Not long ago, I introduced the exceptional Torpeda Pirata Moon Phase Chronograph by Cuervo y Sobrinos. The theme of pirates is really awesome. The watch on focus today is also inspired by the exciting world of pirates and buccaneers. It is the Bi-Axial Tourbillon Black Pearl model released by HD3 Complication. In order to continue the successful story of the famous Vulcania model, the company took inspiration from the realm of audacious pirates, and integrates the new design with the iconic feature of Vulcania – the retro-futuristic steampunk style.

Thanks to the unique and imaginary steampunk style, the Bi-Axial Tourbillon Black Pearl looks more contemporary than the Cuervo y Sobrinos pirate watch. The large rectangular case resembles the frame of a world of pirates. At the 9 o’clock side of the case lies a hatch that looks like a cannon hatch of the fast-moving pirateship. It features a plate on which can be engraved the name of the ‘captain’ of the timepiece. When opening it, we can get a panramic view of the tourbillon mechanism from the side, a nice touch. The famous skull-and-crossbones (or swords) flag on the titanium PVD plate of the hatch highlights the adventurous theme. A compass rose, designed specially for the watch, is engraved on the transparent sapphire case back, and the crown is design to resemble a frigate’s tiller. The watch almost does everything in mystic pirate’s ways.

At the heart of the Bi-Axial Tourbillon Black Pearl watch is a completely new bi-axial tourbillon movement, specially developed by Fabrice Gonet and manufactured by BNB Concepts, a professional company in the fabrication of complicated timepieces and movements for some well-known brands in the industry. As seen in the photos, the watch shows the hours on a wheel, a design to pay tribute to the 17th century’s naval exploration. The minutes are displayed on a disk and the power reserve indicator, located at 11:00, takes the form of a sextant. The bi-axial tourbillon rotates in one minute increments on the 1st axis and 30s on the 2nd axis. The movement is beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph, completed with an 80-hour power reserve.

As with the external design specifications, the case is rendered in a combination of PVD and stainless steel. The black pearl dial, coupled with red luminescent elements on the numerals, reveals an attractive contrast. Each model comes with a set of bracelets, including 1 rubber, 1 black alligator leather, 1 black vintage leather with red stitching. The watch is sure to be extremely exclusive and expensive in a limited edition of only 11 pieces available worldwide.