How Tourbillon Watches Defy the Laws of Physics
In the realm of haute horlogerie, or high watch making, there exists a marvel of engineering that seems to defy the very laws of physics governing timekeeping precision: the tourbillon watch . A tourbillon, which translates to "whirlwind" in French, is an intricate and captivating mechanism that has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world. This tiny, mesmerizing component challenges conventional watch making wisdom and pushes the boundaries of mechanical ingenuity. At first glance, a tourbillon appears as an elegant, spinning cage within the heart of a watch's movement. However, its significance runs deeper than its aesthetic allure. The tourbillon was invented in 1795 by the legendary watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, during an era when pocket watches dominated timekeeping. Back then, the tourbillon was conceived to counteract the detrimental effects of gravity on a watch's accuracy, particularly in the vertical positions that pocke...