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What is a tourbillon watch? Explaining how it works
March 24, 2026
Do Tourbillon Watches Need a Battery?
No, not at all. A tourbillon is a mechanical movement, built on the principles of traditional watchmaking.
No, not at all. A tourbillon is a mechanical movement, built on the principles of traditional watchmaking.
The tourbillon was invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, though the patent wasn’t granted until 1801. Breguet was searching for a way to eliminate the negative effects of gravity that resulted from keeping a watch in the same position for long periods, as was the case with pocket watches suspended on a chain. His idea was to place the watch’s escapement and balance wheel inside a rotating cage, keeping them in constant motion so that position-related errors would cancel each other out over time.
Spotting a tourbillon watch is quite easy once you know what to look for. Most tourbillon watches showcase the mechanism on the dial side through an opening or skeletonized design. Its constant motion and rotation are the telltale signs. On luxury watches, the tourbillon is further highlighted with fine finishing and decorative touches that draw attention to its complexity.
At its core, a tourbillon is a movement that uses a rotating cage to counteract the force of gravity that affects a watch’s accuracy. The watch’s escapement, balance wheel, and hairspring are all housed within a cage that completes roughly one rotation per minute. Naturally, this rotation affects the escapement, but because the rotation is circular, all the errors cancel each other out. A good way to understand the need for a tourbillon is to think of a conventional watch movement adjusted for various positions. These adjustments try to offset the effects on the escapement when the watch is placed in different positions. The tourbillon eliminates the need for such adjustments altogether. Because it requires so many finely finished parts, most of which must work in perfect synchronization, a tourbillon watch takes a great deal of time to produce — which is why the tourbillon is understandably one of the most expensive types of movement.
Short answer: yes! That said, tourbillons come in both automatic and manual-winding versions, so, just like with any other mechanical watch, it really depends on the specific model.
Flying Tourbillon: Invented in 1920 by Alfred Helwig, the flying tourbillon removes the upper bridge, making the mechanism appear to float. This allows an unobstructed view of the rotating cage, enhancing the watch’s visual appeal.
Double-Axis Tourbillon: This type features two rotational axes, adding further complexity to the design. This multi-axis rotation delivers superior accuracy along with a more dynamic visual effect.
Triple-Axis Tourbillon: Similar to the triaxial tourbillon but with its own distinct design, this mechanism rotates on three independent axes, achieving unmatched gravity compensation and visual drama.
Gyrotourbillon: Developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the gyrotourbillon is a multi-axis tourbillon housed within a spherical cage, combining technical sophistication with captivating beauty.
Double and Quadruple Tourbillons: These mechanisms use multiple tourbillon cages, either operating independently or linked through differential gearing. The additional tourbillons boost accuracy and highlight the watch’s engineering excellence.
Gérald Charles Genta’s Maestro 9.0 Tourbillon collection represents the pinnacle of the brand’s contemporary watchmaking. These timepieces blend the tourbillon mechanism’s intricacy with the classic design and architecture of the distinctive Maestro case. The unique “smile” at the 6 o’clock position of the Maestro case forms a natural housing for the tourbillon cage. Known for its signature case and bold aesthetics, the Maestro 9.0 showcases the tourbillon at its finest, thanks to exceptional finishing and attention to detail.
The Maestro 9.0 is a modern reinterpretation of the flying tourbillon watch that legendary designer Gérald Genta created in 2005. It’s currently available in four variations, all with 316L stainless steel cases measuring 39mm wide by 41.7mm long. At just 9mm thick, the case underscores the precision watchmaking involved. Gérald Charles Genta offers a steel model with a blue sunburst dial, a variation with a hand-engraved 18K rose gold dial, and gem-set options featuring diamond or sapphire bezels. Straps come in either dark blue textured rubber or hand-stitched alligator leather. Fittingly for a watch housing such an elegant mechanical movement, every Maestro 9.0 is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The latest addition to Gérald Charles Genta’s Maestro 9.0 collection is the “Roman Tourbillon in White Gold,” launched in January 2025. Limited to just 50 pieces, each watch is powered by the impressive Swiss-made Caliber 9.0. This movement is built from 196 components, including a 22K 4N gold automatic rotor. The tourbillon cage itself is crafted from lightweight, notoriously difficult-to-work titanium, while the tourbillon bridge is made of 18K yellow gold. The result is a remarkable piece running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 50-hour power reserve. The rest of the movement is equally impressive, featuring diamond-polished “anglage” bevels along the edges of the plates and bridges, along with the vertical striping known as Côtes de Genève.
On the wrist, this watch truly shines. While the case shape isn’t exactly traditional, it sits perfectly on the wrist. What’s more, the rubber strap, exposed tourbillon, and refined casework let it move effortlessly between formal and casual settings. Legibility is another strength of the Maestro 9.0, with luminous blue hands and indices standing out beautifully against the hand-engraved white gold dial. The tourbillon cage also includes a small seconds indicator, adding a touch of practicality.
Because tourbillons are such rare and special pieces, choosing the right model matters. With the Maestro 9.0, Gérald Charles Genta has created a truly perfect option — a design that pays homage to Gérald Genta while adding contemporary sizing and functionality. The result is a remarkable watch that can be worn every day, letting its owner fully enjoy the captivating tourbillon movement within.
Maestro 9.0 Tourbillon
Owning a tourbillon watch carries a lot of special significance. For one, the tourbillon represents, for many watchmakers, the ultimate expression of horological skill — a way to showcase the very heights of their craft. Only the most experienced and talented watchmakers can successfully execute a tourbillon movement, which only adds to the mechanism’s rarity and appeal. The tourbillon is also a genuine visual marvel to behold through the crystal. Whether viewed with the naked eye or through a loupe, the rotating tourbillon cage is a constantly shifting, breathtaking sight — nothing else in the world of mechanical watches quite compares. And finally, wearing a tourbillon watch gives you a special, one-of-a-kind feeling. It might sound a little strange, but this complication is so rare that you’ll almost never see someone else wearing one.