Peacock Haiyi Tourbillon Dive Watch: Hands-On Review

Peacock, a Chinese watch brand known for its complicated timepieces, brings us the Haiyi Tourbillon—a limited-edition 40mm dive watch with a vibrant Lindsay-engraved enameled dial. If you haven’t heard of Liaoning Peacock, don’t worry, you’re not alone. They’ve been creating intricate timepieces since 1957 out of Dandong, China, and are actually one of the largest movement manufacturers in the world! Peacock’s claim to fame comes from their unusual complications, like fitting a dive watch with an in-house free-sprung tourbillon movement and an enamel dial designed to reflect the ebb and flow of the sea.

The Peacock Haiyi Tourbillon is a unique creation that’s available in blue, purple, and green. During our time at Fratello HQ, we got our hands on the green version to check out. Peacock has a fascinating history, starting out as the Antong Metal Products Factory, which later transformed into Peacock in 1973. Named after the elegant and prestigious peacock, the traditional Chinese symbol, the brand quickly rose to the top in the 80s with over 3.8 million watches produced annually. Based in Dandong, a city known as “The Geneva of the East,” Peacock has become a standout in the horology world, even winning the 2024 iF Design Award for their Black Hole tourbillon watch.

Now, let’s dive into the details of the Haiyi Tourbillon! This watch has a 40mm steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a dial that integrates translucent enamel with Lindsay engraving to create a mesmerizing pattern of 190 waves and 78 intersections. Lindsay engraving, a precise technique driven by controlled pneumatic impulses, gives the dial an intricate tidal wave design, capturing the essence of the ocean. The watch’s name, Haiyi, translates to “Island” in English, emphasizing its connection to the sea.

The dive watch also boasts a 300m water-resistant rating and comes with either a matching rubber strap or a meticulously crafted steel bracelet. The dial’s intricate design includes six interlocking engraved zones that progressively expand in a fluid pattern—a true homage to the ocean’s movement. The attention to detail in the Peacock Haiyi Tourbillon is unparalleled, showcasing the brand’s dedication to high-end mechanical watchmaking.