David Candaux Recasts the DC1 in Platinum and Stone

David Candaux has returned to the watch that put his name on the dial, and the result is more architectural than nostalgic. The new DC1 Platinum Art of the Tourbillon keeps the asymmetrical construction and hidden crown that define the model, but gives the whole idea a darker, heavier and more precious character.

At a glance

The David Candaux DC1 Platinum Art of the Tourbillon is a hand-wound independent watch built around the in-house calibre H74, with a retractable Magic Crown at 6 o’clock, a sloping dial layout and a tourbillon aperture at 9 o’clock.

It’s recognisably a DC1, but platinum and stone give the watch a more formal presence than the earlier steel and titanium executions.

A platinum case with difficult geometry

The case measures 43mm across and 12.9mm thick including the crystal, though the case body itself is listed at 10.02mm.

Its shape is one of the defining parts of the DC1, with horizontal symmetry but a vertical taper that descends from 12 o’clock toward 6 o’clock.

That geometry matters because platinum isn’t a forgiving metal to finish, particularly on a case with polished curves, sharp transitions and sculpted edges.

Candaux has kept the surfaces fully hand-polished where required, preserving the bright, dense quality of platinum rather than flattening the case into a simple precious-metal exercise.

The sloped sapphire crystal follows the descending construction of the dial, while the sapphire caseback opens up the view of the inclined movement beneath.

The Magic Crown remains the quiet party trick

The patented Magic Crown is still tucked into the case at 6 o’clock, where it sits flush when not in use.

Its mechanism is inspired by the action of a retractable ballpoint pen, using a 31-part pressure-activated system to deploy and hide the crown.

It’s a clever solution because it removes the visual interruption of a conventional crown without turning the watch into an exercise in minimalism.

On this edition, the retractable crown is made in titanium and fitted with a platinum cap, keeping the technical logic while matching the case material where it’s seen.

Onyx and opal give the DC1 a darker face

The biggest visual shift happens on the dial, where a mirror-polished black onyx central plate replaces the lighter feel associated with earlier versions.

At just 0.2mm thick, the stone plate gives the watch depth without adding bulk, and it creates a stronger contrast with the off-centred opal time display at 3 o’clock.

The hour and minute subdial is faceted and domed, with black pad-printed numerals, a printed minute track and hand-bevelled 18k white gold markers at the cardinal positions.

Rose gold flanges frame both the opal display and the tourbillon opening, while hand-polished rose gold syringe hands handle the hours and minutes.

A small titanium hand shows the power reserve at 12 o’clock, and a large central seconds hand adds a more active visual rhythm to the otherwise layered composition.

The inclined tourbillon is the mechanical signature

The flying tourbillon remains positioned at 9 o’clock and is inclined at 30 degrees, a layout Candaux developed to make the tourbillon more relevant to a wristwatch.

Rather than sitting flat, the regulator moves through a broader range of positions during wear and when the watch is resting, which is the technical argument behind the architecture.

The tourbillon cage is made from black anodised titanium and rotates once per minute.

Its black finish is achieved through micro-arc oxidation, integrating the colour into the titanium rather than applying it as a surface coating.

Inside is the manually wound calibre H74, developed in Le Solliat and built with titanium bridges and a titanium mainplate.

The entire movement is inclined by 3 degrees inside the case, reinforcing the cascading construction visible through the back.

Despite the modern materials, the finishing is firmly traditional, with hand-polished bevels, recessed angles, circular graining, gold chatons, engraved gold plaques and Candaux’s Côtes du Solliat decoration.

The result is a watch for collectors who like independent watchmaking at its most personal, especially when the engineering and the handwork are inseparable from the visual identity.

Details & Specifications

FAQ

What are the key details about David Candaux Recasts the DC1 in Platinum and Stone?

The DC1 Platinum Art of the Tourbillon brings platinum, black onyx and opal to David Candaux’s asymmetrical tourbillon architecture.

What should readers know about the timing and context of David Candaux Recasts the DC1 in Platinum and Stone?

David Candaux introduces the DC1 Platinum Art of the Tourbillon with a platinum case, onyx dial, opal display and 30-degree flying tourbillon.

What makes David Candaux Recasts the DC1 in Platinum and Stone notable for luxury and lifestyle readers?

David Candaux has returned to the watch that put his name on the dial, and the result is more architectural than nostalgic.

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David Candaux introduces the DC1 Platinum Art of the Tourbillon with a platinum case, onyx dial, opal display and 30-degree flying tourbillon.