The perspective that eye-catching complexity greatly enhances the visual appeal of a product is evident in the fact that watch manufacturers have been focusing on producing tourbillons in recent years. Of course, fashion is also a factor in this. Many of the models released in recent years have been designed with an emphasis on high-tech, so tourbillons tend to blend in well with the overall design. This time, we will introduce tourbillons that are perfect for enjoying as design.
Text by Alexander Krupp
Article published in January 2020
Richard Mille
"RM 50-02 ACJ Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph"
Manual winding (Cal. RM50-02). 37 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Titanium and aluminum alloy (50.10mm x 42.70mm, 16.50mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Limited to 30 pieces worldwide. 118.4 million yen (excluding tax). Richard Mille Japan Tel: 03-5511-1555
Richard Mille has collaborated with Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ), a manufacturer of luxurious aircraft, to create a design featuring a modern tourbillon at 6 o'clock. The bezel's unique shape is inspired by the windows of ACJ aircraft. It is equipped with the in-house manual-winding caliber RM50-02, which features a split-seconds chronograph mechanism for measuring lap times. It features a power reserve indicator at 2 o'clock and a clearly visible crown position display at 4 o'clock. The case is crafted from a titanium and aluminum alloy.
Hublot
"MP-05 LaFerrari Sapphire"
Manual winding (Cal.HUB9005.H1.PN.1). Power reserve approximately 50 days. Sapphire crystal (59.7mm x 51.1mm, 20mm thick). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Skeleton strap. 5570 million yen (excluding tax). Limited to 10 pieces worldwide. LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Hublot Tel: 03-5635-7055
The MP-05 LaFerrari Sapphire has 11 vertically connected barrels that produce a power reserve of approximately 50 days (50 days, not 50 hours!), and is equipped with a tourbillon at the tip of the barrel. When you purchase this watch, it comes with a battery-powered screwdriver modeled after the tool used to change tires in F1 races, which is used to wind the mainspring.
Audemars Piguet
"Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT"
Manual winding (Cal. 2954). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 237 hours. Ti (diameter 44mm, thickness 16.1mm). 100m water resistant. Market price. Audemars Piguet Japan Tel: 03-6830-0000
The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT features a flying tourbillon at 9 o'clock, a second time zone indicator at 3 o'clock, and the hand-wound caliber 2954, boasting a power reserve of approximately 10 days. This new-generation model features newly designed bridges and an asymmetrical appearance. The crown position indicator (H = time setting, N = normal use, R = winding) is located at 6 o'clock.
Ulysse Nardin
"Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon"
Manual winding (Christophe Claret caliber UN630). 48 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KWG (diameter 44.0mm, thickness 15.5mm). Water resistant to 100m. Alligator strap. Limited to 18 pieces worldwide. Reference product. Sowind Japan Tel: 03-5211-1791
This unique design features only the tourbillon as a classical design element. It features a unique time display method, including a jumping hour display using two discs and a linear minute hand with a thin cable. The rollers that control these movements resemble winches used to control the sails of a yacht's mast. Equipped with the Christophe Claret hand-wound caliber UN630, this timepiece was released in a limited edition of 18 pieces worldwide.
Cartier
"Rotonde de Cartier Earth & Moon"
Manual winding (Cal. 9440MC). 40 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 3 days. 18KPG (diameter 47mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Limited to 15 pieces worldwide. 27.4 million yen (excluding tax). Cartier Customer Service Center TEL: 0120-301-757
Covering the tourbillon to display the moon phase? It may sound strange, but that's exactly what Cartier has done. When you press the push-piece at 4 o'clock, a circular disc cut from meteorite slides over the tourbillon, revealing the visible portion of the tourbillon representing the phases of the moon. Powered by the in-house manual-winding caliber 9440MC, this model is limited to just 15 pieces worldwide.
