Atelier Loreti’s previous four Celestial Tourbillon watches with dials made from Blue Aventurine, Black Onyx, Turquoise, and Meteorite, were an instant success among collectors, proving there is still a massive appetite for accessible high-complication watchmaking. Filippo Loreti’s premium sister brand built its name on making high-end watch complications accessible, and these new releases double down on that strategy. The brand is following up that initial success with two new limited-edition references, swapping the original lineup for Snowflake Obsidian and Charoite dials. By using natural stone, the brand makes sure no two dials look exactly alike.
The case
At 42mm wide and a wearable 10.85mm thick, the stainless steel cases of the two new Celestial Tourbillon watches are deliberately understated. Getting an automatic watch with a tourbillon under 11mm is impressive in and of itself, so the real-world benefit is that it slides easily under a shirt cuff without feeling bulky or top-heavy. While a 42mm diameter might admittedly feel a bit large for collectors who prefer classically proportioned vintage cases, the remarkably slim profile keeps the watch balanced and comfortable on the wrist. Up front, the watch features a clean, fixed bezel and a prominent domed sapphire crystal that lifts the dial into view, beautifully amplifying the stone’s natural textures and unique patterns.
A polished T-tube crown stamped with an embossed logo sits on the right flank, while the flip side uses a see-through exhibition caseback to show off the customised movement inside. The biggest surprise is that the case is rated to 100 metres, a rarity for an affordable tourbillon watch, giving you genuine peace of mind for daily wear.
The dial
The winning feature is the stone dials. Because every dial is sliced directly from natural stone, the geological patterns vary wildly from piece to piece, so no two watches in the production run will look exactly alike. The Snowflake Obsidian model (Ref. 01319) is crafted from natural volcanic glass that forms when silica-rich lava cools down rapidly. It’s packed with pale cristobalite mineral deposits, creating a really sharp contrast of greyish-white blooms popping against a pitch-black backdrop. Then there’s the Charoite version (Ref. 01320), which uses a rare purple silicate found only in the Murun massif in Siberia. It delivers an incredible mix of swirling violet and lavender tones running alongside natural mineral veins.
Both options- the black and the purple dial- lack a date window, giving each timepiece an incredibly clean layout that relies on just two polished hands. This leaves the lower half of the dial completely open to show off the tourbillon as it completes its sixty-second rotations. Placing the raw beauty of the natural stone against the tourbillon cage gives the watch a really cool but clean visual balance.
The movement
The L.1T Calibre provides the mechanical heartbeat. Instead of building a tourbillon from scratch (and to keep costs down), Atelier Loreti spent three years developing a heavily modified version of a notoriously robust Miyota movement. Integrating a tourbillon into the standard Miyota 8215 automatic architecture meant completely reworking the original mainplate and designing a brand-new barrel bridge configuration from the ground up.
The brand repositioned the fourth wheel to drive a one-minute, bridge-supported tourbillon, and swapped the stock regulating organs for a newly manufactured balance wheel, pallet fork, and escape wheel. Crucially, these internal modifications also increase the operating frequency from the standard 21,600 vph to a smoother 28,800 vph. Meanwhile, the original automatic winding system remains intact, finished with a clean, silver-toned rotor. Using a tried-and-tested Japanese movement as the starting point for a movement like this is also a great way to ensure easy, long-term serviceability.
The strap
The Atelier Loreti Celestial Tourbillon Snowflake Obsidian and Charoite watches come with a classic black leather strap and a standard stainless steel buckle. The lug width measures an accommodating 22mm, so you’ll have no trouble finding aftermarket alternatives if you want to swap things out later.
The verdict
A real mechanical tourbillon sitting within a natural stone dial is a killer combination, but it usually costs five figures. Building on a reliable Japanese base calibre, Atelier Loreti has delivered this aesthetic at a highly accessible price point. It proves a watch only needs to look exclusive to be captivating, giving everyday enthusiasts a real shot at owning a high complication without the luxury barrier.
Atelier Loreti Celestial Tourbillon pricing and availability
The Atelier Loreti Celestial Tourbillon in Snowflake Obsidian and Charoite will be available from November 19th at the Atelier Loreti online boutique, with each reference limited to 50 pieces. Price: $980 (Snowflake Obsidian) / $1,180 (Charoite)
Brand
Atelier Loreti
Model
Celestial Tourbillon
Reference
01319 – Snowflake Obsidian
01320 – Charoite
Case Dimensions
42mm (D) x 10.85mm (T)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
100 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Snowflake Obsidian, Charoite
Lug Width
22mm
Bracelet
Black leather, stainless steel buckle
Movement
Customised Miyota 8215, automatic
Power Reserve
35 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, tourbillon
Availability
Limited to 50 pieces each
Price
$980 (Snowflake Obsidian)
$1,180 (Charoite)
Made in partnership with Atelier Loreti. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own, in accordance with our Editorial Policy