Aventi Newsletter Issue 12: The Evolution of the Tourbillon

Who among us #watchmaking enthusiasts isn't captivated by the #tourbillon? It's a mesmerizing system that originated in the 19th century, thanks to the genius of watchmaking legend Abraham Louis Breguet. After fading into obscurity, it emerged once more, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, to achieve newfound fame.

This #mechanical marvel, which gracefully rotates on its axis in a constant and hypnotic manner, has earned its esteemed reputation. Its history is woven with innovations, debates, and the influence of notable figures, making it one of the most coveted complications in #horology.

A Glimpse into History

The 18th century saw the establishment of a standard #watch design known as the "caliber," invented by Lépine. Around this concept, significant research efforts were made to enhance the precision of #timepieces, particularly for navigation and military applications. Watchmakers, in particular, focused on mitigating the impact of temperature variations, a major cause of #timekeeping inaccuracies. Another challenge addressed was the "adjustment by positions," necessary for precise timekeeping.

During this era, pocket watches reigned supreme, and they were predominantly used in two distinct positions: vertically upright when tucked into a jacket pocket or hung on a stand, and resting horizontally on a surface when not in use. Watchmakers observed variations in timekeeping depending on the watch's orientation. As a result, they began adjusting watches to perform consistently in six canonical positions: vertical, inverted, right side up, left side up, dial-up, and dial-down. Watchmakers also sought ways to enhance watch performance, leading to the creation of the tourbillon.

Breguet's Ingenious Invention

In a traditional watch, the regulating organ, including the escapement and balance wheel, remains fixed. However, the tourbillon takes innovation a step further by allowing these components to rotate 360 degrees. This ingenious movement counters the positional effect on timekeeping, statistically compensating for errors when the tourbillon completes a half-turn.

This revolutionary concept led to French watchmaker Breguet's patent for his regulating system in 1801. Although, it was a complex and costly system: Breguet produced only a limited number of watches utilizing it, a mere fraction of his overall production.

Nevertheless, Breguet's creation enriched the world of watchmaking with a captivating complication that would gain significant recognition, especially in the last two centuries.?

Today, we have tourbillons capable of not only rotating on a single axis but also on three axes, completely nullifying the impact of the watch's position. However, modern horology has developed simpler systems and materials to achieve the same effect. Furthermore, the transition from pocket watches to #wristwatches, inherently in motion, has lessened the innovative impact of Breguet's invention. Let's explore this evolution further.

From the Tourbillon to the Carrousel

As previously mentioned, the tourbillon wasn't widely adopted during its heyday due to its complexity and cost. Additionally, its design, with the balance wheel offset from the axis, posed challenges in adjustment.

Danish watchmaker Bahne Bonniksen, an ardent admirer of Breguet, devised a solution to this challenge with the carrousel (or carousel). This invention, dating back to the late 19th century, featured a balance wheel aligned axially with the tourbillon cage, resembling a traditional carousel—a name that stuck with the system. However, the watchmaking world paid scant attention to the innovations of both Breguet and Bonniksen, at least until the late 1970s.

The Revival of Tourbillon Systems

Following the Quartz Crisis, a group of independent watchmakers emerged, aiming to rekindle the art of mechanical watchmaking. One standout figure in this movement was Vincent Calabrese, an Italian master watchmaker who recognized the potential of the tourbillon and carrousel. He incorporated these mechanisms into his own creations, inspiring others like Franck Muller and Roger Dubuis to follow suit.

Today, the term "tourbillon" encompasses the systems devised by Breguet and Bonniksen, and it is widely known and coveted by legions of mechanical watch enthusiasts. They are entranced not only by the technical prowess of these systems but also by the timeless beauty of their perpetual rotation within their intricate cages.

Aventi's Tourbillon

Aventi, drawing from this legacy of precision and elegance, has consistently incorporated the tourbillon into its watches. The graceful rotation of the balance assembly adds an enchanting allure, defining the character of Aventi's distinct and unparalleled timepieces.

Beyond its chronometric precision (with Aventi movements boasting a maximum deviation of just 4 seconds per day, superior to COSC-certified timepieces) the hand-wound GT-01S caliber offers an impressive power reserve exceeding 100 hours. This equates to over four days of operation, complemented by exceptional shock and magnetism resistance due to its high-tech titanium bridge and plate construction.

The GT-01S movement is adorned with a precious perlage finish and protected by a carbon coating, rendering it one of the most visually striking movements ever crafted. It takes center stage within Aventi's transparent watch cases, a true technological #gem cradled within a crystal casket—a sight to behold for those fortunate enough to wear it.

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Read more from our newsletter: Aventi Newsletter Issue 11. Safety and Watches