Antoine Preziuso - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Antoine Preziuso is an independent watchmaking house founded in 1980 in Geneva by the eponymous master watchmaker. From the beginning, the workshop has stood out for its desire to combine tradition with creative freedom, producing watches in very limited series and often unique pieces. Addressing knowledgeable collectors, the brand offers creations that prioritize mechanical poetry and narrative aesthetics, far removed from industrial standards and mass-market marketing codes.

The “Tourbillon of Tourbillons” and the pursuit of horological resonance

The name Antoine Preziuso is now inseparable from his most striking creation: the “Tourbillon of Tourbillons.” First presented in the early 2010s, this timepiece is characterized by three independent tourbillons, mounted on a rotating plate and linked by a planetary differential. This device produces a rare effect of mechanical resonance, where each regulator corrects the variations of the others. It is the culmination of decades of research and a close collaboration with his son Florian Preziuso. This watch embodies the will to transform a traditional complication into a genuine horological performance, where the movement is no longer just a regulator but becomes a living stage play.

The “Tourbillon of Tourbillons” received international recognition, notably at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), where it won an award in the innovation category. It illustrates the workshop’s ability to move beyond academic frameworks to reinvent the codes of complex watchmaking. Preziuso’s message is clear: a watch can be both an artistic and mechanical laboratory, while still being an object worn on the wrist.

Iconic collections and models: between robustness and poetry

Although the brand’s image is strongly tied to the tri-tourbillon, its production is far from limited to this technical feat. The collections of Antoine Preziuso are structured around several families, some of which have become cult references among fans of independent watchmaking. The diversity of these lines reflects the ambition to propose watches suited to different uses, while maintaining a singular identity.

• Antoine Preziuso B-Side — a reversible watch that showcases the movement. The time display is secondary, almost hidden, leaving room for pure mechanical contemplation. It suggests that a watch can be more of an artwork than a utilitarian instrument.
• Antoine Preziuso Chrono Grand Robusto — a bold chronograph, recognizable by its inclined Arabic numerals and massive case. An expressive timepiece with a strong visual presence.
• Antoine Preziuso Transworld — a model designed for travelers, with a 24-hour display and stylized globe representation. The approach is intuitive: enabling its wearer to quickly grasp the time across different zones.
• Antoine Preziuso Siena — an homage to a medieval Italian clock, featuring decorative hands and mother-of-pearl dials. This line reveals the influence of history and decorative arts in the brand’s creations.
• Antoine Preziuso Tourbillon of Tourbillons — the flagship creation, where the rotating plate exposes three regulators in perpetual motion. It combines theatricality, expertise and technical prowess.

Each model illustrates a facet of the maison’s philosophy: either a reflection on function (like world time display) or a celebration of ornament and craft. This variety allows the brand to appeal to both technophiles and lovers of visual poetry.

Use of rare materials and remarkable collaborations

Another key aspect of the workshop lies in its use of materials. Antoine Preziuso was one of the first to integrate meteorite into watches, not only for dials but also for cases and finishing details. The choice of cosmic fragments (Gibeon, Muonionalusta) is no anecdote: it gives each piece an irreproducible singularity. This approach places the watch in a narrative dimension that transcends its simple timekeeping function.

The maison has also gained attention through collaborations. The most famous remains its participation in the Harry Winston Opus 2 project in the early 2000s. This venture allowed Preziuso to gain broader recognition by showcasing his skills within a prestigious collective framework. In parallel, the brand affirms its membership in the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants), which brings together independent watchmakers who share the same philosophy: creative freedom and rejection of mass industrialization. Being a member of this circle reinforces Antoine Preziuso’s legitimacy as a recognized independent actor.

Positioning, pricing and distribution: a confidential watchmaking house

The production of Antoine Preziuso remains extremely limited. Most models are produced in small runs, with many unique pieces. This rarity comes with a high-end positioning, with prices ranging from tens of thousands of Swiss francs for “simpler” models, up to several hundred thousand francs for tri-tourbillons with gem-setting or customization. Exact prices vary considerably depending on materials, complications and personalization levels.

Distribution is deliberately selective: a handful of specialized retailers, international fairs, and above all, direct contact with the Geneva workshop. This closeness between creator and buyer is an integral part of the Preziuso experience. Clients are not just acquiring a watch; they are entering into a dialogue with the watchmaker, often resulting in a unique configuration. In a watchmaking landscape dominated by standardization, this artisanal approach appeals to a small but loyal audience.

Conclusion

Antoine Preziuso is a maison aimed at demanding collectors, seeking unique pieces deeply marked by a creator’s imprint. Its identity can be read in robust forms, original dials, the use of rare materials, and spectacular complications such as the tri-tourbillon. Choosing among them depends on whether one seeks a high-watchmaking marvel, an expressive everyday piece, or an artistic object linked to history and decorative arts. In all cases, the essential step is to rely on Dialicious customer reviews, in order to compare the emotion aroused by these watches with the real-life experiences of their owners.

(Updated August 2025)