Pimp my Watch: Tourbillon Watches

Anyone who has pondered why manufacturers often regulate the movements of their watches in several positions before selling them, now finally have their answer: gravity.

It ensures that the accuracy of a watch is not the same in all positions. To compensate for the positional dependence of a watch, the Swiss watchmaker Abraham Louis Breguet invented the tourbillon in 1795. The basic principle is simple: the tourbillon ensures that the oscillating and escapement system of a movement rotates on its own axis. This is intended to compensate for any position-dependent rate deviations.

But the manufacture of a movement with a tourbillon is complex, and the corresponding watches can become very expensive. Therefore, they are often not among the best-selling models offered by well-known brands, nor are all manufacturers able and/or willing to offer a watch with tourbillon. But watches with a rotating tourbillon on the dial are a real eye-catcher. Therefore, inspired by the slogan “pimp my watch“, we decided to equip a few models with the complex complication ourselves.

The following models have a tourbillon:

• Junghans Max Bill Mega (Reference 058/4821.44)

• Nomos Tangent Neomatics 39 (Reference 140)

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 (reference 114300)

• Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (Reference 220.10.41.21.01.001).

The Max Bill by Junghans is the Bauhaus among watches. True to the motto “form follows function”, we have added a tourbillon by Breguet to the dial.

Nomos watches are known for their clarity and simplicity. With the additional tourbillon, the Tangente is even more impressive.

The Oyster Perpetual is actually an entry level watch from Rolex. With the tourbillon from Audemars Piguet, it smoothly becomes the top high-end product in the entire range. Waiting lists are guaranteed.

The Seamaster Aqua Terra from Omega still lacked that certain something. With the tourbillon from a Girard-Perregaux Laureato, it now appears perfectly shaped.

Check also our article about salmon-coloured dials, in which we have pimped further watches.

Do you have any questions about these brands?