Tourbillons - Three hot tourbillons unveiled at Baselworld 2015
The tourbillon escapement (a device that compensates for the errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity when the wrist is in different positions) - while popular - is still a relatively rare complication in watchmaking. This year, certain watch brands not only introduce tourbillon escapements in their watches, but also bring them to new heights either technologically or artistically.
Hublot, for instance, releases its first Big Bang with tourbillon escapement, as well as with a skeletonized movement equipped with five days of power reserve. The movement was completely developed in-house by Hublot's watchmakers, engineers and micro-mechanics. It features a one-minute tourbillon that is visible from the dial side. All movement parts are meticulously skeletonized and finished with top-notch engraving, circular graining and other techniques. The 45mm watch is offered in either titanium or in the brand's proprietary King Gold (made with 5 percent platinum).
To celebrate its 150th anniversary this year, Zenith unveils the newest Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II watch that is a double-sided masterpiece. Paying tribute to both the watch brand's heritage and Columbus's discovery of the Americas, the watch is a technical beauty with fusee-chain transmission, gyroscopic Gravity Control system, and a high-frequency regulation - all built into the El Primero 8805 hand-wound movement. The watch front features three small subdials to indicate the time in hours, minutes and seconds, as well as a power reserv indicator. This side of the watch is devoid of dial - making visible the mainplate - complete with stars on a midnight blue lacquer background. The reverse side features a hand-painted portrayal of the adventures of Columbus - complete with the Spanish flag, the three ships and a brilliant parrot. The watch is built in a limited edition of 10 pieces.
Taking a different route, Jacob & Co. releases the alluring Brilliant Art Deco D-Flawless watch, made entirely of D-Flawless diamonds. In fact, the 18-karat white gold case and bezel is entirely invisibly set with 267 certified D-IF diamonds. The hand-wound 60-second tourbillon movement, visible from the dial side as well as from the back, features an art-deco-inspired geometric motif in 18-karat pink gold that is set with 178 brilliant-cut Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds for a play on color and elegance. The watch offers three days of power reserve, and is equipped with an enhanced shock protection system.