It amazes me that a mechanical complication that was invented over 200 years ago still plays such a significant role in the world of horology. The legendary French/Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the tourbillon mechanism in 1805. Originally its function was to counter the effect of gravity but in the modern world it illustrates an exceptional level of craftsmanship. Ultimately there is a certain amount of prestige associated in wearing a Swiss tourbillon watch. Here are five great examples designed for the connoisseur.
Bovet Amedeo Fleurier 46 Rising Star
Bovet story begins over 200 years ago in Fleurier, Switzerland and was established by Edouard Bovet. Presently the company is owned and operated by the dynamic Pascal Raffy. The Amedeo Fleurier 46 Rising Star is one of the brands’ more exclusive models and was originally released in 2012. With a convertible 18-karat gold case measuring 46mm it can be used as a wristwatch or pocket watch. What makes this timepiece so appealing is the sensational multi-layered guilloche dial. Other details include a triple time zone display, twin moon phase indication and large exposed rotating tourbillon carriage. Beneath the opulent exterior lies a sophisticated Swiss made mechanical hand-winding movement.
Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Tourbillon
Fine watchmaker Cuervo y Sobrinos has a history dating back over 130 years. Even though the company was originally established in La Habana, Cuba in 1882 their premises are now located in La Chaux De Fonds, Switzerland. The Robusto Tourbillon is one of their more opulent and exclusive timepieces. With a solid 18-karat rose gold case measuring 43mm x 12.80 mm the watch is designed to make a subtle statement. What makes this watch so amazing is the hand engraved solid gold dial. This characteristic perfectly compliments the intricate blue open work hands. Other features include a large exposed tourbillon (located at 9 o’clock) and retrograde date/power reserve indications. Beneath the luxurious exterior lies a 37-jewel manual winding twin barrel mechanical movement.
Frederique Constant Manufacture Heart Beat
Frédérique Constant S.A. is a family owned company located in Genève, Switzerland. Even though the business was originally established in 1904, Aletta Bax and Peter Stas now manage the modern day brand. Since 1992 they have produced all their timepieces in house including the wonderful Manufacture Heart Beat. Dimensionally the watch displays classical proportions and has a sublime 18-karat rose gold case measuring 42mm. What makes this timepiece so attractive is the meticulously handcrafted black guilloche open-heart dial. This characteristic delicately exposes intricate mechanical components of the watch. At the heart of the watch is a bespoke 25-jewel Swiss made automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
Habring² Tourbillon 3D
Habring Uhrentechnik OG is an innovative watchmaker situated in the picturesque location of Völkermarkt, Austria. Dynamic married couple Richard and Maria Habring owns the company. Their most sophisticated and exclusive watch to date is the wonderful Tourbillon 3D. The watch displays classical proportions and has a stainless steel case measuring 42mm. What makes this timepiece so attractive is the minimalistic white open-heart dial. This fine aspect of the design carefully exposes mechanical elements of the watch including the tourbillon carriage. Other features include raised gold indexes and delicate hour/minute hands. Beneath the elegant façade lies a heavily modified 17-jewel Unitas 6497-1 hand winding movement.
Pierre Thomas SA Salamander Tourbillon
Pierre Thomas SA is a high-end watchmaker situated in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. Historical watch enthusiasts Claudio Frapolli and Thomas Engeler are the driving force behind the company. The Salamander Tourbillon is one of their most distinctive and exclusive watches to date. Dimensionally the timepiece exudes massive proportions and has a luxurious 18-karat gold case measuring 49mm. What makes this watch so special is the exquisite black dial with a hand engraved mother of pearl Salamander. This amazing detail gives the timepiece a really extravagant appearance. Other features include stylised pink gold hour/minute hands and a large aperture (located at 8 o’clock) displaying the rotating tourbillon carriage. Beneath the quality façade lays a Swiss made vintage hand-winding mechanical movement dating back to 1870.
