All eyes on Tourbillon

The term "tourbillon" comes from French and means "whirlwind". The watch models known by this name are, as the special name suggests, something very special that has been shaking up the market for many years. This sophisticated masterpiece is a device that compensates for deviations in the accuracy of the movement, which arise from the uneven effect of the two compensation arms and the resulting center of gravity of the balance, even in the finest mechanical watch movements. The balance is a small wheel that creates movement, which in turn drives the hands. The more precise the balance, the more accurate the watch. However, any movement makes the balance less precise. This is why the escapement parts of the tourbillon are mounted in an extra delicate frame and the entire system rotates jerkily at high speed. This sophisticated production technology manages to neutralize the force of gravity when the timepiece gets stuck in a certain position - thus guaranteeing accuracy. Over time, numerous further developments of the classic tourbillon emerged.

The Tourbillon Evolution

The dream of the Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet was to ensure that the balance always functioned perfectly. He produced the first tourbillon in around 1795. At that time, production took months, as each of the 80 or so components had to be made by hand. Nowadays, CNC machines are available for this purpose, but production is still challenging. Unfortunately, Breguet did not succeed in making his vision a reality right away. Even tourbillon technology was powerless when it came to watches that moved so much. In 1896, the Danish pocket watch manufacturer Bahne Bonniksen began producing so-called "carousel watches", in which the barrel acted as a rotating bearing and the movement and balance were mounted on a rotating carousel.

The watch regularly performed a position adjustment with a complete rotation, which for the first time made the advantages of the tourbillon usable without any disadvantages. In 1920, the watchmaker trainer Alfred Helwig invented the "flying tourbillon", a special development of the Breguet tourbillon, which dispensed with the upper bridge for supporting the cage.

This is simply mounted on the underside. Another well-known version is the "Gyro-Tourbillon" from the Swiss brand Jaeger-LeCoultre, which can only compensate for static disturbances and not dynamic ones that arise from vibrations, for example. The Gyro-Tourbillon has a complex mechanism that continuously rotates the balance wheel on three axes. However, accuracy is more of a secondary issue here and technical sophistication takes priority. In 2004, Greubel Forsey even brought a double version called the "Double Tourbillon 30" onto the market. The watch has an additional, smaller tourbillon built into the tourbillon frame. The tourbillon, which is angled at 30 degrees, improves accuracy even further through the interaction of the two cages that are inclined towards each other, as these cancel out the deviations in the rate caused by gravity - in absolutely all positions. Four years later, Greubel Forsey produced the masterpiece with even more technical sophistication: the "Quadruple Tourbillon à différentiel" contains two double tourbillons in one case. This timepiece also has a spherical differential that links the four tourbillon frames together. This guarantees even transmission of force. The development of the movement took a full five years, it contains 531 individual parts made especially for this watch and the polishing and decoration of the movement alone took 500 hours. Based on these figures, a production of just six examples per year is possible. Considering the enormous effort involved in manufacturing, this model is actually a bargain at a million dollars. There are now enough copies on the market for just a few thousand euros, mostly from China and Russia. However, these do not necessarily offer the best quality and of course cannot offer the special feeling that the impressive original conveys.

All-time favorite classic

Nowadays, position compensation is sometimes just a technical gimmick, but it actually still plays a role in some watches, especially in terms of aesthetics and elegance. In addition, other types of tourbillon are still being developed and the classic is therefore constantly being reissued. This special type of watch is still in great demand, although it is so expensive due to its complex and time-consuming production. Demand among enthusiasts is unabated, because this fascinating type of timepiece represents deluxe technical sophistication. Every collector would like to have one of these unique pieces in their collection. The complicated workmanship is something very fine - and connoisseurs appreciate it. The special charisma of the tourbillon is particularly evident in some wristwatches. More exclusive models in particular house the small, delicate pieces of jewelry, which justifies the usually high price. Collectors often pay six-figure sums for school watches with tourbillons. However, buyers should be on the lookout for cheap counterfeits and, ideally, rely on a good, well-known dealer. Especially as a layperson in the field, it is often difficult to determine whether it is a tourbillon or an open balance wheel. If you want to buy such a high-quality watch that is also worth its price, you should play it safe.

The most popular models

There is a wide range of tourbillon watches available, as this special timepiece is often a kind of calling card for ambitious master watchmakers. Every well-known brand today has a model in its range as a masterful showpiece. Due to the technical sophistication, the watch face is always opened to provide a clear view of the fine component. Below is an introduction to ten tourbillons that are very special and give you a small insight into the variety on the market. Who knows, maybe your personal favorite is among them. A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar:

The German cult manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne also offers tourbillons. The Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar model combines a tourbillon with a perpetual calendar – an extraordinary combination. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon GMT Concept: Thanks to its open design, this modern technology sensation offers a particularly

A classic that will never go out of style. In addition, the watch delivers acoustic delight thanks to the loudest and clearest minute repeater on the entire market.

Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel: Blancpain is best known for its carousel watches; tourbillon models are rather rare. However, the highlight from the company is precisely for this reason the Tourbillon Carrousel, a watch that combines both technical highlights in one.

A real feast for the eyes. Breitling for Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon: For all fans of the traditional Swiss brand Breitling , there is also the ideal tourbillon option. The Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon is a particularly noble piece that you simply have to love. Here, classic, elegant design meets the highest watchmaking art - style and technology at the highest level. Breguet Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon: This timepiece is something very special - here the tourbillon technology really steals the show, because the focus is on the innovatively designed minute repeater.

The two newly shaped gongs are attached to the bezel and struck from the movement side - one of them even extends beyond the tourbillon escapement! Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Earth and Moon: Cartier has come up with something quite unusual for this timepiece - the tourbillon of the Rotonde de Cartier Earth and Moon is covered to show the phases of the moon. If you use the pusher at the four, the meteorite disc slides in front of the tourbillon so that the remaining section of the rotating mechanism shows the phase of the moon - crazy and ingenious at the same time.

Hublot MP 05 LaFerrari Sapphire: Another special case is this piece of jewelry from Hublot . The watch is transparent and a very special eye-catcher, because the vertical tourbillon ideally complements the eleven spring barrels, which are also arranged vertically.

Thanks to these, an impressive power reserve of 50 days is possible! Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon: The Sky Moon Tourbillon by Patek Philippe houses an impressive number of complications, including some of the most complex. A minute repeater with a striking mechanism with two "cathedral" gongs, the tourbillon and a perpetual calendar with retrograde pointer date are just the showpiece features on the front. On the back, the timepiece also has a sidereal time and map, as well as displays of the moon phases and angular movements. Lugs, cases, crowns, sliders and hands are all hand engraved. This example is clearly one of the most breathtaking watches in the world. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Tourbillon :

This tourbillon comes with a chronograph, automatic winding and chronometer certificate, but in an industrialized design - a particularly interesting mix. The open, symmetrical construction is also a guaranteed eye-catcher. Ulysse Nardin Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon : The tourbillon is the only classically constructed part of this watch. Ulysse has come up with something completely different for the time display here.

The watch has a jumping hour with two separate discs, as well as a minute hand that is drawn from the sides over a linear scale. The rollers that move the thread are reminiscent of the winches that tighten the mast when sailing. Of course, each of the "ticking whirlwinds" has its price, which is often enough to make you dizzy - exclusive pieces can cost up to a million euros. But you must not forget what a work of art you are holding in your hands. This makes a tourbillon a very noble and beautiful status symbol with special significance - an investment that is worthwhile.

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