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Trilobe Nuit Fantastique Ombre

An independent watchmaking company defined by creativity, Trilobe were founded in 2013 by Gautier Massonneau. Forming part of a portfolio which is defined by originality, the Nuit Fantastique Ombre model is inspired by the Art Brut (Outsider Art) wherein tones of black and white create a dramatic contrast of opposition.  


Presented in a grade 5 titanium housing, the case carries flawless decorative techniques of satin-brushed and mirror-polished finishes which contrast superbly adding enhancement to its rounded profile. With neatly curving lugs and a subtle domed bezel the watch has all the requirements of a classical yet contemporary wrist watch. Sized at either 38.5mm or 40.5mm, it rests on the wrist at a height of 9.2mm.


The dial is rendered with a textured black surface with contrasting elements of silvery white, and features an uncluttered arrangement on which the passage of time is enabled entirely without the use of traditional watch hands. Instead, a trio of individual displays for the hours, minutes and seconds form an exquisite alliance ensuring intuitive time reading for the wearer. 


The hours, each rendered in charming diminutive arabic numerals, are located on a ring at the dial edge. In a stroke of ingenious yet disruptive design, the ring has been engineered to turn counterclockwise and it aligns with the splendid little Trilobe emblem at the 12 o’clock position. Leaving an abundance of exquisite grainy dial surface to enjoy, two recessed interlocking rings on the left of the dial, embrace to form the symbol for infinity or perchance, the fortuitous number 8. With the minutes in the upper section, and the seconds in the lower, a petite triangular pointer serves as a reference for both. Echoing the motion of the hour ring, the rotation of the minutes and the seconds also run counterclockwise with each numeral crafted in elegant script. Both indications are displayed in increments of five, and while the minutes slip by gracefully, the seconds add subtle dynamism to this otherwise tranquil façade, as they rotate upon a disc decorated at its centre with a Clous de Paris motif.


Revealed through the rear sapphire crystal, the company’s technically masterful self-winding Calibre X-centric proprietary mechanism is revealed. Exhibiting a highly contemporary architecture, the movement has the refinement of meticulous micro-blasted finishing on its bridges and plates, and its linear arrangement with the micro-rotor and balance wheel poised at the upper and lower promotes excellent symmetry. Beating at 28’800 vib/h, the calibre, which has been designed and developed exclusively for Trilobe by Le Cercle des Horlogers, is equipped with a power reserve of 48 hours.


A beautifully executed piece throughout, the Trilobe Nuit Fantastique Ombre watch comes presented on a black leather strap secured to the wrist with a titanium pin buckle.


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