News

Introducing the CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

by Sheng Lee . May 2, 2023

News

Introducing the CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

After designing watches for TAG Heuer and Montblanc, Claudio D’Amore chose to forge his own path and founded CODE41 in 2016. The brand quickly gained attention for its impressive value proposition and has continued to introduce more timepieces, including a large, flat pocket watch boasting an eight-day power reserve. Its newest and most premium timepiece is the T360 Tourbillon, which features a Swiss-made movement and serves as the brand’s flagship model.

The T360 stands out due to its price point at just under USD 10,000, offering excellent value as a Swiss tourbillon wristwatch. Although it’s not entirely unmatched, the T360 faces only a handful of competitors from Swiss brands, which sets it apart from the broader watchmaking industry.

CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

Like most CODE41 timepieces, the T360 features a skeletonized movement, which offers excellent visibility into the mechanics, especially since it is hand-wound and lacks a rotor on the back. Although the movement is relatively straightforward, consisting of 141 parts, it features several thoughtful details, including a free-sprung balance wheel with adjustable mass, giving it a technical look and avoiding the potential drawback of a less refined Etachron regulator.

Notably, the brand makes it clear that the movement is 100% Swiss-made, designed by specialist BCP Tourbillons, and assembled by another specialist using locally sourced parts. As BCP Tourbillon works with a number of brands, the base movement of the T360 is tried and tested, something that CODE41 is pleased about. This allows the movement to be regulated to +/-5 seconds a day — an unusual feat for a tourbillon wristwatch.

The seconds display consists of a “lumed” triangular hand on the tourbillon cage, which is almost invisible due to its small size compared to the arms of the cage, but serves its purpose

CODE41 has taken an unusual approach by publishing a list of its suppliers, some of whom may not be well known to watch buyers. Collectors with a keen curiosity will find this satisfying, especially as the company has even disclosed the price of each component and the margin — a move that is considered sacrilegious in the luxury world and once again demonstrates the brand’s goal of creating an open and accessible watchmaking experience. Importantly, the detailed list provides a rare insight into the supply chain for Swiss watchmaking, which is currently facing challenges, according to industry insiders.

With the T360, the brand has introduced a new case that is even more rugged than the signature NativeDNA. Called Stratom, the new case is also cushion-shaped and 42mm wide like the standard case, but it features an angular bezel and four large screws at the corners. Unlike the movement, the case and other external parts like the crystal and strap are made by Chinese suppliers, so the brand estimates that about 90% of the watch is made in Switzerland. With the two case options available, CODE41 has gone a step further and allowed for more personalization, including strap options, as well as a choice of movement colors, which in extreme cases can include a rainbow of colors on the bridges.

CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

The tourbillon was once truly exotic, but thanks to changing tastes and technology, it has become more popular in the last two decades. Now the compelling complication has reached new heights as it begins to establish itself in a more affordable price segment, at least from a Swiss watchmaking perspective. CODE41 is one of the few brands that have made a concerted effort to make the Swiss tourbillon more accessible. Because of this, the T360 Tourbillon stands out, which is great news for collectors, as it makes the exotic mechanism accessible to a wider audience than ever before.

In addition to its relatively affordable price, the T360 Tourbillon is also distinguished by its attention to detail, which is reflected in the openworked movement with an original, modern and sporty bridge design. The details of the movement are also nicely done, with a free-sprung balance and clean finishing of all components.

CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

Tech Specs

CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

Movement: Manual-winding caliber T360; 105-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, tourbillon
Case: 42mm x 11.7mm (NativeDNA) or 42mm x 12mm (Stratom); Grade 5 titanium; water resistant to 100m
Strap: Calf leather strap, rubber strap or titanium bracelet
Price: Starting at USD 9,598 on strap, from CODE41.com

Tech Specs

CODE41 T360 Tourbillon

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