Summary Waqt Choose Top 5 Tourbillon Watches of 2023

The tourbillon was first invented in 1795 by Abraham Louis Breguet, the founder of the renowned Breguet. "Tourbillon" is French for whirlwind, and it serves as an addition to the watch's escapement. The first tourbillon watch was a crucial innovation, significantly enhancing the precision of pocket watches, since they were often worn vertically. The tourbillon achieves precision by reducing the effects of vibrations and gravity on the watch, effectively averaging out positional errors, with a regulating system housed in a cage that revolves around its axis. Why is this necessary? Because gravity has a notable impact on the precision of watch movements.
In this article Waqt chose 5 tourbillon watches that have captivated the industry in 2023. Each timepiece is a testament to the mastery of design and engineering.

The Marvel x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man

In a collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Marvel Entertainment, the Royal Oak Concept emerges as a captivating horological experiment that has been going strong since 2002, and now, in its second chapter, it's the perfect canvas for their latest Royal Oak Concept .The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man, a timepiece that defies conventions with its futuristic design. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, with a black ceramic octagonal bezel. At the heart of this “marvel” lies a one-minute tourbillon, concealed beneath the iconic image of Spider-Man as he swings through NYC.

The superhero's silhouette is carved from white gold and adorned with laser engraving that encapsulates the essence of his iconic suit. Each delicate touch-up and finishing related to the engraving process is executed by the adept hands of a singular artisan, giving rise to a captivating work of art. Infused with the utmost care, Spider-Man's presence springs to life on both sides of the watch, and In our interview with Audemars Piguet's Chief Brand Officer, Olivia Crouan, She elaborates on why Dubai was chosen for the Spiderman edition launch. This timepiece is not merely a watch; it's a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and the allure of a beloved superhero. The price on this timepiece is AED 800,000.

Louis Vuitton x Akrivia LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie

In a collaboration between Akrivia and Louis Vuitton, the "LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie" was born—a timepiece that embodies the pinnacle of innovation through the combined expertise of both brands. The timepiece features a drum-shaped case created by the renowned case-maker, Jean-Pierre Hagmann.This exceptional watch features dual dials, the first hidden beneath a tinted sapphire and revealed when worn. A unique touch is added to Akrivia's signature, where the "v" transforms into the iconic LV emblem, marking a historic collaboration where Louis Vuitton's emblem merges with another brand's insignia for the first time. The dial is adorned with a 5-minute tourbillon at 6 o'clock and six gold cubes filled with translucent fired enamel using the Plique-à-jour technique, allowing the enamel to stand independently. When flipped, the watch exposes a grand feu enamel dial made of white gold. The watch is priced at AED 1,800,000.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon in Marble for Only Watch 2023

Bulgari, the renowned Italian luxury brand, unveiled a one of one “Octo Finissimo Tourbillon” crafted exclusively for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Demonstrating a remarkable blend of innovation and tradition, this iconic timepiece undergoes a unique transformation by embracing a challenging material, “marble” due to Its level of hardness and the expertise needed for manipulation. 

The Octo Finissimo's case is adorned with a delicate layer of marble, creating a visually stunning and harmonious presentation. The dial further showcases Bulgari's precision, featuring an ultra-thin (0.6-mm) slice of marble that highlights the brand's attention to detail, along with a 1.95 mm thick flying tourbillon gracefully positioned at 6 o'clock. The estimated price on this timepiece ranges between 613,000 and 1,022,000 AED.

Remy Cools Tourbillon Atelier

In Dubai Watch Week 2023, we got a sneak peek into a rising talent in the watchmaking scene, Remy Cools, revealing his latest timepiece, the "Tourbillon Atelier," captivating the world of horology. During our talk with this indie watchmaker, we uncovered the roots of his passion for timepieces, a flame that sparked at the tender age of 11.

Crafted with precision from 950 platinum, the case exudes a luxurious feel, embodying both premium quality and lasting durability. The star of the show is the brass disk, available in either yellow or pink gold, adding a personal touch tailored to the preferences of discerning collectors. The dial boasts an artful off-centered two-part design, gracefully displaying the hours and minutes with hand-polished steel hands. Stealing the spotlight, a one-minute tourbillon takes center stage at 6 o’clock. Both colors are priced at AED 638,000.

Lang & Heyne Anton Manufaktur Edition Tourbillon

Lang & Heyne, the German brand, has unveiled The Anton Manufaktur Edition Tourbillon, and it's a beauty. They stuck to their guns with the rectangular design and those classy triple lugs that curve inward. The platinum case is just the right size at 40mm x 32mm, and it's super slim at 9.4mm. Now, let's talk about that dial—it's got this dark gray sandblasted baseplate that makes the perfect backdrop for the black ceramic time display disc. The Roman numerals on the disc are laser-engraved, and the hands are filled with HyCeram, which is a hybrid ceramic/polymer mix.

But wait, there's more. Right at 6 o’clock, there's a semi-open worked flying tourbillon stealing the show, and the small seconds are indicated by a blued screw on the tourbillon. The Anton Manufaktur Edition is priced at AED 640,000.

In the enchanting world of watches, the tourbillon takes us on a journey of precision and artistry. As we delved into the intricate details of these beautiful timepieces, the perfect fusion of innovation and creativity stole the spotlight. Beyond being special in their own right, these watches signify the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horology. However, it's essential to recognize that the horological wonders we've explored are just a glimpse into a vast landscape of marvels. Throughout the year, a multitude of tourbillon watches has left an enduring impression, each narrating a distinctive tale of technical mastery and visual charm.  Let it be a reminder that the world of watchmaking is in a constant state of evolution, with numerous innovations waiting to be uncovered.