals for the Black Pearl edition in 2010. The result is a visibly changing, nested motion rather than a single rotating cage.
The Professional Watches page includes a video of the watch. It is useful as a visual reference for the mechanism, but the available article information does not establish who made the video, when it was filmed, or whether its original player remains available in every region.
What were the Vulcania and Black Pearl editions?
Historical references associate the bi-axial complication with the Vulcania and Black Pearl. The Black Pearl is described as a pirate-inspired variant with distinct case and display details. Their shared complication should not obscure those edition-specific differences.
#1 Best Overall
- Tourbillon 3 Watchwinder with removable Crystal Glass Sleeve.
- Programmable Sophisticated Microprocessor Control for winding cycles of 650, 800, 950, 1300 Turns-Per-Day (TPD). Programmable Choice of Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise rotation.
- Operates using the supplied wallplug AC/DC adapter.
- Measures (inches) 6.0H X 14.8W X 6.0D.
- Made in the USA.
| Detail | Vulcania | Black Pearl |
|---|---|---|
| Case and finish | Platinum and titanium, as reported by the historical Watch Wiki reference. | Titanium with PVD, as reported by Worldtempus in 2010. |
| Design features | Hours shown on a wheel, minutes on a disc, and a sextant-like power-reserve indicator, according to Watch Wiki. | Pirate-inspired styling; an opening side hatch reveals the tourbillon and an engraving plate. The sapphire back features a compass rose, according to Worldtempus. |
| Straps | Not stated in the cited historical reference. | Worldtempus reported three supplied straps: rubber, black alligator leather, and black vintage leather. |
| Reported technical details | Manual winding, 21,600 A/h, 80-hour reserve, and 50-meter water resistance, according to Watch Wiki. | 21,600 A/h, 80-hour reserve, and 50-meter water resistance, according to Worldtempus. |
| Edition size | Up to 11 pieces, according to Watch Wiki. | 11 pieces, according to Worldtempus. |
These are historical secondary-source descriptions, not current manufacturer-confirmed specifications. In particular, the materials and finishing details above apply to the named variants rather than serving as a universal specification for every HD3 bi-axial watch.
What specifications were reported for the watch?
Professional Watches’ 2008 article describes a square titanium and platinum case, 50-meter water resistance, an 80-hour power reserve, and an 11-piece run. It says Fabrice Gonet conceived the watch as a concept that was later offered for sale. Watch Wiki’s Vulcania reference and Worldtempus’ 2010 Black Pearl article also report an 80-hour reserve and 50-meter water resistance; Worldtempus gives the Black Pearl’s movement frequency as 21,600 A/h.
Rank #2
- 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
Published details vary by edition and source. Use them as reported historical specifications, not proof of the condition, performance, or configuration of an individual watch today. The sources do not establish current servicing, warranty, production, or resale status.
What did the watch cost, and is it still available?
Professional Watches reported a price of $400,000 in 2008 and said the 11 pieces sold out quickly. That is a period report about the original offering, not a current valuation, auction result, or live inventory statement. No current listing or verified resale availability is established by the historical coverage.
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Rank #3
- 【⌚ MANUFACTURE CAL.A9301 FLYING TOURBILLON MOVEMENT】 Powered by AGELOCER's proprietary Cal.A9301 hand-wound mechanical movement, featuring a mesmerizing flying tourbillon that showcases the beauty of traditional haute horology. Every rotation reflects the precision engineering and craftsmanship behind fine mechanical watchmaking.
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- 【🔍 SKELETONIZED DIAL WITH ARTISTIC DEPTH】 The open-worked dial reveals the intricate interaction of gears, bridges, escapement components, and the flying tourbillon mechanism. Inspired by modern architectural aesthetics, the three-dimensional design transforms every glance into a captivating mechanical experience.
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- 【🎁 LUXURY COLLECTOR'S TIMEPIECE】 Featuring luminous hands, 50M water resistance, a premium leather strap, and a two-year warranty. This flying tourbillon watch is an ideal choice for collectors, professionals, and mechanical watch enthusiasts seeking a distinctive statement piece with exceptional craftsmanship.
Is Three Minds Tourbillon the same watch?
No. The Three Minds Tourbillon is a separate HD3 model and its specifications should not be assigned to the Vulcania or Black Pearl. Gressive’s 2010 listing identifies it as a collaboration by Jörg Hysek, Valérie Ursenbacher, and Fabrice Gonet, and describes a disk-style regulator and tourbillon. Its separate specification listing gives it a 46.70 mm square case, 14.83 mm thickness, titanium and black PVD titanium, automatic winding, approximately 72 hours of reserve, and 50-meter water resistance. Those figures belong to Three Minds, not the bi-axial editions discussed above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- - 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.
Rank #4
- LUXURY DESIGN: Rectangle titanium DLC rectangle case featuring a sophisticated black dial with striking turquoise Roman numerals for exceptional readability. Case size: 47.8*52.8mm
- TOURBILLON MOVEMENT: Visible mechanical central tourbillon movement showcases intricate craftsmanship through the exhibition window at 6 o'clock. Features a rare central tourbillon rotating once every 60 seconds, with 16 precision screws on the cage to achieve balance
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Robust titanium case with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating provides superior durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Domed Sapphire Crystal on the top of the case
- DISTINCTIVE DIAL: Unique architectural dial design with geometric elements and contrasting turquoise markers creates a bold visual statement
- COMFORT & STYLE: Black natural rubber strap with branded elements ensures comfortable wear while complementing the watch's contemporary design
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