Blackout Wormhole Owner Review : Hypnotic, bold and swirling

It was quite an adventure that led me to acquire this watch. After visiting Watches & Wonders 2025, I was too tired to visit its little brother right next door: Time to Watches. That evening, I regretted it. So I went the next day. I wasn't disappointed; it was a very pleasant surprise, and I almost preferred this show to its big brother. There are fewer people, less bling, it's much easier to connect with people, and the discussions are enriching. I went to see the Blackout Watches booth, a brand I already knew very well. I liked their concept, and I already had it in mind to be able to acquire an affordable tourbillon, but I wasn't particularly drawn to tonneau-shaped models. So, naturally, when I discovered the prototype of this new model, I was immediately intrigued. At that time, the watch hadn't yet been released, not even in its final version, and certainly not announced. I pre-ordered it anyway because I liked the idea of getting into the prototype stage; it gives you a feeling of being privileged, of being in on the secret. Plus, it's a limited edition of 88 pieces (like twice infinity. Incidentally, the two 8s are inscribed on the case back), and since I was one of the first to buy it, I managed to get number 3. I embarked on this adventure blindly, without even knowing the whole story behind it. Because yes, as I would discover six months later at the official release, this model isn't just a watch. It's a comprehensive concept, a complete work of art. It includes a short film (where the watch plays a central role), a sound piece (an ambient soundtrack), a documentary (explaining the project), an experiential launch (an immersive event that took place on October 14, 2025), and of course… the watch! Behind this project is designer Blyne of the label black corner (a label encompassing music, video, design, and more). The model's name, "wormhole," refers to the wormhole. This hypothetical object would act as a shortcut through space-time. One would enter through a black hole and exit on the other side through a white hole. Fascinated by this phenomenon, Blyne sought to transpose it into a watch. Thus, the central tourbillon symbolizes the black hole that draws us in, and the luminous, mirror-polished case back symbolizes the white hole. He has succeeded in transforming a complex philosophical concept into a tangible work of art. Blending science, art, and philosophy, this watch is also a tool for personal development. It invites its wearer to traverse their own wormhole, to push their limits and shatter glass ceilings. Or, to take this metaphysical passage to discover what we could become in new space-times. Upon closer observation of the watch, one realizes that every detail has meaning. With its octagonal case inspired by spaceship portholes, the watch is crafted from stainless steel with a finish that alternates between mirror polish and brushed. Echoing the Black Corner logo, 12 triangular notches are arranged around the bezel, serving as hour markers. Made in Switzerland, the dial is coated in Musou Black. Invented in Japan, this is the blackest black in the world, absorbing up to 99.4% of light. This profound black, which minimizes reflections and the perception of volume, along with the absence of logos or other inscriptions, highlights the tourbillon. There is yet another secret detail visible only in natural light: 12 concentric grooves radiating from the tourbillon towards the hour markers, reinforcing the black hole's suction effect and drawing the eye towards the tourbillon. In addition to its central position, which adds another layer of complexity to the hands' operation, this tourbillon is also flying, meaning its cage is fixed only from below, without an upper bridge. This allows for an unobstructed view of the mechanism while creating the spectacular impression that the tourbillon is floating in mid-air. The holy grail of horological complications, watches often present a choice between very expensive Swiss quality and less reliable Asian manufacturing. This model successfully strikes a perfect balance with exceptional value. Made in Hong Kong, allowing for reasonable costs, it is fully inspected in Switzerland for optimal reliability. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, its accuracy is +/- 25 seconds per day. The shape of the hands is inspired by the Black Corner logo. When stacked, they form a space shuttle. Finally, they are coated with Luminova, known as "Swiss Super Luminous." The sapphire crystal case back offers a view of the magnificent bridges, decorated with arabesques. The alligator leather strap is dyed matte black to replicate the carbon black look. As for the drawbacks, I regret that the movement is hand-wound. Furthermore, since the hands are mounted on a ring around the central tourbillon, the crown must be turned many times to set them. On the other hand, I understand that choosing a hand-wound mechanism allows for a more aesthetically pleasing case back and a reasonable thickness, which is part of its charm. The depth of the black is magnificent, but it does show fingerprints. Finally, regarding the strap, I would have preferred a folding clasp, as it gets a little stuck when you put it through the pin buckle. Specifications: Diameter: 41.5 mm Thickness: 11.5 mm Weight: 120 g Power Reserve: 42 hours Year: 2025 Ref: Wormhole Water Resistance: 5 ATM Central Flying Tourbillon Caliber based on a 37Z0 PTS Resources hand-wound movement, transformed and refined in Switzerland.