The DERRICK GAZ TOURBILLON is a full-fledged invention: a timepiece at the crossroads of high precision, watchmaking art and the great tradition of automatons. It is based on attentive observation of traditional 19th century gas extraction systems.

The gas derrick towers majestically on the left-hand side of the timepiece. This skeletonised structure made of grade 5 titanium is a perfect detailed reproduction of the derricks dedicated to underground exploration. The gas thus begins its journey along the pipeline, symbolised by the tourbillon bridge.

The gas pipeline leads to the valve handle. Obviously, this is what controls the flow of fuel on a real-life gas network. With the same desire for consistency, Louis Moinet has connected it directly to the crown: when the timepiece is wound by hand, the valve handle turns too, as if it were regulating the supply of energy to the Derrick Gaz Tourbillon.

The pipeline continues its path, reaching a subdial on which the derrick’s manometer serves as the power-reserve indicator for the DERRICK GAZ TOURBILLON. Everything about it – down to the tiniest details, including the shape, type, proportions and design of the pointer – is a faithful reproduction of the manometers found on real-life gas networks.

The journey comes to a natural close at 3 o’clock, where the gas is stored in a tank made entirely of polished 316L stainless steel.