All The Right Notes

If minute repeaters are like the Everest of watchmaking, then grande sonneries are like the moon. We take a closer look at haute horlogerie’s most desirable – and demanding – complication.

- Charmian Leong

Think of the complications that represent the pinnacle of fine watchmaking, and fan favourites such as the perpetual calendar and minute repeater come to mind. They’re complex enough to inspire awe, yet not so confounding that the best in the business can’t churn out numerous variations every year. But one complication easily surpasses them all, yet rarely gets the spotlight. Few brag about making grande sonneries – because few can.