A tourbillon, French for “whirlwind,” is a complex and visually captivating mechanism in high-end mechanical watches. Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet around 1795, it addresses the effects of gravity on the watch’s accuracy.

How it works:

The tourbillon houses the watch’s escapement (the balance wheel, balance spring, and pallet fork) within a rotating cage. This constant rotation averages out the effects of gravity when the watch is in different positions, leading to more precise timekeeping. You can see how it works in this video: How a Tourbillon Works, presented by Hublot.

Why it’s a marvel:

• Complexity: The tourbillon is made up of many tiny, intricately crafted parts that must work together perfectly.
• Beauty: The constant motion of the tourbillon is mesmerizing to watch, making it a prized feature in luxury watches. See a close-up view in this video on Getty Images.
• Historical Significance: The tourbillon represents a significant advancement in horology, showcasing the ingenuity of watchmakers.

Sugess offers tourbillon watches that showcase this complication, as mentioned in The Ultimate Sugess Watch Guide.