The Tourbillon: Masterpiece of Precision, Symbol of Craftsmanship
The tourbillon is one of watchmaking’s most legendary innovations—a mechanism that transformed the way timepieces battled the forces of gravity. First patented on June 26, 1801, by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon was created to improve the precision of pocket watches. By 1805, collectors could finally own a Breguet with this remarkable mechanism.
Even after the patent expired, the tourbillon remained rare—crafted only by the most skilled watchmakers. In wristwatches, its rise was even slower. Brands like Omega experimented with prototypes, but it wasn’t until after the Quartz Crisis that the tourbillon captured worldwide attention as both a technical marvel and a symbol of horological artistry.
What the Tourbillon Really Is
Often mistaken as a “complication,” the tourbillon is better understood as an enhancement to the escapement—the beating heart of a mechanical watch. Unlike a chronograph or moonphase, the tourbillon doesn’t add a new function; instead, it elevates precision and artistry.
Other innovations like the remontoire or George Daniels’ co-axial escapement share this distinction: they are engineering masterpieces but not complications in the strict sense.
What Actually Counts as a Complication?
In modern watchmaking, a complication is any feature beyond basic hours, minutes, and seconds. By this definition, a date window, chronograph, or perpetual calendar qualifies. A 60-second tourbillon may double as a seconds indicator, but it doesn’t cross into “complication” territory.
Instead, it belongs in its own category: the pinnacle of precision engineering.
The Legacy of Breguet’s Tourbillon
Few timepieces honor this legacy better than the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversary. Ultra-thin yet mechanically groundbreaking, it pays tribute to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s genius and proves why the tourbillon remains a benchmark of fine watchmaking.
This is more than mechanics—it’s artistry in motion.
Why Enthusiasts Still Love the Tourbillon
Even if it’s not technically a complication, the tourbillon has become an enduring symbol of luxury, precision, and craftsmanship. Watch collectors admire it not just for its complexity, but for the visual poetry of its movement—a reminder that true innovation transcends labels.
Find Your Timepiece
At EQUES, we believe in celebrating the spirit of horological excellence. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of automatic movements or the precision of quartz engineering, our watches are built with passion, durability, and timeless design.
👉 Discover what moves you.
Shop the EQUES Collection