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If you’re a fan of luxury watches, you have probably heard of the term ‘tourbillon’ before. But do you know what it actually means, and why tourbillon watches are so expensive? Here, we’ll explore the definition of tourbillons, the significance and why they cost so much.
A tourbillon movement is a type of complication, or extra feature, found in certain watches. Tourbillon was invented in the late 18th century and consist of a system of rotating gears and a balance wheel that rotate around the watch’s movement, or internal mechanism. This helps the watch keep accurate time by compensating for the effects of gravity on its internal parts.
As you can imagine, designing and creating a tourbillon requires a great deal of skill and precision. Tourbillons are extremely complex and intricate and require precision engineering to work properly. This is why tourbillon watches are generally more expensive than other watches. In addition, tourbillons are often made with precious metals and gemstones, making the watches even more expensive.
Although Abraham-Louis Breguet, a Swiss-French watchmaker, developed and patented the tourbillon in June of 1801. The idea was actually conceived by his friend John Arnold, a British watchmaker and inventor.
Breguet invented the tourbillon as a way to improve the accuracy of pocket watches, which were affected by the negative effects of gravity when carried around in a pocket. His design featured a system of rotating gears and a balance wheel that could rotate around the watch’s movement. This rotation helped counteract the effects of gravity and allow the watch to keep precise time. The tourbillon went on to become incorporated in luxury watches, and is still highly sought after by watch enthusiasts.
The tourbillon is significant because it is a symbol of craftsmanship and exceptional engineering. Tourbillon watches are notoriously complex and intricate, requiring precision engineering to work properly.
This makes them highly desirable and allows them to fetch higher prices than other watches. Furthermore, the movement of the tourbillon can often be seen through the face, which gives these watches a unique and stylish appearance.
Today, the tourbillon remains a highly sought-after complication. But what different types of tourbillon can be found in luxury watches? Below we’ll explore the various types of tourbillons and the features that make each unique.
The most common type of tourbillon is the Single Axis Tourbillon. This is designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s internal parts. This tourbillon consists of a rotating cage with a balance wheel and other components. The cage rotates around the watch’s movement, allowing more accurate timekeeping as the rotation offsets the effects of gravity on the internal parts. The balance wheel is held slightly off-centre in the cage, and this unevenness helps the tourbillon keep precise time.
A Double Axis Tourbillon works by incorporating two axes of rotation. The tourbillon is designed with a rotating cage containing a balance wheel and other components, and this cage rotates on two axes. The two axes counteract the effects of gravity in both vertical and horizontal positions. This improves accuracy, as the tourbillon can maintain precision and accuracy regardless of the watch’s orientation.
The Double and Quadruple Tourbillons. The Double Tourbillon 30° features one tourbillon carriage rotating once per minute and inclined at 30°, inside another carriage which rotates once every four minutes. The Quadruple Tourbillon uses two double-tourbillons working independently. A spherical differential connects the four rotating carriages, distributing torque between two wheels rotating at different speeds.
A Flying Tourbillon is an advanced type of tourbillon that features a balance wheel set on a single axis, rather than the traditional tourbillon which has a rotating cage. The balance wheel is held in place by a bridge system which is connected to the movement, and is designed to be lightweight and weightless. The tourbillon then rotates around the watch’s movement, allowing for more precise timekeeping as the effects of gravity are reduced.
A Gyro Tourbillon is a type of tourbillon complication that makes use of inertia to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s internal parts. It works by utilising a cage with three balance wheels that are free to rotate on one, two, or three axes, depending on the design. This cage is then suspended in the center of the movement by a fixed frame.
Most gyro tourbillons also make use of a spinning platform which helps the device remain in the same orientation even when it is moved. This is important because it ensures that the balance wheels will rotate in the same direction and keep accurate time even when the watch is moved. The result? An incredibly accurate watch that keeps perfect time regardless of its orientation or environment.
Finally, the Triple Axis Tourbillon is the most complex type of tourbillon. This type of tourbillon contains three different axes, each set to rotate in a different direction. The three axes together provide the ultimate in accuracy, making this tourbillon very popular amongst watch enthusiasts.
While all tourbillons are designed to counteract gravity and increase accuracy, the various types of tourbillons have unique constructions that offer different advantages. From the single axis tourbillon to the triple axis tourbillon, each type has its own features and nuances for watch connoisseurs to appreciate.
Tourbillons are an incredibly complex and intricate feature found in luxury watches. Used to improve accuracy, these complications require precision engineering and are often made with precious materials, making them more sought after. With their beautiful movement and superior accuracy, tourbillon watches are a staple for any luxury watch enthusiast.
You can browse a selection of Tourbillon watches in the BQ Watches online shop today. We have all the best luxury brands, and we can always help you source something if you have something specific in mind. Browse our inventory of Tourbillon watches below to see what we have in store and find your perfect watch today.
Whether you need something dressy, sporty or casual, you can always count on the experts at BQ Watches. Our online inventory is constantly rotating with pre-owned luxury timepieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Tag Heuer and many more.
Our experts are always happy to help you find your perfect watch. We’re also always ready to source a watch for you if you can’t find what you want in our inventory. Additionally, we offer services for selling your luxury watch, getting an appraisal, professional cleanings and even maintenance. We’re your one-stop shop for all of your luxury watch needs. Browse our online shop today or come visit us in our London, UK showroom to get to know the experts at BQ Watche