Defining Time

Invented by Abraham Louis Breguet, the tourbillon continues to influence watchmakers year after year. Time ’n Style spotlights the latest watches that feature this complication

Breguet
Model: Heritage Tourbillon
Description: The Heritage Tourbillon comes in a platinum 950, tonneau-shaped case that is curved at two axes. Water resistant to 30 metres, its dial is made of 18 carat silvered gold. The face of the dial showcases the tourbillon carriage positioned at six o’clock, which also houses the small seconds hand. This pièce de résistance houses a hand-wound movement that provides a 50-hour power reserve. With this model, Breguet continues to contribute to its range of tourbillon-equipped timepieces.

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2
Description:By providing new expression to the gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a masterpiece. The revolutions of the spherical tourbillon have impressed watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with its ability to complete one full turn in 18.75 seconds, while the outer carriage takes 60 seconds. This one-of-a-kind mechanism consists of 100 components and reflects the brand’s technological savoir faire.

Cartier
Model: Ballon Bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon
Description:The first creation from Cartier to bear the exclusive Geneva seal hallmark, the movement meets every criteria of quality—precision, reliability and aesthetics. The 9452 MC calibre movement consists of 142 parts and is adorned with 19 jewels. Polished corners and smooth finishes render aesthetic appeal while improving the accuracy of its functioning.

Blancpain
Model: Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon
Description:With this Tourbillon model, Blancpain has highlighted its ‘flying’ tourbillon—the tiny carriage spinning on its axis once every minute is mounted without any supporting bridge, thereby appearing to float in space. An opening at 12 o’clock offers a view of this brilliant construction. The automatic movement is composed of 234 components that can be seen from the sapphire crystal caseback. Equipped with an eight-day power reserve, this technical marvel is available in red or white gold.

Vacheron Constantinr
Model: Malte Tourbillon Regulator
Description:With the introduction of this watch, Vacheron Constantin chose the Malte series to present the new Tourbillon Regulator. Encased within a perfectly balanced tonneau case is a 1790R calibre movement, designed and manufactured in house. The regulator display is reminiscent of the original design developed towards the end of the 19th century to control the flow of railway traffic. In order to ensure an excellent finish, some of the functions were done by hand. The rounding-off on the tourbillon bar took no less than 11 hours and included stones, buffs, wooden pegs and finishing pastes. A tonneau-shaped dial and leather strap add to the classic aura of this watch. 

Jaquet Droz
Model: Tourbillon Reserve de Marche
Description:With this creation, Jaquet Droz has fit a single model with a tourbillon, retrograde date and retrograde power reserve. The large 47 mm case features a dial, bezel, rings, displays and hands of black gold and blued steel, designed to present an exciting, three-dimensional approach to time viewing. The shape of the dial and case draw inspiration from the classic spirit of the brand.

Ulysse Nardin
Model: Freak Blue Phantom
Description:In a rendition of an earlier mechanical marvel, the Freak returns with a bang. The 44.5 mm, white gold case holds together the Carrousel Tourbillon displaying the hours and minutes.

The dial is made of a stainless, blue titanium alloy. The turning bezel, with a lock device, can be used to set the time. 

Franck Muller
Model: Cintrée Curvex
Description:This Tourbillon Grand Date presents a large tonneau-shaped dial with a date window at 12 o’clock, a circular day counter at 8:30, and a second time zone indicator, with a GMT hand, at 3:30 as part of its offering. Besides this, the watch offers several displays through sun-stamped lacquered dials available in an assortment of colours. In typical Franck Muller style, the dial features Arabic numerals and comes equipped with a dark-coloured leather strap. 

Zenith
Model: Defy Classic Tourbillon Sea
Description:At the heart of this watch is a self-winding chronograph movement equipped with a tourbillon. Lending an artistic touch to this timepiece with its imposing visage is the one-of-a-kind wave-shaped tourbillon bridge. The otherwise all-black watch features a strap with hints of blue.

Girard-Perregaux
Model: Bi-axial Tourbillon
Description:This technical marvel houses a mechanism that weighs just 0.80 grams, yet comprises over 110 components.

Evocative of the Three Gold Bridges series, the face of the dial is striking in appearance. Set in elegant pink gold, this flawless design is available in a limited edition of only 33 pieces 

Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon and Chronograph
Description:Lightweight and resilience form the premise of this watch as both the case and the movement are made of carbon. A material commonly found in the aviation industry, Audemars Piguet becomes the first manufacturer to apply this material by developing miniature components for its watches. It is driven by an exclusive hand-wound Audemars Piguet Calibre 2895 movement, which is composed of 384 parts. Its contemporary design houses a tourbillon, chronograph and a twin-barrel system providing a 237-hour power reserve

Piaget
Model: Piaget Tourbillon Relatif in tribute to the city of New York
Description:An 18 carat white gold case holds a mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement where the flying tourbillon completes one rotation per hour. The enamelled dial is symbolic of the 12 highest buildings of New York. The name of each structure is hand-engraved on it. Positioned at three o’clock is a view of New York from Liberty Island. Gold-coloured flames light up the crown, representing the torch held by the Statue of Liberty. 

Chopard
Model: L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Steel Wings
Description:Housed within its streamlined form is the L.U.C Calibre 4TT, a four-barrel tourbillon movement based on L.U.C ‘Quattro’ technology. Accurate and sturdy, the movement bears a chronometer certification by the COSC. Crafted in 18 carat rose gold, this elegant timepiece is further enhanced by a sapphire crystal. Another version is available with baguette-cut diamonds set on the bezel. 

Bvlgari
Model: Diagono Tourbillon
Description:At the heart of this creation from Bvlgari is a handmade BVL 200 calibre movement featuring a power reserve indicator and a tourbillon mechanism cage comprising 52 components. At 42 mm, the generously sized dial is surrounded by a platinum case and comes with a black alligator strap 

DeWitt
Model: Academia Tourbillon Differential
Description:A technological feat, the Academia Tourbillon Differential is encased in 950 platinum, 18 carat rose gold and a blend of 18 carat rose and white gold. This tourbillon-equipped watch flaunts a patented power reserve winding system. The time can be read on the bridges serving as a dial. 

Roger Dubuis
Model: KINGSQUARE
Description:The latest model from Roger Dubuis integrates several elements to offer an assortment of designs, each embodying the spirit of the brand. This version houses a mechanical hand-wound flying tourbillon movement that is visible through the dial. Additionally, a power reserve display and Roman numerals grace the dial, which is bordered with garnets.