How Tourbillon Watches Work: An In-Depth Look

Tourbillon watches are one of the most interesting and complicated types of watch available on the market today. The tourbillon is a device that was originally invented to counterbalance the effects of gravity on precision timekeeping, but tourbillons often have other functions in addition to this main function.

There are two types of tourbillons: open tourbillons and closed tourbilions. But what is a tourbillon watch exactly? One might ask. In this article, we will look at how tourbillon watches work and what their benefits include! Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Tourbillon?

A tourbillon is a device in mechanical watches that improves accuracy and prevents the watch from being knocked off balance. A tourbillon is an additional mechanism, usually found in one of the corners of the dial. It consists of a cage that holds one or more weights. And that turn to compensate for any unbalanced force applied on either side of it.

The word “tourbillon” comes from French meaning “whirlwind” or “a rotating motion”. Tourbillons have been used by many high end Swiss manufacturers since they were first introduced by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801 as he attempted to solve problems related to gravity affecting timekeeping precision when pocket watches were carried in waistcoat pockets; this was due to the tourbillon’s ability to cancel out the effect of gravity on a watch.

The tourbillon can be found in many different types of watches, from pocket watches to wristwatches. It’s basically an additional set-up that compensates for any distortion. As it moves around the dial, keeping time accurate to 1/12th second per day!

How Does a Tourbillion Work?

Tourbillons are created to reduce and eliminate errors in timekeeping due to gravity, both on earth and in outer space. It does this by rotating a small cage holding the escapement at speeds around 240 revolutions per minute. The speed of rotation prevents any one point from being subjected to more than 1/6th of the total gravitational force. And that keeps it running accurate for much longer periods than traditional watches. In order to keep up with technology these days, you need a high quality timepiece that can stand up against anything; your tourbillion will deliver just that!

Why are Tourbillon Watches So Expensive?

A tourbillon watch is a very high-end, expensive type of watch. What makes them so pricey? The answer to this question is complicated and can be explained in many ways. One way to explain the cost of these watches comes down to their complex mechanisms that make them so beautiful. And that also makes them more difficult and time consuming to produce.

Other factors may include the materials used in making it, where it was made, and other parts that go into its construction. Of course there are other reasons too such as prestige or status but for those who want an explanation based on facts: complexity equals cost!

5 Fascinating Tourbillon Watches You Need to Know

Tourbillon watches have been around for over 200 years, and they were originally created to counter the effects of gravity on the balance wheel. A watch with a tourbillon can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Because it is an engineering marvel that offers unparalleled precision. The following five examples show how different watchmakers have interpreted the concept to create their own unique pieces.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Watch

In the world of watches, there are few things more beautiful than an intricately designed timepiece with a tourbillon. Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Watch is just such a watch and it offers many features that make it one of the most beautiful and sought after in its class.

The movement is made up of 356 components which are all hand-finished by master craftsmen to ensure exquisite quality. With intricate details like this, you can see why this watch has been given prestigious awards for design excellence around the world. It also comes equipped with two diamond-set bezels. And that allow you to dress your wrist up or down depending on where you’re headed — formal dinner or cocktail party.

Breguet Marine “Grande Complication” Tourbillon Watch

Breguet Marine “Grande Complication” Tourbillon is the most complicated watch in Breguet’s history, with more than 1,000 parts. In order to create this masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship, every single part was machined by hand — even the screws. This timepiece features an 18-carat white gold case that measures 41mm in diameter and a black alligator strap.

The dials are made from blue mother-of-pearl or rose gold guilloche enamel for a truly unique look. It includes three tourbillons: one rotating at constant speed within the movement; another on top of it rotating once per minute; and a third located on the back of the tourbillon cage that rotates once per hour. This timepiece just shows off some impressive craftsmanship from start to finish as well as an attention to detail that few other brands can claim!

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Watch

A true masterpiece of engineering, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Flying Tourbillon Skeleton is a stunning timepiece. Expertly crafted by master watchmakers in Switzerland, this captivating timepiece features an intricate skeleton dial that showcases the movement within and offers unparalleled insight into the inner workings of this mechanical wonder. With its dynamic design and attention to detail, you’re sure to love it as much as we do!

It features an in-house made tourbillon movement. And that means the balance wheel rotates on its own axis to compensate for any loss of accuracy caused by gravity. This watch also features a skeletonized dial with open lugs that display exceptional finishing touches. Such as blackened screws, polished steel parts, and hand-engraved bridges. This makes the Laureato Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Watch not only elegant but also technically impressive in its innovation and design!

Patek Philippe Grand Complication Platinum Tourbillon Watch

Patek Philippe is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1839. They are known for some of the most complicated and luxurious watches available on the market today. The Patek Philippe Grand Complication Platinum Tourbillon Watch has a tourbillion, minute repeater and perpetual calendar displaying day, date, month. And moon phase with retrograde display of leap year cycle. It also features an automatic winding mechanism powered by its self-winding rotor system that can be seen from the back of this exquisite timepiece.

The tourbillion, made of platinum with 18-karat gold accents, rotates in front of your eyes every 60 seconds. So that you can see all three faces clearly without having to rotate the watch yourself. With an intricate calendar that includes moon phases as well as leap years, and an indicator for sunrise/sunset times around the world, this watch has enough detail to satisfy even those who demand nothing less than perfection from their watches!

H. Moser & Cie X MB&F Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon Watch

H. Moser & Cie is known for their innovation in the watch industry. And this new release of a tourbillon watch with a cylindrical design is one of the most interesting designs released in recent years. The case has an incredible 41mm diameter that features an octagonal shape to reflect the company’s commitment to symmetry. This watch also has a red rubber strap that was designed exclusively for MB&F by H. Moser & Cie that adds another layer of distinctiveness rarely seen on other watches.

This is a watch that you will want to add to your collection. And it has been created with the help of one of the world’s most renowned designers, Maximilian Büsser. This watch was designed for those who want more than just an ordinary timepiece; this piece is perfect for those who are looking for something truly unique and special in their lives.

Conclusion

The Tourbillon is a delicate, intricate mechanism inside the watch that helps regulate time. It creates a more stable environment for the escapement and balance wheel to function in order to provide accurate timing throughout the day.

The tourbillon watch is a work of art, but it also has incredible precision. Tourbillons are used in all kinds of watches from luxury to sports models; they can even be found in some pocket watches!

The tourbillon is an engineering marvel that has been used in high-end watches for centuries. In this blog post, we’ve explored the history and science of these timepieces, as well as some of the most fascinating examples available today. We hope you enjoyed reading about how a tourbillon watch works! If you have any questions or want to learn more about our products, please contact us at SenseOrient.