Introducing Delma Celebrates its 100th Anniversary and Releases The 1924 Tourbillon

Established in 1924, A. & A. Gilomen S.A, founded in Lengnau near Grenchen, Switzerland by brothers Adolf and Albert Gilomen, the brand experienced numerous changes over the past century due to technological advancements and economic shifts. Despite these transformations, the brand has consistently thrived. In 1966, ownership transitioned to another family, with Ulrich Wüthrich assuming control and renaming the company Delma. By 1996, he passed the leadership to his son-in-law, Fred Leibundgut, who now serves as the Chairman and CEO. Delma continues to operate as a family-run business, with Fred leading and his son, Andreas, working alongside him.

This year, and In celebration of its centenary, Delma introduces the 1924 Tourbillon. Throughout the brand's history, Delma watches had an uninterrupted line of production. To commemorate this milestone, Delma presents a timepiece featuring a 100% Swiss movement integrated with stainless steel case and a grained Sable black dial.

The “1924 Tourbillon” comes in a 316L stainless steel case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness, featuring a brushed finish on all surfaces, except for the polished top and side beveled edges. The watch includes a crown positioned at 3 o’clock, and it is equipped with a sapphire crystal coated with anti-reflective material on both sides.

The dial showcases a refined grained Sable black hue, complemented by a snailed minute track, applied indexes, and hour and minute hands that are coated with white Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. Positioned at 6 o'clock, the tourbillon is housed within a 360° revolving cage, completing a full rotation every 60 seconds. An indicator for running seconds is incorporated into a hand affixed to the cage, while an applied upper bridge, featuring an inverted V-shaped bar with blued screws and a polished circlet, adds a touch of sophistication to the design. Delma entrusted the design of the tourbillon movement to the Co-founder of BCP Tourbillons, Olivier Mory, leveraging his extensive expertise in tourbillons. 

Powering this timepiece is the Caliber DT100.01, a hand-wound movement boasting a robust 105-hour power reserve and operates at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The balance wheel is equipped with a shock absorption system, rendering the movement shock-protected up to 5000 G from KIF Parechoc, a company specializing in producing watch components designed exclusively for mechanical watch movements. Furthermore, the Caliber incorporates non-magnetic elements like the alloy hairspring and Glucydur balance wheel (copper and iron), granting it resilience against magnetic fields up to 2000 gauss. The baseplate is adorned with perlage, and the bridges, visible through the exhibition caseback, boast Côtes de Genève and golden text, while the movement itself is ruthenium-treated and adorned in a contemporary dark gray finish.

The watch comes with a Stainless steel bracelet secured by a deployant clasp, and a black Italian calf leather strap with buckle, both with quick-release spring bars. The “1924 Tourbillon” is limited to 100 pieces, and it will be sold on a ‘souscription’ basis from January 16 to March 16, 2024, with a price of CHF 8,900 which is equivalent to AED 38,500.

For more information please visit Delma’s official website.