Henri Grandjean & Cie Adds Green and Red Sapphire Editions to the Magician Atrivm Series

Henri Grandjean & Cie: A Modern Revival of a Historic Name

Henri Grandjean, a master watchmaker from Le Locle, was celebrated in the 19th century for his precision marine chronometers and contributions to Swiss chronometry. Today, the brand has been revived by entrepreneur and collector Sohail Aziz, positioning itself as an independent maison crafting contemporary haute horlogerie. After an impressive debut with the Magician—a triple-axis tourbillon that appears to float with no visible connection—the brand now introduces two new Atrivm references in green and red sapphire crystal, ahead of Geneva Watch Days 2026.

The Magician's Floating Tourbillon: Engineering Meets Illusion

At the heart of the Magician is a manual-winding movement with a triple-axis tourbillon. Three concentric cages at 9 o'clock rotate at different speeds: the innermost completes a rotation every 10 seconds, the middle every 18 seconds, and the outermost every 60 seconds. The optical illusion of a floating mechanism is achieved by mounting the tourbillon on transparent sapphire crystal discs, eliminating metal bridges or pillars. To manage weight and maintain accuracy, the cages are crafted from lightweight materials: magnesium for the first, titanium for the second, and a titanium-steel mix for the outer cage.

New Atrivm Models: Green and Red Sapphire Cases

The Atrivm series, which previously included blue and white sapphire models, now expands with green and red sapphire crystal cases. These transparent cases allow light to flow through, softening the visual impact of the 45mm diameter and 16mm thickness. The choice of sapphire crystal also echoes the ethereal quality of the floating tourbillon, dissolving boundaries between the watch and its environment.

Grand Feu Enamel Accents

Drawing inspiration from Grandjean's 19th-century marine chronometers, the new models incorporate Grand Feu enamel. This traditional technique appears on the off-centered hours and minutes disc at 3 o'clock and on the plate surrounding the tourbillon, with a mottled red or green finish that adds a classic touch to the ultra-modern construction.

Dial Details and Indications

The open chapter ring reveals the watch's multi-layered architecture, including a date wheel and a 24-hour day/night indicator with sun and moon medallions. Silver Breguet-style Arabic numerals and spade-shaped hands reference the founder's design language, while a star-shaped date indicator adds a distinctive touch.

Calibre 1831: In-House Movement

Powering the Magician is the in-house calibre 1831, a 38.5mm manual-winding movement developed and assembled at the brand's workshop in Noiraigue, Neuchâtel. With 218 components, it beats at 21,600vph (3Hz) and offers a 42-hour power reserve from two barrels. The finishing is exemplary, featuring Geneva stripes, straight-grained flanks, mirror-polished chamfers, and circular-grained wheels—all executed by hand.

Limited Editions and Pricing

Given the complexity of the Magician, the new Atrivm models are strictly limited editions, available only through private viewings. The retail price is CHF 990,000 (excluding taxes). For more information, enthusiasts are encouraged to contact the brand directly.

Technical Specifications

Case: 45mm diameter x 16mm thickness x 45.8mm lug-to-lug, green or red sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal with AR coating front and back, 30m water resistance
Dial: Mysterious triple-axis tourbillon at 9 o'clock with matte grey cages, off-centered chapter ring in red or green Grand Feu enamel with silver Breguet-style numerals and spade-shaped hands, star-shaped date indicator, 24-hour day/night indicator with sun and moon medallions
Movement: Hand-wound calibre 1831 (in-house), triple-axis mysterious tourbillon, 38.5mm diameter x 12.1mm, 3Hz (21,600vph), variable inertia balance wheel, flat hairspring, triple-axis tourbillon rotating in 10s, 18s, and 60s, 40-42h power reserve on two barrels, 218 parts, 29 jewels, hours, minutes, date, and day/night indication
Strap: 22mm white alligator
Availability: Limited, private viewing by appointment only
Price: CHF 990,000

Buying Tips and Authenticity Notes

When considering a high-end independent timepiece like the Magician, it's crucial to purchase from authorized dealers or directly from the brand to ensure authenticity. Given the limited production and high value, verify the provenance and documentation. For replica-watch enthusiasts, this piece serves as a benchmark for innovation and craftsmanship, but always prioritize genuine pieces to support the artistry and heritage of independent watchmaking.