What is a Tourbillon? How Does it Work? The Tourbillon History and Explanation

As much as the world of watchmaking is considered very design driven it is equally, perhaps even more often, driven by a desire to tell the most accurate time. The tourbillon was created exactly for that reason - to help a watch tell more accurate time.

Because of a small thing called gravity, the oscillating balance wheel of a mechanical watch which is the regulation mechanism was not enough to help a watch tell the most accurate time possible. Watchmakers searched for a solution to the effects of gravity and came up with the tourbillon. The tourbillon, which means “whirlwind” in french, is a cage that surrounds the balance wheel and spins in 360 degrees. By doing this, the cage reduces the effect of gravity on the balance wheel and in turn increases the accuracy of the movement.

Its a site to be seen and a real horological step forward in watchmaking - oh and its from the 1700’s. Pretty amazing right?

Enjoy!