This grey and blue Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR-A by Samuel Ross was presented during Miami Art Week in December 2024
The tourbillon (which is French for “whirlwind”) is an extra mechanism to the escapement of a watch. It aims to counter the effects of gravity by mounting the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage. This negates the effect of gravity when the timepiece, thus the escapement, is stuck in a certain position. Because of the continuous rotation of the entire balance wheel and escapement assembly positional errors are averaged out.
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The tourbillon was developed around 1795 and patented by the French-Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet on June 26, 1801 as an attempt to improve accuracy.
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The (mechanical) mechanisms of modern watches are so accurate that a tourbillon is not really necessary. Still, they can be found on (mostly expensive) watches, but more as a demonstration of watchmaking virtuosity.
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Watches with a tourbillon
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is a masterpiece of more than a million, combining ingenuity and craftsmanship
The Bvlgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon stands as a 1 million testament to the brand’s dedication to horological excellence
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Mechanica Calibre 362 is a limited-edition showcase of technical innovation and precise craftsmanship
Audemars Piguet presents the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”, a 43-millimeter titanium piece of art by KAWS
Vacheron Constantin introduces the Traditionnelle Tourbillon High Jewellery, a blend of high watchmaking and gem-setting artistry
The Breguet Marine Tourbillon Equation Marchante 5887 in black is a model in the Marine collection, reflecting their maritime history
The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin Greek Mythology are two unique timepieces referring to the Greek god of time
Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin Ode to the four Guardians is part of a collection of 9 new hand-crafted models
The Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone One Off brings art and watchmaking together in a unique collaboration