The company Horage, one of the most unusual in the watch industry, presents the fourth model in the Lensman series - the Lensman 1.2.
This is yet another technically fascinating novelty, equipped with an upgraded version of Horage's K-TOU movement. But the watch's appearance should not be overlooked. With its white dial and strap, the Lensman 1.2 is also visually stunning.
In 2021, Horage introduced Lensman 1 and Lensman 1.1 - two models inspired by photography, featuring the manual winding K-TOU caliber with a flying tourbillon. While the Lensman 1 was a limited edition of 200 pieces, the Lensman 1.1 was more or less the same watch in a different color scheme, released in 300 pieces. The third model, Lensman 2, features a cushion-shaped case and Horage's K2 automatic micro-rotor movement, making it entirely different from the first two. And now we have the Lensman 1.2. It's the fourth Horage Lensman model, but the third version of the Lensman 1.
Horage Lensman 1.2
Horage is known for its exciting technical achievements. So let me begin with the caliber of the new Lensman 1.2, the upgraded K-TOU manual winding flying tourbillon by Horage. The mention of the word "in-house" is redundant here since Horage designs and manufactures all its calibers in-house. K-TOU became Horage's second patented movement. Introduced in 2020, it was first installed in the Horage Tourbillon 1 model. In 2021, the updated version of this caliber was featured in the Lensman 1 and Lensman 1.1 models. Then, in January 2024, Horage equipped the Tourbillon 2 model with the K-TOU movement, complemented by a power reserve indicator. The Lensman 1.2 model also received the updated K-TOU caliber with a silicon spring but without the power reserve indicator.
What's New in the K-TOU Movement?
Like other Horage calibers, the K-TOU was designed for various configurations. It uses a modular approach, but without stacking different modules on top of each other. Compared to the Tourbillon 1, the K-TOU caliber was upgraded for the Lensman 1, 1.1, and now 1.2. As you may know, Horage pioneered the use of silicon components in mechanisms. The brand doesn't just make existing metal parts out of silicon but produces differently designed components to fully utilize the properties and advantages of silicon.
The first version of the K-TOU used a silicon escapement and anchor. The updated version boasts a silicon hairspring and some component improvements for increased efficiency and user satisfaction. Horage moved the previously offset main spring to a central position and altered the hand-winding gear train to make it lighter and more convenient. When fully wound, the caliber provides a five-day power reserve, and its accuracy meets chronometric standards.
The Dial
More prominent than the modifications mentioned in the movement details is the white dial. Its applied indices are made of polished rhodium and filled with white Super-LumiNova X1. They are positioned on a textured ring that breaks the smooth central part. The detailed minute-second scale features dark silver Arabic numerals around the perimeter and a red "60" at the 12 o'clock mark. The skeletonized hour and minute hands are also silver. Of course, the star of the show is the titanium flying tourbillon at the "6 o'clock" position, magnified by a lens that enlarges the details. The Lensman 1.2 clearly displays its lineage. The dial structure, shape of the indices, and hands match the Lensman 1 and 1.1 models.
Grade 5 Titanium Case
The Horage Lensman 1.2 case measures 41 mm in diameter and 49 mm in length. It is made of lightweight grade 5 titanium and pairs well with the white dial. It resembles the combination of a silver-chrome Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 lens on a white Leica M9-P model. The engraving on the sides of the case is inspired by the Summilux aperture ring, as is the knurling of the focusing ring on the (fixed) bezel. The screw-down crown is adorned with a black onyx insert, and the exhibition case back, fitted with sapphire glass, showcases the updated generation of the Horage manual winding tourbillon K-TOU caliber. The front of the case houses a domed sapphire crystal with multiple internal anti-reflective coatings. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and weighs only 44 grams without the strap.
Summer-Ready Strap
Unlike the Lensman 1 and 1.1 models, which had leather straps, the new Lensman 1.2 will come with a Swiss-made white rubber strap with a black underside. It will feature a woven texture that beautifully complements the white dial and adds a seasonal character. Such a strap is a comfortable choice for warm weather when water and sweat are common. The strap is equipped with Horage's signature folding clasp, bringing the total weight of the watch to only 64 grams. The package also includes quick-release pins, allowing for easy strap changes. Although the Lensman 1.2 with a white dial evokes spring-summer vibes, a more subdued strap would also suit it.
Summer Is Coming
As summer approaches, light colors become increasingly attractive. This time of year often sees watch dials in light tones, and the Lensman 1.2 dial fits this image perfectly. But Horage did not want to deviate from the camera theme, as, after all, the Lensman 1.2 is part of a photography-inspired series. Specific cameras, such as the Leica M10-P White Edition, served as inspiration for creating the white dial, which is also ideal for the warm months. However, attention is needed here. As of May 28, 2024, initial stock will be available for immediate delivery. Further orders will be shipped by Horage from August 2024. Fortunately, as previously mentioned, for those who do not receive the product by summer, other strap colors and material options are available. Horage has set the price for the Lensman 1.2 at 9,990 Swiss francs, including taxes, duties, and shipping. Information on how to order the Lensman 1.2 can be found on the Horage website.
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Technical Specifications
- Dial: White with polished rhodium-plated indices and Super-LumiNova inserts, diamond-cut hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Case Dimensions: 41 mm (diameter) × 49 mm (lug-to-lug)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with multi-layer internal anti-reflective coating
- Case Back: Grade 5 titanium and sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating
- Movement: Horage K-TOU: manual winding, frequency 21,600 vph (3.5 Hz), power reserve 120+ hours, 19 jewels, flying tourbillon with titanium carriage, anti-magnetic silicon escapement, accuracy -4/+6 seconds per day
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap: White rubber (22 mm width) with woven texture, black underside, signature folding clasp, and quick-release pins
- Functions: Time only (hours and minutes)
- Price: 9,990 Swiss francs (including taxes, duties, and shipping)
- Special Notes: 44 grams without strap and clasp, 64 grams total