Category: Tourbillon

Born independent, Combating gravity – 5 Original Tourbillon Watches from “Indie” watchmakers

Changes of positions have a negative influence on the way watches keep time. In 1801, Breguet patented a mechanism to negate the effects of earth attraction. A mobile carriage rotating at slow speed which houses the regulating organ of the watch, with the aim to average out positional errors. If the tourbillon has become more and more common in recent years, it remains an achievement for most watchmakers and the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and creativity.

7 years ago

Hands-On – De Grisogono New Retro Tourbillon Skeleton

De Grisogono might be an extremely respectable brand, it has the image of a field of action turning more around haute jewelry rather than complex watches. Of course, there are a few pieces, but nothing that, at first, could tickle our interest… But we were wrong, as the chic rectangular De Grisogono watch now houses an architectural Tourbillon skeleton movement – and it looks quite stunning.

8 years ago

Introducing The Anura Rafael Write Time – A Fountain Pen, A Wristwatch & A Tourbillon Combined

Recently I had a chance to preview one of the most intriguing objects that I have seen in quite a while; the Anura Rafael Write Time. I call it an object because the Write Time doesn’t quite fit into one category. An incredible display of craftsmanship, it’s a fountain pen that transforms into a watch, or a watch that transforms into a fountain pen, depending on your perspective. Semantics aside however, it is an utterly fascinating example of unbridled creativity and artistic expression combined with the technical know-how required to execute such an ambitious project.

8 years ago

Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier – A Look Behind-The-Scenes Of The Watch Industry

Over the last few years, we have reviewed quite a few brands and their manufactures. From the largest ones, for instance those owned by groups like Swatch Group, Richemont or LVMH, to the smallest ateliers of independent watchmakers. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit another type of manufacture, one that is not part of a brand but rather a supplier. The name is probably familiar to you already as they are one of the most prominent high-grade movement makers for third-parties; Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.

8 years ago

Hands-On – James C. Pellaton Royal Marine Chronometer (With Proper Haute-Horlogerie Execution)

If you are experienced with the history of watchmaking or simply if you have ever paid attention to tourbillon pocket watches in auction catalogues, then you are probably familiar with the Pellaton name. It is connected to the makers of some of the most exceptional tourbillons in history. And now it’s brought back to life with a remarkable watch, to say the least! Here is the James C. Pellaton Royal Marine Chronometer, featuring an incredibly well finished movement (and it’s our technical editor who says that).

8 years ago

Hands-On – Schwarz Etienne La Chaux-de-fonds Tourbillon Petite Seconde Retrograde (Baselworld 2017)

Schwarz Etienne started with a vertical integration strategy a few years ago, going as far as producing hairsprings in-house, with their sister company E2O innovations (read our recent introduction article about the brand here). This involved deep products’ evolution and a strategy based on a modular approach to movement development; a family of mechanical movements was created and evolved into different versions. Today, we take a look at the interesting La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourbillon Petite Seconde Retrograde, which was presented during Baselworld 2017.

8 years ago