Breguet builds on its centuries of expertise in tourbillons for a complex new timepiece with a contemporary edge
The tourbillon is something of a curiosity in modern watchmaking. Originally created by Abraham-Louis Breguet and patented in 1801, this ingenious mechanism compensated for the effect on accuracy that keeping a pocket watch in the vertical position in a jacket had. And while there’s some debate on whether it remains as essential in a wristwatch, which is moved into different positions as it’s worn, the complexity and skill involved in its construction is beyond dispute.
Breguet, of course, continues to be the master of this revered complication, which it is celebrating with its new Tradition 7047 Tourbillon Waltz. As is the hallmark of its Tradition family, here the inner workings of the watch are displayed in all their glory on the dial. Taking pride of place is the fusée-chain tourbillon, elegantly highlighted in blue. It has been carefully calibrated to optimise the regularity of the timepiece through its construction that guarantees the torque, regardless of the winding level.
This focus on precision extends to each of the 542 components that make up the Calibre 569. This includes the balance spring and the horns of the inverted in-line lever escapement, made from silicon to ensure its resistance to corrosion, wear and the influence of magnetic fields on its accuracy. Impeccably finished, the movement is housed in a 41mm platinum case with the sophisticated look completed with a midnight blue alligator leather strap.
