Tourbillons are a symbol of precision and finesse in mechanics. Elevating this popular complication, which translates to “whirlwind,” is the flying tourbillon, showcasing this lightweight and filigree mechanism in all its glory. This masterpiece was created in the 1920s. Alfred Helwig who taught at the German Watchmaking School in Glashütte, Germany.
Now Glashütte Original, which has an impressive prowess on this field of micro-mechanical precision, introduced a new milestone in the art of tourbillon featuring a “flyback” mechanism. A vertical clutch stops the balance when the crown is pushed. The tourbillon cage then locks in place. When the crown has been advanced to the next position, and the crown has been held in that position, the tourbillon swings smoothly up until the second hand on the cage’s tip stops at the zero mark.
Only 50 pieces available, this limited edition Senator Chronometer Tourbillon The minute detent is a unique innovation. When the tourbillon is reset to zero, both the second and minute hands move to the next number. This synchronization of the second and minute hands permits the time to be set with greatest precision while also offering a mechanical “melody” as one can hear the minute hand jump from one index to the next.
This horological masterpiece is powered by the manually wound calibre 5806 with a power reserve of 70 hours. It runs at a frequency 21,600 half oscillations an hour. Its silicon balancespring protects the watch from magnetic fields, temperature changes and other influences.
The 42mm platinum case features a manufacture movement visible on the dial, highlighting the tourbillon and its intricate details, such as the damping wheels that ensure a smooth upward motion when the tourbillon reset. The dial is set in an amazing laser-engraved decorative frame. Clous de Paris The pattern is a stunning addition to the architecture. The dial, tourbillon cage and movement are mounted in two small towers.
The sub-dial with the hour and minute off-center is another eye-catcher. There is a depiction of a globe including a day/night display, with the sun and moon completing their orbits around the spherical axis once every 24 hours.
In order to put the Senator Chronometer Tourbillon’s rate precision to the ultimate test, each watch is examined by the independent Thuringian Weights and Measures Office It must meet the German DIN 8319 chronometer standard. During the test, watches must demonstrate their reliability at five different temperatures and in three different positions over a period of 15 days.
Pricing of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer Tourbillon Limited Edition is marked at $168,200.
To learn more, visit Glashütte Original, here.
