Tourbillon

A tourbillon is a sophisticated watch mechanism designed to improve accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity. It consists of a rotating cage that holds the watch’s escapement and balance wheel, constantly spinning to average out positional errors caused by gravity when the watch is held in different orientations. Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the tourbillon is a testament to fine watchmaking craftsmanship. While it adds complexity and visual appeal, in modern watches, its impact on accuracy is subtle, serving more as a demonstration of technical mastery than a practical necessity.