The tourbillon is one of the most revered complications in horology, originally invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801 to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s accuracy. Today, the tourbillon is a symbol of watchmaking mastery, often found in the most exclusive and expensive timepieces.
For those new to high-end watchmaking, a tourbillon is a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel, counteracting positional errors to improve precision. While modern watches don’t necessarily need tourbillons for accuracy (thanks to advanced materials and engineering), they remain a testament to craftsmanship.
In this post, we’ll explore the 10 most iconic tourbillon watches of all time—timepieces that have defined luxury, innovation, and mechanical excellence.
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat 5367
Why It’s Iconic: The brand that invented the tourbillon still makes some of the best. The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat 5367 is a modern masterpiece with an ultra-thin 7.45mm case and a stunning guilloché dial.
Key Features:
- Manual-winding movement (Caliber 581)
- 60-second tourbillon at 5 o’clock
- Blue Breguet hands and hand-engraved dial
This watch is a nod to Breguet’s heritage while showcasing contemporary refinement.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5175 Grandmaster Chime (With Tourbillon)
Why It’s Iconic: Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime is one of the most complicated wristwatches ever made, featuring 20 complications, including a tourbillon. Only 7 pieces were made, making it one of the rarest Pateks.
Key Features:
- Reversible case (two dials)
- Minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and tourbillon
- Hand-engraved 18k gold case
This is haute horlogerie at its peak—reserved for only the most elite collectors.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
Why It’s Iconic: AP’s Royal Oak Concept line pushes boundaries, and this flying tourbillon version is a futuristic take on the classic Royal Oak.
Key Features:
- Openworked dial showcasing the movement
- Flying tourbillon (no upper bridge)
- Titanium and ceramic case
This watch blends sporty aesthetics with high complications, making it a favorite among modern collectors.
A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite”
Why It’s Iconic: German watchmaking at its finest. The Richard Lange Tourbillon combines a fusée-and-chain transmission with a tourbillon, ensuring constant torque for precision.
Key Features:
- Fusée-and-chain mechanism (rare in wristwatches)
- Stop-seconds function for precise time-setting
- Stunning enamel dial
This is a mechanical marvel for purists who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Tourbillon
Why It’s Iconic: The Reverso is already legendary, but adding a tourbillon elevates it to new heights. The Tribute Tourbillon is a sleek, artful take on JLC’s iconic reversible watch.
Key Features:
- Manual-winding tourbillon movement
- Reversible case with a clean dial on one side and exhibition back on the other
- Rose gold case with guilloché dial
A perfect blend of Art Deco elegance and technical mastery.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon
Why It’s Iconic: Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker, and their Traditionnelle Tourbillon is a classic example of Genevan excellence.
Key Features:
- Manual-winding tourbillon movement
- Hallmark “Poinçon de Genève” certification
- Timeless design with feuille hands
This watch is for those who value heritage and understated luxury.
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30°
Why It’s Iconic: Greubel Forsey is a modern tourbillon specialist, and their Double Tourbillon 30° is one of their most famous creations.
Key Features:
- Two tourbillons, one rotating every 60 seconds inside another that rotates every 4 minutes
- Inclined at 30° for better precision
- Exquisite hand-finishing
This is next-level watchmaking—only a handful are made each year.
Richard Mille RM 035 Rafael Nadal
Why It’s Iconic: Richard Mille redefined luxury sports watches, and the RM 035 (worn by tennis star Rafael Nadal) is a lightweight, ultra-durable tourbillon.
Key Features:
- Carbon TPT case (only 40g!)
- Shock-resistant tourbillon
- Skeletonized dial
This watch proves that a tourbillon can be rugged—not just delicate.
Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis
Why It’s Iconic: Hublot is known for bold designs, and the MP-09 features a multi-axis tourbillon, a rarity in watchmaking.
Key Features:
- Bi-axial tourbillon (rotates on two axes)
- 5-day power reserve
- Avant-garde case design
This is for those who love unconventional, high-tech tourbillons.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon
Why It’s Iconic: Cartier’s Astrotourbillon is one of the most visually stunning tourbillons, with a flying carriage that rotates once per minute.
Key Features:
- Flying tourbillon with a star-shaped carriage
- Elegant Roman numeral dial
- Exclusive Cartier movement
This watch blends artistry with mechanics, making it a standout.
Final Thoughts
The tourbillon remains one of the most coveted complications, representing the pinnacle of watchmaking skill. Whether you prefer classic designs (Breguet, Patek Philippe) or modern interpretations (Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey), there’s a tourbillon for every taste.
Which of these iconic tourbillons is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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