The Purnell Escape II pairs two triple-axis Spherion tourbillons that rotate in opposite directions through a differential. Its CP03 caliber is manually wound, runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), and is reported to offer 32 hours of power reserve. Published dimensions are 48 mm across and 19 mm thick, while materials, finishes and some specifications vary by reference. Prices and edition figures in the cited coverage date to 2020; current pricing, stock and production status are not established.
What makes the Escape II’s tourbillons unusual?
Purnell uses the name “Spherion” for each of the Escape II’s multi-axis assemblies. Specialist coverage describes the watch as having two triple-axis tourbillons whose cages rotate at different speeds. The reported time for one revolution is 8 seconds for the inner cage, 16 seconds for the middle cage and 30 seconds for the outer cage. These are cage rotation periods—not a measure of the watch’s accuracy or a promise that it gains timekeeping performance by those amounts. Time and Watches’ 2020 specifications and Hodinkee’s 2020 coverage report the figures.
The two Spherions are described as counter-rotating and connected by a differential. The combination of multiple rotating cages and the visible interaction between the pair is the watch’s defining technical and visual feature. Purnell and some coverage use “fastest” or “first” language about the mechanism; such superlatives should be understood as attributed claims, not as independently adjudicated rankings. Revolution’s multi-axis tourbillon overview provides further specialist context.
The moving assembly is striking, but movement alone does not establish better practical timekeeping. The cited coverage does not provide an independent comparative accuracy test, measured wrist results or owner survey for the Escape II.
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- This tourbillon designed by Swiss designer Etienne Ruffieux with modern architectural aesthetics, features a lightweight, comfortable, free-sprung balance flying tourbillon. It houses an independently developed architectural tourbillon movement adorned with oversized ruby bearings. The design aesthetic is expressed through the interplay of light and shadow created by its extreme skeletonization. The watch has been honored with the IAI Global Design Award for its outstanding original design.
- Independently developed CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations per hour, 25 ruby bearings. Features high-end finishing including satin brushing and beveled edges, engraved brand logo with gold-stamped. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically reserved for luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- This tourbillon measures 40mm in diameter and just 9.7mm in thickness, weighing a mere 67 grams. Its meticulously engineered structure and radically skeletonized tourbillon movement eliminate all superfluous metal components, allowing the mechanical artistry of the free-sprung flying tourbillon to shine in its purest form. It is an exquisite, high-end tourbillon watch that is both ultra-thin and supremely comfortable.
- The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, featuring a double-sided sapphire crystal and an Italian leather strap with hand-stitched detailing for comfortable and durable wear. We offer a three-year worldwide warranty.
What the CP03 caliber does
The Escape II is powered by the CP03, a manually wound movement. Published specifications list a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and a 32-hour power reserve. The display indicates hours, minutes and remaining power reserve. For the movement’s core specifications, see Time and Watches, SJX Watches’ 2020 report and the Fondation Haute Horlogerie reference for the Carbon Yellow.
Winding and power reserve
Descriptions report six mainsprings distributed across four barrels. A suspended mobile cone or sensor arrangement indicates the remaining reserve. The stated 32 hours is the published reserve for the CP03; it does not mean that the watch runs for 32 hours at a constant displayed reserve reading or that every individual example has been independently tested to that duration.
Rank #2
- The sporty, free-sprung balance flying tourbillon watch, crafted by Swiss chief designer Etienne Ruffieux with modern architectural aesthetics, features an independently developed architectural tourbillon movement adorned with oversized ruby bearings. Its design philosophy is expressed through the interplay of light and shadow created by extreme skeletonization. This timepiece has been honored with the European International Design Award for its outstanding original design.
- Independently developed CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations per hour, 25 ruby bearings. Features high-end finishing including satin brushing and beveled edges, engraved brand logo with gold-stamped. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically reserved for luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- This tourbillon features a high-tech ceramic bezel. Ceramic resists discoloration and is harder than metal, protecting the watch from scratches. Weighing half as much as stainless steel, it reduces wrist strain for enhanced comfort.
- The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. Featuring a double-sided sapphire crystal and an aerospace-grade fluororubber strap, it offers waterproof, sweat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties for comfortable and durable wear. Featuring Super-LumiNova Luminous hands and hour markers. We provide a 3-year worldwide warranty.
Published movement figures
| Specification | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Winding | Manual |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Power reserve | 32 hours |
| Components | 386, listed by Fondation Haute Horlogerie for the Carbon Yellow reference; its page is undated |
| Jewels | 67, listed by Fondation Haute Horlogerie for the Carbon Yellow reference; its page is undated |
| Barrels and mainsprings | Four barrels and six mainsprings, as reported in specialist coverage |
| Functions | Hours, minutes and power reserve |
Case dimensions and reported variants
Specialist reports give the case dimensions as 48 mm in diameter and 19 mm thick. Reported versions use grade 5 titanium, black DLC-coated titanium, 18k rose gold, forged carbon, or carbon with colored luminous accents. These are distinct references, so a material, finish, edition count or price reported for one should not be assumed to apply to all the others. Hodinkee, Time and Watches and SJX Watches describe the variants.
Carbon Yellow
The Fondation Haute Horlogerie lists the Purnell Escape II Carbon Yellow with a 48 mm case, a 19 mm thickness, 386 components and 67 jewels. It gives this reference a water-resistance rating of 30 m. That rating is specific to the Carbon Yellow listing and should not be generalized to the other Escape II variants without a model-specific specification.
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Rank #3
- Global warming accelerates glacial melting, causing severe ecological damage to Earth. Inspired by “Never-Melting Ice,” Agelocer's Swiss Chief Designer Etienne Ruffieux grand launch this full sapphire case free-sprung balance flying tourbillon watch, urging awareness of climate change. Honored with the 2022 German Design Award for its exceptional design, this tourbillon is globally limited to 100 pieces.
- The entire watch case is crafted from 5N (99.999%) high-purity sapphire crystal; 5N-grade sapphire crystal boasts a Mohs 9 hardness rating (second only to diamond) and exceptional transparency. Its superior hardness renders the case scratch and wear resistant, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish that stands the test of time. High transparency enables us to clearly appreciate the mechanical artistry of the ultimate skeletonized flying tourbillon.
- Self developed design CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations/hour, 25 ruby bearings. Satin brushed finish and chamfered edges with premium finishing techniques; Brand logo engraved and gold foiled. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically found only in luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- 50M water resistance for the entire watch; food-grade semi-transparent silicone strap, water/sweat/corrosion resistant, comfortable and durable to wear. Super-LumiNova luminous hands, paired with a butterfly double-press clasp. We promise a three-year global warranty service.
How the variants differ
| Reported variant or material | What the cited coverage establishes |
|---|---|
| Grade 5 titanium | Reported as an Escape II case material; the cited summary does not attach a separate water-resistance figure. |
| Black DLC titanium / All Black | Reported as a black DLC titanium version; Hodinkee reported its 2020 price and edition size. |
| 18k rose gold | Reported as a case-material variant; the cited summary does not establish a current price or stock. |
| Forged carbon | Reported as a case variant; Hodinkee reported its 2020 price and edition size. |
| Carbon Yellow | Fondation Haute Horlogerie lists 30 m water resistance, 386 components and 67 jewels; its page is undated. |
| Carbon with colored luminous accents | Reported in specialist coverage; exact attributes should be checked against the reference in question. |
Variant-specific differences matter more than the shared silhouette: material and finish, cage color and illumination, and any documented water-resistance or edition information should be checked against the exact reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What published prices and edition counts mean
Available price figures are historical reports, not current offers. Time and Watches and Fondation Haute Horlogerie list CHF 425,000 as a starting or indicative price in 2020-era material. SJX Watches also reported a CHF 425,000 starting figure in April 2020. Hodinkee reported $460,000 for the black DLC titanium model and $470,000 for forged carbon in 2020. These figures refer to different currencies and, in some cases, specific references; they should not be treated as directly comparable or as today’s retail prices. Sources: Time and Watches, Fondation Haute Horlogerie, SJX Watches and Hodinkee.
Rank #4
- SMALL BUDY, BUT VERSATILE:Quality brand original automatic tourbillon style relojes de hombre(watch); without a battery; calendar,waterproof, moon phase function
- LUMINOUS WATCH,EASY TO READ TIME,EVEN IN THE DARK:Fashion design men's mechanical watch, black case with clear golden lines and golden hands, let you read the time easy; The hands will be grow when in the dark, which let you can read the time even in dark
- WATER RESISTANT TO 30M:Waterproof:In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water ,but not suitable for hot water bathing or diving. Please do not press any buttons in the water
- NO BATTERY NEEDED:Automatic mechanical movement, Powers with the mechanical movement, without a battery. Operate the watch, to wind-up please whirl the button on the clockwise (Don't need to pull out, just in normal condition.) for 15 to 20 complete revolutions
- NICE PRESENTS:Stylish mechanical germen watch, it fits good and looks fantastic, elegant holiday present sure to be given some compliments by business colleagues and clients, friend. Also, it is nice present for your friends and family as a Father's Day present
Hodinkee and SJX reported editions of 20 pieces per reference or variant in their 2020 coverage. Separately, Purnell’s undated official website says the brand produces up to fifty pieces a year. These figures describe different things: a reported edition size for an individual Escape II reference versus the brand’s stated annual production ceiling. Neither establishes how many watches are currently available. C. Purnell’s official website carries the brand’s production statement.
What can be confirmed about availability today?
The cited material does not establish current retail prices, current inventory, or whether any particular Escape II reference remains in production. SJX described direct-brand or authorized-retailer availability in its 2020 account, but that is not confirmation of a present listing. To establish a current price or locate an available example, contact Purnell or an authorized retailer and identify the exact reference. The sources also do not establish resale performance, servicing intervals or service costs, so they cannot support an investment-value claim or a service schedule.
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How Purnell describes the appeal
In a WatchTime interview published on August 13, 2024, Purnell CEO Maurizio Mazzocchi said: “Tourbillons are at the heart of what we do at Purnell because they’re not just technical marvels; they’re about creating emotion.” That is the CEO’s description of the brand’s approach, rather than an independent finding about the movement’s accuracy. WatchTime’s interview gives the statement in context.
Quick Recap
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.
