An exceptional example from the atelier of a contemporary master of horological art, the David Candaux DC7 Genesis Natural Titanium watch is, in every respect, a remarkable timepiece. Showcasing the affinity between symmetry and asymmetry within its architectural elements, with each element complementing one another, this astounding watch displays a gently inclined dial upon which the visual highlight is a bi-plan flying tourbillon inclined at 30 degrees to its titanium cage. Housed within a natural titanium casing this outstanding model, which is crafted entirely at the David Candaux atelier in the town of Le Solliat, in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, affirms this maker’s place at the upper echelon of artisanal independent watchmaking.

Manufactured in natural titanium, the case of the David Candaux DC7 Genesis watch measures a generous 44mm across and 14.2mm at its tallest point. Beautiful finishing accentuates its asymmetric, bassinet-shaped form, and positioned at the six o’clock, a unique retractable ‘secret’ crown enables the pure, flowing lines of the housing to taper, thus creating a minimalist profile. Inspired by the perfect proportions of DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man, careful consideration has been invested into every miniscule nuance, with a holistic and ergonomic approach to its design.

The domed sapphire crystal is sculpted around the crown, and beneath it, the sun-brushed titanium dial is inclined at 3º from the twelve down towards the six, so as to enhance the viewing angle. Conforming to the curve of the dial, the skeletonised hour and minutes hands arc gently, displaying vivid red tips, while complementing the minimalist feel of the indications, the blue minutes track is accompanied by subtle white markers with a red triangular example at the six o’clock.

The seconds are indicated via a tiny blue pointer on the cage of the bi-planal tourbillon which draws the eye towards the upper dial, and which dominates the display at the twelve. Angles and inclines have been a signature of David Candaux, and here the tourbillon cage is inclined at discreet 3º, while the balance is tilted at a much more attention-grabbing 30º, as the delicate mechanism rotates gracefully in its sixty second cycle.

Inside, and on show through the sapphire caseback, the watchmaker’s obsession with symmetry becomes even more apparent as here too, the four frosted plates of the Manufacture manual winding movement come together to form a circle at the centre, offering a tantalising glimpse of the wheels which turn beneath a black polished bridge, which has a deep set ruby at the dead centre.

With the architecture and layout of a mechanical movement dictated by the positioning of the components within, and with very little room to compromise or reshuffle, achieving this symmetry is remarkable. Constructed in Grade 5 titanium, the Calibre H70 movement has been designed, manufactured and finished in-house to the uncompromisingly exacting standards of haute horlogerie, and features flawless black mirror polished anglage and a secret frosting technique on the plates.

Presented on a durable rubber-velcro strap secured with a titanium and stainless steel pin buckle, the DC7 Genesis Natural Titanium watch by David Candaux is a remarkable feat of micro-engineering, and one which distils all of his family’s generational knowhow with cutting edge materials and modern styling.