Let’s make one thing clear from the start, as complicated as tourbillons are, they are technically not complications in the watchmaking sense. This is because they do not provide any additional information like a chronograph, GMT, or a calendar function. Instead, they rotate a traditional escapement mechanism to counteract any timing irregularities caused by gravitational forces. To make an apt but rather inelegant analogy – a rotisserie chicken cooks more evenly than a standard roast chicken the same way a tourbillon times more regularly than a standard escapement. Now, before we get too hungry, let’s get to our list of the top 5 best-selling tourbillon watches on the platform.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X 2303-270/03
The Freak is an appropriate name for this model line because, well, look at this thing. The star of the show is the large-diameter oscillator attached to the minute hand. While most watches in this category feature a tourbillon at a fixed point, the Freak’s tourbillon makes a full revolution around the dial every hour. It’s packaged inside a 43mm blue DLC-coated case that offers significant wrist presence without all the weight of a large watch. The visual design is bold yet minimal and features a surprising amount of lume for easy legibility in all conditions.
Breguet Classique Complications 5317pt/12/9v6
Inspired by the inventor of the tourbillon, Abraham-Louis Breguet, we have this contemporary classic, or shall we say, Classique. The 39mm platinum 5317 features many Breguet brand signatures including Breguet hands, a guilloche dial, a coin-edge case with straight lugs, and of course, a tourbillon. It’s as technical as it is elegant and includes a five-day power reserve just to show off. Those who say dress watches are boring certainly aren’t talking about this one.
Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon El Primero 9020 45 95.9100.9020/78.I001
While the Breguet is compact and classic, the Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon is anything but. This watches takes the Zenith Defy line to the extreme as the name implies with not one but two tourbillons dominating the left side of the dial. It measures 45mm in diameter with a case constructed in titanium and a bracelet that smoothly integrates into the overall design. The visual experience is augmented by its skeletonized dial and rose gold accents. This watch is a lot, and that’s the whole point.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon 42mm CBS5010.FC6543
This watch does something a little different. While others on this list lean either traditional or hyper-modern, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is a mid-century design that just so happens to feature a tourbillon. The brand has found success by reviving iconic models from its archives, but it typically tries to keep them as close to the original spirit as possible. Here, TAG Heuer reinvents the classic Carrera with a show stopping element at 6 o’clock. It’s familiar yet futuristic and shows what this storied brand is capable of.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon 6000V/110A-B544
Sporty and sophisticated, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon is the most everyday tourbillon watch on this list (not that there is a whole lot of competition in this category). It’s sleek yet tough and includes the brand’s signature Maltese cross in the bezel and bracelet design. For an added bonus, it even adorns the tourbillon cage. What may appear to be a standard sports watch from across the room has a surprise in store for those paying attention. It’s a dose of high horology that won’t look out of place.
