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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Flying tourbillon wristwatch

BLU Gagarin Platinum Flying Tourbillon

Partially verified

This unique wristwatch by Bernhard Lederer (BLU), created for the Only Watch 2011 auction, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight into space. Constructed with a 42 mm platinum case, the watch features a brushed anthracite dial center-mounted with an 18K hand-engraved three-dimensional gold map of the world. The timekeeping display includes a one-minute flying tourbillon regulator with a titanium cage shaped to read as 'VOSTOK', which orbits the dial counterclockwise every 108 minutes, mirroring the duration of Gagarin's original orbit. The case incorporates a unique, integral rotating magnifying glass intended to simulate the perspective from a space capsule window. Powered by the caliber BL0611, the movement includes triple barrels and a lateral lever escapement. The watch is completed with a platinum buckle and an aesthetic design inspired by the Vostok-1 spacecraft hatch.

Close-up view of the BLU Gagarin watch, highlighting the rotating magnifying glass over the gold world-map dial and Vostok-themed tourbillon.
Close-up view of the BLU Gagarin watch, highlighting the rotating magnifying glass over the gold world-map dial and Vostok-themed tourbillon. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Flying tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bernhard Lederer (BLU)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4
Source-reported date
2011
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Magnification System

The watch is housed in a 42 mm platinum case that features a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. The case architecture is specifically engineered with angled lugs and a protected winding crown. A prominent feature is the integral rotating magnifying glass, which is mounted over the domed sapphire crystal. This optical element is secured with a specialized catch mechanism designed to evoke the aesthetic of the hatch found on the Vostok-1 spacecraft.

The inclusion of the magnifying loupe allows for a close-up viewing experience of the internal dial details and the tourbillon mechanism. This configuration is stated by the auction house to provide an immersive perspective for the wearer, intended to replicate the experience of observing the Earth from within a space capsule.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Circular, polished and brushed, angled lugs, protected winding crown, integral rotating magnifying glass ring with catch inspired by a hatch on Vostok-1”
  • “The platinum case incorporates an integral rotating magnifying glass allowing more intimate appreciation of the tourbillon and the spectacular dial.”

Dial and Complications

The dial is executed in brushed anthracite and features an applied, hand-engraved three-dimensional gold map of the world. The outer border of the dial is engraved with text commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 flight of Yuri Gagarin, noting the 108-minute mission duration. The tourbillon serves as a primary complication, which functions as a one-minute flying tourbillon.

The tourbillon assembly performs a dual role by orbiting the dial counterclockwise once every 108 minutes. The cage itself is constructed from titanium and is formed into the letters spelling 'VOSTOK'. This movement is coordinated to match the precise orbital time of the original Gagarin mission.

Evidence for this section
  • “It features a meticulously hand-engraved, three-dimensional relief map of the world in solid gold in the centre of the dial.”
  • “the tourbillon orbiting above the dial every 108 minutes”
  • “with titanium cage forming the word ?VOSTOK?, orbiting the dial counterclockwise every 108 minutes.”

Movement and Condition

The watch is powered by the Caliber BL0611 movement, which utilizes 35 jewels. The movement configuration incorporates a triple-barrel system and a lateral lever escapement, paired with a monometallic balance and a flat balance spring. This movement supports the unique orbital rotation of the flying tourbillon regulator.

According to the auction description, the condition of the watch is graded as 'As new' across the case, movement, and dial components. This indicates the watch has been maintained in a pristine state of preservation for the Only Watch 2011 exhibition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Caliber BL0611, 35 jewels, triple barrels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, flat balance spring, one-minute flying tourbillon regulator”
  • “Wish Price Grading System Grade: Case: 1 As new Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1 As new”

Open research questions

  • What specific material and construction techniques were used to ensure the rotating magnifying glass remains secure without damaging the sapphire crystal?
  • How does the triple-barrel system in the BL0611 caliber manage the energy requirement of both the timekeeping and the orbital tourbillon movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for BLU Gagarin Platinum Flying Tourbillon
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBernhard Lederer“Bernhard Lederer was born in Germany and moved to Switzerland in 2000.”
Case MaterialPlatinum“Extremely fine, unique, platinum, water-resistant wristwatch”
Dial Material18K gold and brushed anthracite“Brushed anthracite, the outer border inscribed ?First Man in Space ? 12 April 1961 ? Duration 108 Min?, the center with applied hand-engraved map of the world dial”
Movement CaliberBL0611“Movement: Caliber BL0611”
Tourbillon Function108-minute orbital rotation“the tourbillon orbiting above the dial every 108 minutes”
Case Diameter42 mm“Dimensions: Diam. 42 mm.”
Unique FeaturesIntegral rotating magnifying glass“integral rotating magnifying glass ring with catch inspired by a hatch on Vostok-1”

Visible details

  • Integral magnifying glass mechanism positioned over the sapphire crystal
  • Outer dial ring inscribed with 'First Man in Space - 12 April 1961 - Duration 108 Min'
  • Tourbillon cage structure integrated into a Vostok letter configuration
  • Brushed platinum case finish with angled, robust lugs

Research qualifications

  • The source does not explicitly state the country of manufacture, though it mentions the maker moved to Switzerland in 2000
  • Specific water resistance depth rating is not provided in the source despite the claim of being water-resistant

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

BLU Only Watch, Gagarin Platinum Flying Tourbillon Extremely fine, unique, platinum, water-resistant wristwatch celebrating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic flight in space with 108-minute orbiting one-minute flying tourbillon, integral rotating magnifying glass, 18K gold hand-engraved map of the world dial with platinum buckle.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 76653f45ec

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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