The Charm of Black Hole Designed by Peacock Watches

Last year, I spent a lot of time introducing the historical Chinese watch brand Seagull Watches, which already enjoy high international reputation. Many WatchCrunch fellows asked me to recommend more Chinese brands, so today I would like to feature a lesser known brand - Peacock Watches. Although not as internationally renowned as Seagull, Peacock specializes in high-end tourbillon watches and possesses comparable, even superior technical expertise.

The reason I decided to showcase Peacock Watches is their newly launched central tourbillon watch inspired by black hole. As the first central tourbillon watch I've encountered, I'm drawn to its highly appealing design language as a 2023 Gold Winner of the Muse Design Awards. Built around a black hole theme, the minute and hour hands complemented by a carbon fiber flange together with the visually striking tourbillon mechanism as the centerpiece skillfully manifest this concept.

This contemporary yet coherent timepiece avoids cluttered “modern” skeletonization pitfalls. The rounded case exudes quality texture as well. Overall an innovative, aesthetically balanced execution merging advanced Chinese watchmaking prowess with cosmic imagination.

The Art of Space-time

In the universe, the concepts of time and space are redefined, and black holes are one of the most mysterious existences.  

Inspired by the unique shape and mystical power of black holes, as well as to commemorate the journey from when black holes were first theorized by Einstein’s theory of general relativity to the first imaged proof of their existence in 2019, Peacock creatively integrated the profound cosmos into this central tourbillon watch on the wrist, appreciating the integration and evolution of time and space at the precise dimension.

The Charm of Black Holes

The watch’s minute hand, derived from black hole “external gravity field”, is spherically symmetric and infinitely extended on both sides, with a thickness of merely 0.3mm. It is skeletonized and chamfered by CNC machining, filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova at the tips for easy time reading even in darkness.  

The sunken design at the dial center signifies the area of highest density in the entire universe – the black hole singularity. Within the singularity, time becomes an eternal existence no longer flowing linearly, but distorted into a loop trapped inside, possibly halted or even flowing backward; or split into multiple parallel timelines, eternally repeating as they continuously change and reconnect...The essence of time and the mysteries of space integrate and evolve herein, symbolizing the indomitable human spirit of exploration.   

The inner bezel utilizes luminescent forged carbon. This high-tech material is repeatedly tested under 2400°C high temperature and 7500N/cm2 high pressure to integrate forged carbon, resin and luminous materials under compression. Luminescent forged carbon ingeniously combines the elegance of carbon fiber and the scattering traits of luminescent particles. Each textured piece is unique as the cosmic nebula, shimmering in the depths with sublime beauty. 

Beyond the inner bezel, the black fine frosted dial plate resembles the form of a black hole, signifying infinite possibilities and unknown secrets of the universe. The caseback is screw-locked to enhance water resistance and sturdiness. The completely skeletonized movement enables appreciation of the manually engraved swirling textures, with staggered jewel bearings like cosmic planets sucked into the black hole, arousing the imagination.

Independently Developed Movement

Founded in 1957 in the beautiful border city Dandong, Peacock Watch is among the very few Chinese brands to have truly achieved self-reliant movement development. It is also among the very few worldwide that integrate over 160 techniques to independently research, design and manufacture high-end timepieces. 

This watch is equipped with Peacock’s self-developed central tourbillon movement. As one of the three most complex movement technologies, placing the tourbillon right in the center increases difficulty and rarity compared to ordinary tourbillons. This movement consists of 196 parts, with the smallest diameter merely 0.13mm, equivalent to just two strands of hair. On this foundation, the watch incorporates four barrels, greatly enhancing power and energy storage to achieve 120 hours. The constantly rotating tourbillon resembles a cosmic probe entering the ultra-strong gravitational pull of black holes, signifying mankind’s technological advancement. It evokes people’s aspiration to explore black holes and contemplate time-space relations profoundly.

Can't help but want to buy one? Make sure to get it on their official website!