Among the many revered innovations conceived by watchmakers throughout history, the tourbillon holds a distinguished status. This esteemed reputation stems from two primary factors. Firstly, the invention is credited to Abraham-Louis Breguet, widely regarded as the most illustrious watchmaker in history, earning him the title of the “watchmaker of kings and the king of watchmakers.” Secondly, the complexity of manufacturing the tourbillon, even in its simplest form, renders it exceptionally challenging. Today, luxury brands like Tufina Watches offer tourbillon timepieces as a way to express their watchmakers’ mechanical skills of centuries past but also bring a sense of prestige to their devoted clientele.
Tufina Theorema Zurich Tourbillon | GM-901-1 | Silver – multi-function dual-time tourbillon.
What is a tourbillon?
The term tourbillon, which is French for “whirlwind,” refers to the swift multi-circular mechanical movements of the apparatus. While there exist diverse variations of tourbillons, they all operate on a similar principle. They comprise a rotating cage housing the balance wheel and escapement, which are the regulating components of a mechanical watch. This entire assembly revolves to expose the balance wheel to all orientations, counteracting gravitational effects when the timepiece remains stationary. Essentially, the tourbillon aims to establish a consistent rate across vertical positions.
Typically, a tourbillon completes a full rotation every minute, often serving as a seconds indicator on the watch dial. Although Breguet initially designed the tourbillon for pocket watches, this spinning mechanism has transitioned into high-end wristwatches. While there is ongoing debate regarding its impact on wristwatch accuracy (as wristwatches encounter fewer positional constraints than pocket watches), tourbillons remain highly sought-after among discerning collectors.
How much does a Tufina tourbillon cost?
If you consider the minute details of a tourbillon watch, you’ll see why adding this kind of complication drives up the cost of the watch. A skilled and experienced watchmaker must pay close attention to every detail when creating a tourbillon. However, when it comes to tourbillon pieces, Tufina still has some of the best rates on the market. Rather than shelling out $10,000 for a single watch, Tufina offers exquisite, handcrafted tourbillons at reasonable prices.
The brand has chosen quality over quantity. They produce limited numbers of each of their timepieces, adhering to hand-assembly processes and strict German watchmaking standards. Since they are an independent brand, they are in complete control of their manufacturing processes. As such, they are able to determine their own prices. Therefore, Tufina Watches provides high-end quality at affordable prices. A truly respectable feat in a market full of mass-production, mass-consumption and overrated items.
For example, if you pick Geneva Tourbillon Pionier you get a limited edition, handmade co-axial automatic tourbillon priced at only $2,900. The same collection features another tourbillon, the GMT mechanical Basel Tourbillon, which you can get for $2,290. Alternatively, you can choose a multi-function tourbillon – Zurich Tourbillon Theorema. This dual-time tourbillon watch features a skeleton dial paired with Super-LumiNova hands and it is currently on sale for only $3,990.
Are tourbillons still relevant?
The question of whether tourbillon watches are still relevant in the modern world is a matter that divides timepiece enthusiasts. As we mentioned, tourbillons were originally created by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the late 18th century to counteract gravity’s effects on the accuracy of keeping time. Nonetheless, these days under the dominance of quartz technologies, some people believe that tourbillons have become more ornamental pieces rather than a necessity. However, many collectors and connoisseurs appreciate the creativity, technical mastery and effort put into their making these little intricate mechanisms.
A tourbillon requires a lot of work on the part of a watchmaker because, depending on the type, there are hundreds of tiny pieces involved. Each small component is meticulously polished and filed, and every moving part is put together by hand with no margin for error. This highly complex process requires a staggering amount of time and extreme attention to detail to be executed properly. As a result, these watches continue to captivate our imagination as they remain a timeless symbol of luxury. Here are just a few of the many reasons why getting a tourbillon is worth it:
- Historical Significance: Tourbillon watches have been there for centuries thus carrying with them an extensive history that connects individuals with the past.
- Technical Innovation: Tourbillon watches continue to define precision and the highest accuracy standards.
- Legacy and Heirloom: A tourbillon watch can be passed down through generations becoming a treasured piece of family reminiscence.
- Collectible Appeal: Since they are hunted by avid watch collectors as well as enthusiasts, tourbillons are a worthy addition to any collection.
- Emotional Connection: Such mechanisms arouse love and appreciation. Not only an accessory, a tourbillon watch holds emotional value resulting from the intricacy and artistry involved in making its creation possible.
Top Tufina Tourbillon Models – Our Best Picks
Tufina Theorema Zurich Tourbillon | GM-901-3 | Gold.
Theorema Zurich Tourbillon | GM-901-3 | Gold
Featuring an in-house 20 ruby movement and protected by a sapphire crystal lens, this watch ensures both accuracy and durability. Its skeletonized engraved dial showcases the intricate mechanism within, complemented by features such as dual-time functionality and sun and moon phase indicators. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (VPH) and encased in 22 karat ion-plated gold with a genuine cow leather strap, it seamlessly combines luxury with practicality.
- Movement: Multi-function tourbillon, in-house with 20 Rubies
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Vibration Per Hour (VPH): 28800
- Plating: Ion Plating Gold 22 karat with 5 micron
- Dial: Skeletonized engraved with Roman numerals & Stick
- Hands: Skeletonized with Super-Luminova
- Buckle: Deployment
- Features: Dual-Time with Sun & Moon phase
- Band: Genuine cow leather
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Tufina Pionier Basel Tourbillon | GM-903-2 | Blue.
Pionier Basel Tourbillon | GM-903-2 | Blue
The Pionier Basel Tourbillon in Blue captivates with its striking design and functionalities. It is powered by an 19 ruby movement made in-house and encased in an ion-plated case. Its sapphire front and back ensure optimal protection against scratches while the open heart window offers a glimpse into its inner workings. It is definitely a watch that maximizes practicality without compromising on style. Paired with a genuine leather band, this blue timepiece delivers sophistication with a contemporary edge.
- Movement: In-house mechanic dual-time with 19 rubies
- Crystal: Sapphire front & back
- Vibration Per Hour (VPH): 28800
- Plating: Ion Plating with 5 micron
- Numerals: Breguet
- Band: Genuine leather
- Buckle: Standard
Tufina Pionier Geneva Tourbillon | GM-902-1 | Silver.
Pionier Geneva Tourbillon | GM-902-1 | Silver
Pionier Geneva Tourbillon in Silver is one of the most versatile tourbillon options from this collection. The fresh design and sleek color schemes allows wearers to match this timepiece with a variety of different attires. Its co-axial automatic tourbillon movement, enhanced by 12 diamonds, ensures precision and luxury in equal measure. Encased in ion-plated stainless steel with features including a sun and moon phase indicator and power reserve indicator, Geneva Tourbillon offers amazing functionality. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (VPH), Roman numerals, lozenge hands, and a genuine leather band, this watch is as accurate as it is visually mesmerizing.
- Movement: Co-axial automatic tourbillon
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Features: Sun & moon phase indicator, 24-hr sub dial
- Diamonds: 12 diamonds totaling 0.05 karat
- Plating: Ion Plating with 5 micron
- Dial: Multi-tone with Roman numerals
- Hands: Lozenge
- Band: Genuine leather
- Buckle: Deployment
- Additional: Power reserve indicator
So, is it worth buying a Tufina Tourbillon?
When considering buying a Tufina Tourbillon, one has to think in terms of both luxury and pragmatism. First of all, Tufina’s strict adherence to German accuracy is definitely shown in the details of each piece. The finish is nice, the stitchings are even and the engravings are extremely fine. What makes Tufina unique is the way they try to make their luxury pieces affordable, thus more and more people can enjoy them. I think having a Tufina Tourbillon implies being among a special group of people who appreciate artisanship in watchmaking. Although the size of the watches could be a consideration for those with smaller wrists, these tourbillons are definitely worth it. Limited production quantities ensure exclusivity, a quality that matches the concept of a tourbillon as well. I’d say if you’re looking for quality as well as value, any Tufina tourbillon would be a great addition to your collection.
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