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Contemporary Tourbillon Watches

Swiss watchmaker Abraham Louis Breguet developed the tourbillon in 1795. Essentially the idea was to reverse the effects of gravity by securing the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage. Presently this mechanism is used to demonstrate the extraordinary skills of artisan craftsmen. Normally the watches displaying this incredible feat of engineering have classical designs. Here are five spectacular timepieces with a more contemporary appearance.

BLU Majesty Tourbillon MT3

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Bernhard Lederer established his company in the year 2000. Within the last 13 years this visionary has created some sublime timepieces including the magnificent Majesty Tourbillon MT3. This objet d’art was awarded ‘Most Revered Watch’ – the top award at Asia’s largest watch and jewellery fair in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. Even though this beautiful piece is six years old, the avant-garde design hasn’t dated. Visually the façade is breathtaking and showcases the mechanical brilliance of the triple tourbillon movement. The three dimensional architectural design is minimalistic, which I feel is integral to the success of the overall composition. All this perfection is encased in a choice of either luxurious white or red gold.

Azimuth SP-1 Twin Barrel Tourbillon

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Azimuth is a Singapore based company founded by the pioneering Alvin Lye and Christopher Long. The concept behind the brand is to combine cutting edge design solutions with traditional Swiss watchmaking. This has culminated in a range of highly original and idiosyncratic styled watches including the wonderful SP-1 Twin Barrel Tourbillon. This is the most prestigious and complex mechanical timepiece they have produced to date. Apparently the futuristic styling was inspired by the elegant contours of a supercar. This theme is also replicated in the choice lightweight high performance materials used in construction. With a limited production of only 25 pieces this is a watch that will appeal to the serious collector.

Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon

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The watchmaking skills of Vianney Halter are the pride of the industry. This progressive thinking atelier was awarded 2011 Best Watchmaker/Designer at Le Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The Deep Space Tourbillon symbolizes all the positive aspects of the world of haute horlogerie. Aesthetically the timepiece pays homage to the futuristic visions of spacecrafts depicted in science fiction novels. The massive 53mm x 50mm x 20mm case is perfectly sculpted out of lightweight titanium. I love the dome sapphire glass housing the astonishing triple axis tourbillon. This awesome movement is a technical work of art and absolutely mesmerizing. Amazingly this phenomenal timepiece weighs a mere 90 grams.

RJ Romain Jerome Moon Orbiter

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RJ Romain Jerome have achieved staggering results within an incredibly short timescale. The Swiss watchmaker was founded in 2004 and released its highly successful DNA series two years later. This iconic range of timepieces celebrates famous legends of the 20th century. The exquisite Moon Orbiter is the latest addition to range and certainly one of most distinctive models to date. I love the new rectangular façade that gives the timepiece a whole new dynamic. The XL case is forged of stainless steel and measures a formidable 49 mm x 45 mm x 20 mm. There are also elements of the Apollo 11 space shuttle and actual Moon Dust incorporated into the design. This exclusive watch is limited to only 25 pieces.

Hublot MP-05 La Ferrari

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Since the appointment of Jean-Claude Biver in May 2004, Hublot’s transformation has been astonishing. Their extensive range of watches exude sophistication including the jaw dropping MP-05 La Ferrari. Over the last few years there have been some superb collaborations with the Italian supercar giant. In my opinion this is one of the most innovative design so far. This majestic timepiece is the most complicated creation the company has ever produced. Incredibly the watch’s movement comprises 637 meticulously finished components. The timepiece also boasts a world record 50-day power reserve. Only 50 numbered pieces will ever be produced making this watch highly desirable.

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