Sponsored Post written for aBlogtoWatch by advertiser.

First shown at Baselworld 2015 and limited to only 15 pieces, the Visionnaire I Flying Tourbillon timepiece by the sought-after House of Fabergé was inspired by the renowned and luxurious jewel-encrusted eggs designed for Russian Tsars. The hand-wound wristwatch follows the same production principles as these famous objects, which were manufactured under the care of legendary jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885 and 1917. With the current retail price for the Visionnaire I starting at £199,500, the only example available in original platinum and black PVD in the world is a highlight of the Watches Auction at Chiswick Auctions in London on the 15th of May.

Head of Watches, Matthew Caddick comments, “In the wake of the Russian Revolution, Fabergé was nationalized and its stock confiscated. Despite the Fabergé brothers fleeing from the Bolsheviks to Paris, the family name was used to established a perfume brand in the 1930s against the family’s wishes. It was not until 2009 that the name was reclaimed and the brand was re-launched under the guidance of The Fabergé Heritage Council. The company continues to take bold but measured steps to ensure its offerings give a respectful nod to the Fabergé of yesterday. Creativity, design, and craftsmanship are at the heart of all its creations.”

Fabergé. A fine, rare and unworn platinum hand wound wristwatch. Designer/Maker: APRP (Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi). Model: Visionnaire I. Limited Edition: No 02/15. Movement: Flying Tourbillon Complication. Estimate: £70,000 – £100,000. © Chiswick Auctions, London 2018

Housed in a 44m case in black PVD-treated titanium and platinum, each element of this beguiling horological creation is a miniature work of art. Designed with a segmented dial and distinctive luminescent hour markers and hands, with a rounded shape, semi-skeletonization, and white TC1 coating that is unique to Fabergé, the timepiece features a double AR-coated sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30m. Caddick explains, “In the case of the Visionnaire I, whilst exclusivity and brand undeniably play a major part in the justification of the hefty retail price tag, the timepiece is far from being style over substance.”

The wheels of the movement and other essential elements of the futuristic design can be viewed between the six trapezoidal satin finished segments in the dial, which form a three-dimensional rosette on the front of the timepiece. These decorative elements cover and partly reveal the interplay of wheels simultaneously, imbuing the movement with a powerful visual depth. The juxtaposition of surfaces creates an exchange of perspectives that constantly shift with the movement of the wrist. Positioned at 9 o’clock, the tourbillon executes its rotations in full view and exemplifies the refinement and technical mastery for which Fabergé is internationally recognized.

Caddick continues, “With a movement designed and made by master watchmaker Renaud et Papi-Audemars Piguet, the Flying Tourbillion complication is a work of mechanical art. In a marketplace where style similarities are commonplace, the overall design of the Visionnaire I is utterly unique and impactful on the eye. The quality of materials used to produce the case, the outstanding movement and the overall level of detailing on show leaves no room for negative judgement.”

The watch comes with a hand-stitched black alligator leather strap that features an 18K gold and black PVD-treated titanium double deployant buckle and is accompanied by a pair of matching Fabergé 18K white gold and diamond set cufflinks. Fabergé has long been a collector’s favorite across the globe, including royalty. Housed in a private collection, this timepiece is in immaculate condition and fresh to the market, representing a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire a rare timepiece of exceptionally high caliber at less than half the retail price. chiswickauctions.co.uk