Glossary · Complication
Tourbillon
A rotating carriage for the escapement, intended to average out positional error caused by gravity.
Explanation
The tourbillon, patented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, mounts the escapement and balance in a rotating cage so that positional errors average out over the cage's rotation. It was devised for pocket watches, which rest in few positions. In wristwatches its practical benefit is debated, but it remains a demonstration of the highest level of finishing and assembly skill.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Tourbillon”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Wristwatch
Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon in platinum, No. 35
“Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon in platinum, No. 35”
Pocket watch
Victor Kullberg Silver Half Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
“This English silver half hunter pocket watch is attributed by the source to Victor Kullberg of London, dating to circa the 1890s. With a silver case measuring 52 mm in diameter,…”
Wristwatch
Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné 18k White Gold Wristwatch
“Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné 18k White Gold Wristwatch”
Wristwatch
Angelus U10 Lumiere Tourbillon Limited Edition Wristwatch
“Angelus U10 Lumiere Tourbillon Limited Edition Wristwatch”
Pocket watch
Albert Pellaton-Favre Attributed 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Chronometer with One-Minute Tourbillon Regulator
“Albert Pellaton-Favre Attributed 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Chronometer with One-Minute Tourbillon Regulator”
Wristwatch
Greubel Forsey GMT Sport Earth ‘Blue’ titanium world time tourbillon wristwatch
“Greubel Forsey GMT Sport Earth ‘Blue’ titanium world time tourbillon wristwatch”