Beijing Watch Flying Horse of Gansu Tourbillon Review

I was absolutely elated when the Beijing Watch Flying Horse of Gansu Tourbillon arrived yesterday. This exquisite timepiece has been on my radar for quite some time, and I couldn't wait to experience it firsthand. Allow me to enthusiastically share my impressions of this horological marvel that pays homage to the ancient Chinese artistry while incorporating modern haute horology techniques. Brace yourselves for an in-depth review exploring the rich symbolism, intricate craftsmanship, and mechanical marvels that make this tourbillon wristwatch a true masterpiece.

Drawing inspiration from the Bronze Flying Horse of Gansu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Beijing Watch has released the "Flying Horse of Gansu" tourbillon timepiece. With a rich imagination, exquisite conception, and skillful craftsmanship, it juxtaposes the galloping vigor of the noble steed with the "flying swallow" motif that rotates with the tourbillon, presenting an exuberant vitality and unstoppable momentum.

Overall, the dial is quite an eye-catcher. The classic "Flying Horse of Gansu" design dominates most of the prominent real estate on the dial, while the distinctive tourbillon at 6 o'clock is another major highlight.

This Flying Horse of Gansu watch can be considered the epitome of appreciation and collection. In terms of external design, it employs a 43mm rose gold-plated stainless steel case, lending an air of luxury to the overall timepiece.

The dial features a meticulously textured pattern, creating a strong sense of depth. Additionally, the angled reflections cast varying layers of radiance under different lighting conditions.

The most captivating element on the dial is undoubtedly the copper-plated, three-dimensional embossed galloping horse figure and the blued steel hands occupying most of the visual space. The essence of the Flying Horse of Gansu motif lies in capturing the dynamic grace and vigor of the spirited steed mid-gallop through a frozen yet energetic pose. Beijing Watch has masterfully interpreted this harmonious fusion of motion and stillness through its artisanal techniques, even including the four characters "Flying Horse of Gansu" at 9 o'clock.

The flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock features a unique design that not only showcases advanced modern watchmaking technology but also exudes an enchanting classical charm. Watching this tourbillon in motion will undoubtedly be a fully immersive visual experience.

The overall case thickness is 11.6mm, a common dimension for the Beijing Tourbillon series. The crown is embellished with Beijing's iconic logo, with the bold typeface evoking a profound traditional cultural ambiance.

The exhibition caseback is made of sapphire crystal, revealing the exquisite blued screws, rubies, and the beautifully finished movement bridges – an absolute delight to behold.

The strap is made of brown alligator leather and paired with a rose gold-plated buckle. While the design is rather conventional, the Beijing Watch logo on the buckle exudes an air of luxury.

Powered by the TB01-2 hand-wound movement offering over 63 hours of power reserve, the flying tourbillon is equipped with a free-sprung balance. It is advisable to remove the watch before winding to avoid pressing the crown stem against the side, causing wear on the stem tube.

If you also admire this watch, you can purchase it from their official website: https://beijingwatches.com/

About Flying Horse of Gansu

The Flying Horse of Gansu, or the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow, is a famous Chinese bronze sculpture that was cast in the 2nd century AD during the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The horse was discovered in 1969 near the city of Wuwei, in northern China’s Gansu Province, and has long been on prominent display at the Gansu Provincial Museum.

On December 5, 1983, the second page of "《人民日报》People's Daily" published the news that "Flying Horse of Gansu" was designated as China Tourism icon symbol.

Serving as China’s national tourism symbol for over two decades the Flying Horse of Gansu is among Asia's most recognizable ancient figures.

Weighing 7.3 kilograms (16 pounds) and measuring 34.5 centimeters (13.58 inches) high, the bronze horse was excavated from a tomb in Wuwei City, at the eastern end of the Hexi (Gansu) Corridor. This is along the Silk Road route from southeastern China to the northwestern provincial capital at Lanzhou, a key defensive location during the Han dynasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll0pEkjxM3U&t=1s

According to China Online Magazine “With the advent of great centralized empires Qin and Han, bronzes turned from august ritual vessels to common daily wares.” The majority of Han dynasty bronze artifacts were mountain-shaped incense burners, barrel-shaped zuns for holding wine, and lamps or lanterns. The patterns on these bronze objects were often “teaming with romantic imagination toward immortal worlds.”

A replica of the Flying Horse of Gansu that was donated as a gift to the city of Lexington Kentucky, USA in June 2000. (Jlmallia / CC BY-SA 4.0)