This unique Tourbillon AK-05 speaks to the quality of watchmaking that Rexhep Rexhepi, and his AkriviA brand, have become synonymous with. It combines an exposed 60-second tourbillon, hand-hammered grey dial and titanium case. Bringing the best of traditional and contemporary watchmaking together, it is testament to Rexhepi's personal journey through watchmaking, from Patek Philippe to F.P. Journe and, eventually, to creating AkriviA.

From Patek Philippe to AkriviA 

Born in Kosovo in 1987, Rexhep Rexhepi did not have an obvious connection to watchmaking by virtue of where he came from. His father, however, travelled frequently to Switzerland for work and would occasionally return home with a watch on his wrist. Intrigued by the object, a young Rexhepi took the initiative to disassemble and inspect it, an experience which first sparked his passion for horology.

A few years later, when Rexhepi was just twelve years old, his family moved to Geneva. Now at the epicentre of watchmaking, the young boy submitted an application to the . He started off as a trainee when he was just fourteen years old, spending the next three years in apprenticeship, followed by two years working at the manufacture.

Having gained an understanding of traditional watchmaking, Rexhepi then joined a workshop specialising in highly-conceptual movements. Clearly showing talent from early on, he was placed in charge of a team of over ten watchmakers, many of which were decades older than him. Following this experience, he went to work with , an experience which left a deep mark on him as well. Over the course of a decade, the watchmaker had explored the traditional, experimental and independant sides of watchmaking.

Eventually, in 2012, founded , which is Greek for precision. Combining a futuristic aesthetic with masterfully decorated symmetrical movements, Rexhepi tackled a range of complications, with the aim of proving that he'd reached a certain level of craftsmanship. The tourbillon sat firmly at the centre of the first few models he devised, which he chose to combine with a monopusher chronograph or a jump hour display. Nowadays, Rexhepi is considered one of the fastest rising talents in independant watchmaking, having commanded the respect of Philippe Dufour, Kari Voutilainen and many others. 

A unique Tourbillon Barrette Miroir 

The Tourbillon Barrette Miroir AK-05 was the fifth watch devised by Rexhepi. Whilst most of his previous pieces had focused on combining the tourbillon with other complications, the AK-05 places it back in prime position. This unique piece features a titanium case and a hand hammered grey dial, with the exposed 60-second tourbillon visible through the dial side. With a cage diameter of 13.8mm, the bevelled and blued escapement wheel stands out, with the bercé-polished upper bridge offering an appealing contrast. 

The grey dial displays a hand-hammered center portion, surrounded by a brushed chapter ring, creating a subtle interplay of textures. The steel numerals are subtle yet stand out against the backdrop, having been given a black polish treatment by hand. The exposed screws used to fix the tourbillon in place emphasise the contemporary aesthetics of the AK-05, which nevertheless relies on a range of traditional techniques.

This forward-thinking design is finished off by the 42.5mm titanium case, which features an anti-reflective crystal on the front and back. The broad lugs are polished and chamfered, matching the bevelling of the movement. As in other AkriviA models, the case is of a complex construction, having been assembled from thirty individual parts. This serial number is engraved on the movement in the "1X" format, testifying to how few of these pieces were produced.

The Movement 

This Tourbillon Barrette Miroir AK-05 is powered by a manual-winding 60-second tourbillon movement, which was developed, decorated and assembled in-house. With an impressive 100 hours of power reserve, it features 167 different components and 18 jewels, beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. 

The movement displays the high-watchmaking skills that Rexhep and his team are known for, requiring countless sharply-finished internal angles on the bridges and plates. The anglage is in rounded, bombé style, requiring additional skill that can only achieved by hand, used on both visible and non-visible parts of the movement. Following the highest standards of Genevan watchmaking, the skill is also evident in the deep Côtes de Genève decorating the movement plates.

The Set

This unique AkriviA Tourbillon Barrette Miroir AK-05 comes with its original box and paperwork. It is accompanied by an original AkriviA alligator strap, one of our  grained leather straps with bespoke curved ends and corresponding titanium buckle. 

A Collected Man is proud to be one of the few authorised retailers for AkriviA. Whilst all our current allocation of Chronomètre Contemporains have been pre-sold, if you would like to be notified about future projects, please  your interest.

Closer look