All mechanical watches poses an escapement which can be termed as the ‘brain’ of the timepiece. The escapement also includes a hairspring affixed onto a balance wheel that swivels back and forth with each swivel linked to a tick on the timepiece.

Consequently, gravity tends to affect the balance wheel’s lighter or heavier sections. As a result of this, the timekeeping accuracy of the watch will differ depending on the position it is in.

How does a Tourbillon Work?

The typical mechanical watch has an immovable escapement. This means any effort to maintain an exact rate regardless of dial position is virtually impossible. This is where the tourbillion complication enters the scene. In the tourbillon complication, a revolving cage houses the whole escapement. The result is an assembly that is constantly moving. Therefore all effects of gravity on timing accuracy are effectively canceled out.

The tourbillion complication has been acclaimed as an impressive feat of horological ingenuity.

More Information

As one of the many timepiece enthusiasts out there you will concede to the fact that tourbillons are extremely eyecatching and outstanding feats of engineering. However, modern advancements in mechanical movement technology have almost rendered tourbillon complications obsolete. This is the case, especially in the accuracy department.