Mechanical watches are intricate and precise, but creating those with complex functions takes watchmaking to an even higher level. Among these functions, the tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and chronograph are known as the "Four Great Complications" in the watchmaking industry. Only a few elite watch manufacturers possess the expertise to design and produce these complications. Due to the limited production, high technical demands, and lengthy production cycles, the costs remain steep. Interestingly, despite their high price tags, tourbillon watches are not as accurate in timekeeping as ordinary watches. Why is that? Today, let's delve into this intriguing topic.
In 1795, Abraham-Louis Breguet, often hailed as the "Father of the Tourbillon," invented the tourbillon mechanism. His goal was to address the challenges of accurate timekeeping in navigation by counteracting the effects of gravity on the balance wheel.
This invention was revolutionary, significantly enhancing the precision of clocks.
However, modern tests from reputable foreign watch laboratories have shown that ordinary Swiss watches often outperform tourbillon watches in terms of timekeeping accuracy. For instance, a standard Swiss watch might score 97.2 in accuracy, whereas the best tourbillon watch scores around 93.9, with the Carrousel scoring 92.7. This data suggests that the original purpose of the tourbillon has evolved. So, why does the tourbillon, despite its decreased practical relevance, continue to captivate watch enthusiasts?
To understand this, let's explore the structure of the tourbillon. Also known as the "rotary escapement," the tourbillon consists of a fixed bracket and a rotating frame, weighing just 0.3 grams in total. The frame itself is a mere 0.1 grams and includes over 70 tiny parts, such as the escape wheel, balance wheel, and screws. The escapement speed control system (comprising the escape wheel, pallet fork, and balance spring) is housed within this rotating frame, which typically completes one full rotation every minute (though some variations take 4 or 6 minutes). This rotation averages out positional errors, a concept often described as "offsetting the gravitational errors caused by the Earth."
Over 200 years ago, when calibration instruments for mechanical clocks didn't exist and automatic static balancers for balance wheels were unavailable, the positional errors in clocks were significant. Therefore, the tourbillon was not just a practical invention for improving accuracy but also a masterpiece of design ingenuity.
From a manufacturing standpoint, the tourbillon represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, both in its complexity and its artistry. As a micro-precision machine, it is a marvel of technical achievement and a symbol of a watchmaker's expertise. This is why the tourbillon has maintained its influence since its inception.
The tourbillon has also seen continuous innovation. In 1930, the German watchmaker Lange introduced the "flying tourbillon," the second generation, which removed the fixed bracket from the flywheel. In 1993, Hong Kong's Jiao Dayu created the "mystery tourbillon," the third generation, eliminating both the fixed bracket and rotating frame of the flywheel.
Innovations didn't stop there. The three-dimensional tourbillon, resembling a birdcage structure, features an outer frame that rotates once per minute, while the inner frame rotates every 24 seconds. The double-axis tourbillon adds a second frame at a 30-degree angle to the original horizontal balance wheel, creating a fascinating visual effect. The triple-axis tourbillon, with its three perpendicular axes and concentric circles, pushes the boundaries of watchmaking further.
In conclusion, while today's tourbillon may no longer serve its original practical purpose, its exquisite design, high level of craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal continue to make it a cherished element in horology. It challenges our understanding and delivers a visual impact that is hard to resist, making it an enduring symbol of innovation and artistry.