In 1901, Vacheron Constantin introduced the tourbillon – one of the most complex and beautiful mechanisms in watchmaking.
Although it cannot be seen or heard like a perpetual calendar or minute repeater, the tourbillon is still considered the heart of the high-end watch industry, reflecting precise time in a complex mechanical form. That is also the direction of Vacheron Constantin – a manufacturer with a history of more than 265 years from Switzerland. Therefore, this mechanism became part of the company’s heritage since the beginning of the 20th century.
Tourbillon was patented in 1801 and can eliminate errors in proportion caused by the earth’s gravity, especially in pocket watches – which are in a static and vertical position. Instead of being attached to the main bridge by rotating on an axis in the traditional way, the escapement, balance shaft and spring are combined in a rotating cage suspended between two pivot points.
The above mechanism was first applied by Vacheron Constantin in a pocket watch born in 1901, which received a certificate of accuracy from the Geneva observatory.
The brand, which emphasizes “precision” and mechanical aesthetics, has continuously developed and improved the tourbillon. Over decades, Vacheron Constantin’s tourbillon pocket watches have won many titles in chronometric competitions organized by the Geneva and Neuchâtel observatories.
In the late 1980s, in a project to improve new movements for wristwatches to restore the glory of mechanical movements in the face of the threat of the quartz crisis, Vacheron Constantin opened a new page in history when it invented model 30050. The tourbillon mechanism is gradually being introduced into iconic collections such as Malte, Traditionelle or more recently with FiftySix and Overseas.
Over the years, tourbillons have continuously evolved, typically from the traditional single-axis, “flying” toubillon, karussel to more complex multi-axis, multi-axis rotating or hybrid tourbillons. Although many high-end materials and modern equipment have been developed, the tourbillon remains a prestigious technique. The brand representative explained that there are few machines that can accurately complete and assemble extremely small details weighing about 0.04 grams onto the tourbillon part.
Many watch enthusiasts believe that one of the differentiating points of the tourbillon movement is the sophistication in each line, honoring the craftsmanship of many long-time artisans. The tourbillon cage is stylized in the shape of the Maltese cross – the brave symbol of the Knights Templar and the brand’s logo. Each detail is crafted by hand instead of using a machine, and the tourbillon bridge alone takes 10 hours of polishing.
The appearance of the tourbillon in Vacheron Constantin creations is not just a mechanism, ensuring timekeeping accuracy, but also the brand’s effort in intricate craftsmanship. Some typical designs include: Caliber 2250 with Saint-Gervais perpetual calendar with 250-hour power reserve; Caliber 1990 dual-axis tourbillon with cylindrical balance spring; the legendary 57260 with a very rare three-axis tourbillon mechanism with a spherical balance spring.
At the Watches & Wonders watch exhibition in early 2019, Vacheron Constantin launched Caliber 2160, with a tourbillon movement that first appeared in the Overseas sports style collection. The tourbillon cage appears openworked on the front, accompanied by a peripheral pendulum on the sapphire back. This display requires confidence in craftsmanship – one of Vacheron Constantin’s strengths.
Over the past two years, Caliber 2160 with its peripheral rotor mechanism has attracted enthusiasts, continuing to appear in Overseas, Traditionelle and FiftySix models. Vacheron Constantin’s 120-year journey of conquering complex mechanisms is considered desirable with the participation of the above series of rookies.