Perhaps we should start with
a simple discussion of tourbillons. More than 200 years ago Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the tourbillon as a way to equalize escapement
errors inherent in watches of the day. In simple terms, the entire
escapement was constructed in a cage that rotated around a central
axis, usually at a rate of one revolution per minute. Later developments
on the same theme such as the carousel had the escapement mounted
on a platform that rotated anywhere from six minutes to about one
hour.
Keep in mind that for the first
150 years after the tourbillon was born it was used exclusively
in pocket watches and a few special clocks. The resurgence of mechanical
wrist watches in the 1980’s along with modern advances in
micro mechanical fabrication brought a fresh look at the tourbillon.
So what is it that makes the
tourbillon so special? I suppose it has a lot to do with the fact
that a tourbillon carries the heartbeat of the watch, i.e. the escapement.
While most other watch complications are somewhat static, the tourbillon
is in constant motion viewable through an aperture in the dial.
Sort of a magical merry-go-round that easily captures
the imagination.
But enough history lessons
for the moment, let's get to the focus of the article…
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