Manufacturer: Masahiro Kikuno Year: 2011 Model Name: Tourbillon 2012 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. mk12, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle Dimensions: 43mm diameter Signed: Movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Masahiro Kikuno product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
“My purpose is not making watches but to make people happy by making watches for them.” This is the philosophy of Masahiro Kikuno, youngest member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants who made an impression in 2011 with his “Temporal Hour” watch inspired by traditional Japanese “Wadokei” clocks.
The present pink gold tourbillon watch carries a meaningful story emblematic of Masahiro Kikuno's values. In 2011, he meticulously crafted two tourbillon watches following methods from Japanese watchmakers of the past – one encased in silver and the other in pink gold. The movement is finished by hand with an exquisite Herringbone finish. Exhibited together as prototypes at Baselworld in 2012, their beauty immediately entranced a collector who purchased the silver piece to support Kikuno's independent work. Though these two tourbillons were initially planned for offering at this auction, the owner of the silver tourbillon grew too attached to part with it. When Kikuno heard this, he decided not to sell this pink gold piece as they were conceived together. In the end, the collector convinced Kikuno to sell his pink gold piece to fund his future creations.
Making an inaugural debut at auction, Kikuno says, “I have very fond memories of this watch because it was the first tourbillon I sold as an independent watchmaker.” Offered with a presentation box and booklet that documents the process of creating this timepiece, this unique tourbillon is a special piece for Kikuno and represents the profound bonds that can form between a watchmaker and the patrons who believe in their vision.