Watch Paparazzi

Singer Chris Brown spotted wearing Purnell

Chris Brown was recently photographed wearing what is arguably one of the most technically ambitious watches currently produced by any independent manufacture: the Purnell Escape II in White Purnell Microfiber (WPM), realized in collaboration with Japanese upcycling label ReadyMade. The piece is immediately identifiable by its twin spherion tourbillon cages rendered in neon orange and neon green — a chromatic choice that transforms a feat of mechanical engineering into a statement of visual art.

Founded by Eric Loth, Purnell built its identity around the Spherion, a proprietary three-dimensional tourbillon regulator that rotates on three axes at three different speeds: 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 180 seconds. This multi-axial architecture is designed to counteract gravitational errors across every positional orientation of the watch, not merely vertical ones. The Escape II houses two of these Spherion regulators operating in concert, driven by a proprietary manually-wound movement delivering approximately 65 hours of power reserve. The case on this specific variant is executed in white ceramic — internally referred to as White Purnell Microfiber — which offers exceptional scratch resistance and a matte, almost surgical aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the vivid mechanical spectacle beneath the dial.

The ReadyMade collaboration elevates the piece beyond pure horology. The strap is fashioned from original vintage U.S. Army WWII fabric, sourced and reworked by ReadyMade founder Yuta Hosokawa, whose brand has built a following around repurposing military surplus into luxury ready-to-wear. The sapphire crystal dial is hand-painted across 47 distinct rainbow-shade color gradients on the minute track, and 12 baguette-cut diamond indexes serve as hour markers — a level of hand-finishing that situates this watch firmly in the haute horology conversation.

For collectors, the Purnell Escape II occupies rare territory: a genuine independent manufacture producing a complication (dual spherical tourbillon) that neither Patek Philippe nor Rolex has attempted in production form. The limited nature of the ReadyMade edition amplifies scarcity further, making secondary market appearances uncommon.

Chris Brown has demonstrated a discerning eye for independent horology in recent years, gravitating toward pieces that prioritize mechanical spectacle and cultural narrative over institutional brand recognition. The Escape II ReadyMade checks both boxes with authority.