To say that a tourbillon craze has hit the market is almost an understatement. It is actually more of a tourbillon tidal wave that has been sweeping over the watch industry recently.
We witnessed this phenomenon already, to a lesser degree, some ten years ago when everyone felt the need to make his own tourbillon. Later, however, the winds died down and the tourbillon settled down into the hands of those with more authentic credentials in experimenting with this interesting example of watchmaking prowess.
This time, however, the winds have blown into uncharted waters. While we saw the creation of a number of double - and even triple - axis tourbillons last year, that was only the beginning!
Today, there are new breeds, which include the Double Tourbillons, Quadruple Tourbillon Differential, Orbital Tourbillon and other 3 Volution tourbillons with resonance effect…
We also shouldn’t forget the Rappers from the Bronx who are wearing impossible watches with dual time zones on top of their toubillons, with the whole thing smothered in diamond pavé. And, women have joined in, too, rejoicing in the fact that a number of new tourbillons have been dedicated entirely to them. One such example is the very aptly named Starissime model.
Yes, the tourbillon is the STAR of the year. But, and as always there is a but, all this baroque activity (which engenders beautiful objects but sometimes leaves performance languishing on the sideline) seems to be nearing the end of its reign. We are clearly on the top of the curve and a few signs are now indicating that the descent has already started. The industry seems to be moving towards more order, reason, and classicism.
Too much extravagance runs the risk of killing the extravagance (of which much, but by no means all, is useless from a horological point of view).
In the meantime, let’s not ruin our pleasure, the pleasure of the senses to experience these tiny little machines as they whirl on the wrists of the purists… and of the fashion victims.




The 3 Volution by Antoine Preziuso. The ‘talking piece’ of the year 2005ı


Source: April-May 2005 Issue

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