Over the past few years, senior editors at Hodinkee, MonoChrome, and ABlogtoWatch have tracked a subtle yet undeniable realignment in collector psychology. The market is experiencing a profound pivot away from mass-produced stainless-steel sports watches toward pieces that offer emotional resonance, unusual stone dials, and high mechanical value. Furthermore, global perception around Chinese haute horlogerie has matured. Contemporary collectors increasingly recognize that legacy houses like Shanghai Watch—a historic titan established in 1955—possess deep expertise in complex regulating organs.
The HUASUO HS004 Natural Jadeite Double Tourbillon (SKU: HS004) arrives precisely at this intersection. Priced at $3,499.00 and strictly limited to just five handcrafted pieces per model, the HS004 pairs an organic slice of natural green jadeite with a dual-tourbillon movement customized by Shanghai Watch. It represents a bold, unapologetic expression of independent Eastern watchmaking.
The Narrative & Material Philosophy
For centuries, jadeite held higher status than precious metals in Imperial China, prized for its toughness, tactile warmth, and subtle translucency. Incorporating stone into a watch dial, however, is a notorious manufacturing challenge. Mineral stone plates are inherently brittle, requiring microscopic precision during cutting, drilling, and finishing to avoid cracking under stress.
On the HS004, HUASUO lets the material take center stage. The natural jadeite dial exhibits a rich, imperial green tone with distinct organic fibrous structures visible beneath the surface. Because it is mined stone rather than synthetic glass or painted lacquer, each dial possesses a unique visual signature.
To preserve the purity of the stone, HUASUO opted against traditional hour markers or printed tracks. Instead, open-worked, skeletonized syringe-style hands sweep directly over the jade canvas, allowing light to penetrate the mineral surface unimpeded.
Technical Breakdown: Dual Engine Dynamics
At the mechanical heart of the HS004 lies a customized double tourbillon caliber developed with Shanghai Watch. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement mounts two independent tourbillon carriages side by side at the 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions.
From an engineering perspective, running two tourbillon cages simultaneously demands careful torque distribution from the mainspring to ensure both regulating balance wheels receive consistent energy amplitude. While a single tourbillon compensates for gravitational errors in vertical positions, a dual arrangement doubles the kinetic motion on the wrist.
Under a 10x loupe, the finishing on the tourbillon cages reflects clean, precise industrial execution. The polished steel upper bridges, blued accent screws, and gold balance wheels offer a crisp, architectural contrast against the organic green stone backdrop.
The Wrist Experience: Statement Proportions
There is no mistaking the HS004 for a timid dress watch. Measuring 45mm in diameter with a 54mm lug-to-lug distance, it is a commanding piece designed for collectors who appreciate strong wrist presence. However, with a thickness of just 12.5mm, the watch sits surprisingly flat against the wrist, avoiding the top-heavy feel typical of complex mechanical watches.
The 316L stainless steel case features a distinct notched bezel architecture that catches light at multiple angles. Paired with a matching double-sided green crocodile leather strap, the watch creates a unified monochromatic green theme that feels luxurious and intentional.
On the wrist, the natural jadeite shifts subtly under direct sunlight, transforming from a deep olive shadow into a glowing emerald tone, all while the twin tourbillons rotate in constant rhythm.
