Introducing: Trilobe Une Folle Journée Dune

A year after the release of the Une Folle Journée collection, Trilobe adds the brand-new Dune version. Trilobe makes a small change with big results for an all-around rather spectacular watch.

Une folle journée is French for “a crazy day,” and this is quite applicable here. It is not often that you run into a day displayed in three elevated circles, but that is what you get here. Let’s have a closer look!

Excuse me, what time is it?

My natural tendency when I get this question is to stick out my watch toward the person asking. I seem happy to dislocate my shoulder, elbow, and wrist to provide a readable angle. I am not sure why I do this rather than just tell the person what time it is. But this is somehow always the first response that springs to mind when someone catches me off guard. Seriously, try it when you run into me. It’ll be one-armed gymnastics, followed by the visible realization that there was an easier way. I’m sure you’ll laugh.

Well, not if I were wearing the Trilobe Une Folle Journée, that is. If you expect someone to tell you the time and they shove this under your nose, you have a puzzle to solve. I bet you will stare in amazement, eyes locked onto the smooth rotation of the discs, mesmerized by the bubble-like crystal and light play of the different surfaces. And then you will realize you have been staring for a while. “Thank you!” you’ll say politely as you avert your gaze. You’ll walk on and realize you haven’t got a clue what time it is. Who’s laughing now?

Trilobe Une Folle Journée

Look a little closer, and you will find that the time display here is actually quite simple. Rather than have three moving hands point at fixed numerals, this is the other way around. The discs rotate past a red marker, indicating the current time. The largest and lowest disc is for hours, the middle for minutes, and the inner and highest ring for seconds. Nine pillars hold the discs up, the highest one a full centimeter above the dial. It provides a beautifully spacious display at the cost of slimness. At 17.8mm thick, this is not a slender watch. But then again, it was never intended to be.

The spacious effect is boosted by a highly domed sapphire crystal. Besides offering the required space, it provides visual impact. It is somehow a statement of intent. It seems to me like it is saying, “This is not a watch; this is a terrarium teeming with miniature mechanical life. Come and have a look!”

Unlike some similarly innovative futurist watches, the Trilobe Une Folle Journée looks elegant. The off-center stack of rings and clean backdrop keep it in check. Thanks to these elements, it doesn’t seem like it is trying overly hard to be different. And yet it is.

The dunes in the Trilobe

Sticking with the terrarium analogy, you always start with a substrate and soil. This is not only the functional planting soil but the first styling element too. Whether you go with stark black rocks or light sand makes a visual world of difference.

Within our little micro-mechanical Trilobe terrarium, the theme is now “dune.” Last year’s models featured a black backdrop through the X-centric caliber’s exposed black plates. Now, however, we get a beautifully textured coppery background. The rotating rings are a contrasting “stormy grey,” which pairs perfectly with the copper backdrop.

The Trilobe X-centric caliber

The Trilobe X-centric caliber comprises 196 components and is designed by Trilobe. A partner in Switzerland produces the movement. It is a micro-rotor automatic with 48 hours of power reserve, and it runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The backside is black, while the visible front plates are plated with rose gold.

This is a thoroughly modern-looking caliber. The bead-blasted and coated plates give it a stark, futurist appearance. So too does the vertical alignment of the balance, gear train, and micro-rotor. Some nicely polished chamfers add the required elegance. Accuracy is not specified, but as established, you will not be noticing the time when you gaze at this thing anyway.

Trilobe Une Folle Journée specs

The X-centric caliber is housed in a case measuring 40.5mm wide, 48mm long, and 17.8mm thick. The lug spacing is 20mm for perfect strap compatibility. This is great within the current deluge of watches with 19mm and 21mm strap widths.

You can have your pick of a Grade 5 titanium or 18K rose gold case. This choice strongly impacts the overall vibe of the watch. The titanium emphasizes the futurist cool, matching the grey rings on the dial. The rose gold case, on other hand, gives it a warmer, luxurious feel, matching the dune backplates.

Regardless of your case material of choice, your Trilobe will come on a brown alligator strap. The titanium model is priced at €23,500. However, if you prefer gold, the price jumps to €35,500.

What do you think of the Trilobe Une Folle Journée? And which would be your pick? Let us know in the comments below.

You can also find and follow me on Instagram: @time_travelers_journal