fernando
16038
Say you like tourbillions
Whatever the reasons, I do not wish to go into the logical or usefulness of such a complication in modern timepieces for now. For most I suspect, it is the appreciation of the skillful artistry of the watchmaker and/or the aesthetic appeal of it.
The tourbillion takes center stage in a watch, as it should. One can’t help but be amazed by the hypnotizing and mesmerizing effect that this device has on onlookers.
Whenever, I view a tourbillion watch, my eyes immediately gyrate towards the oscillating cage that houses the escapement and very little else gets my attention. I often forget about the details of the dial and other subtleties, for instance.
My question is this: what are your thoughts on tourbillions that are undisclosed on the
watch face but can be view only from the back? This discrete representation is available with certain pieces from GP for instance; also Patek & Laurent Ferrier adopts this feature. The wearer of such pieces would know what he has on and can always take off his watch to view the tourbillion at work. I’m sure some would find this appealing and under the radar but doesn’t this defeat the purpose somewhat? A beautiful work of art in disguise?
Would the JLC gyros and the FPJ DS have the same allure if the tourbillions were hidden from view?
Your comments please. Thank you. 
Cheers
fernando
Say you like tourbillions
Whatever the reasons, I do not wish to go into the logical or usefulness of such a complication in modern timepieces for now. For most I suspect, it is the appreciation of the skillful artistry of the watchmaker and/or the aesthetic appeal of it. The tour...
Actually, I much prefer when the Tourbillon is on the back side.
With some exceptions, such as the Gyro I, the Reverso Skeleton Tourbillon, and ... The Omega Central Tourbillon, which are my biggest targets, when it comes to the Tourbillon, my wildest dreams. Back to my golden rule, now... Why do I prefer Tourbillons o...
Ohh i am admiring these Platinum beauties mon ami!
I have never seen the Tourbillon skeleton on the left before, when was this released and was it a limited edition at the time of release? On another completely different note, i recalled that you mentioned a long time ago that the blued steel hands used i...
The platinum tourbillon skeleton is a Reverso in a GT case, Stephen. Forget it.
Too small for you! Therefore, it was released one year after the Nr 2, ( 2003 for the Nr 2 / 2004 for the skeleton ) in a LE of 35 pieces. So, no chance to find one, Stephen. As for blue hands, they are generally heated, and particularly on these Reverso ...
The Reverso
is an exception Nicolas, especially the two beauties you presented. Their flip option gives it the best of both worlds - no holes on the dial. How about the GP 3 bridge tourby, wouldn't you prefer to admire it's beauty dial side rather than hidden in the ...
The GP Tourbillon with one or 3 Gold Bridge(s) is a true exception to me...
For the same reason than for the Reverso Tourbillon skeleton: It is a superb part of the decorum, perfectly integrated. Of course, Fernando, it is very high in my wish list. Best, Nicolas.
Maybe it’s the child in me …
… and I think we are on the same wavelength here, Fernando. No matter what Patek may say about UV light and oils degrading, I like to see my tourbillons spinning and the aesthetic details of the movements. However one of my favourite views of the Journe D...
A nice option to have
on the Journe DS Andrew, never thought about it that way - hide the tourby under the sleeve & still be able to view the time. Having the tourby dial side or backside does not take anything away from the watch but viewing the Gyro 1 for example face on is ...
In general they have to be ...
on the back side for me, because I prefer the understatement. If they are perfectly constructed and finished ... only visible for me ... heaven is close BUT, there are exceptions and they are just so outstanding, adorable, addictive ... ALS Tourbillon - P...
That Lange tourby PLM
you have on Oliver is one of my all time favorite pieces. I really don't know if it would be as appealing if the tourby was hidden and the dial was left unmolested - too plain? Thanks for your response Oliver cheers fernando
There is indeed a certain mystique to Tourbis whether real of perceived.
I have no preference and indded don't have one to begin with. So in that very unqualified context, perhaps it can be argued that the person who say only has one tourbi which is concealed is perhaps one is is very comfortable with him/herself and does not ...
Thanks Arthur..
for indicating your preference. If I had multiple tourbillons then I wouldn't mind or even desire one that is hidden but if it was my first, then I want to be constantly reminded that I have reached horological nirvana. cheers fernando
Interesting question...
Personally I prefer the tourbillon to be on the front of the watch, that way I can watch it spinning around and doing its thing without taking my watch off. I have owned both types (and continue to buy them) and I must admit that being able to sit at your...
Thanks for your honest reply Andrew.
I agree with you and I think having a tourbillon gives you a closer interaction with the watch - like looking at its heartbeat. There are lots of ways to "show off" and an expensive watch in the real world most of the time goes unnoticed. Better off with ...
Tourbillions HAVE to be on the front...
because tourbillions are, by definition, made for those who want the entire world to know they are wearing an expensive watch... Tourbillons can be either on the back or the front, for the reasons noted elsewhere by other posts. Personally, I don't mind t...
You have a point TM..
and I tend to agree. With maybe some exceptions like the PP 5016? But then you would say the MR function overshadows it anyway, plus the dial may be way too small to cut a hole in. Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. cheers fernando
I will keep it short and sweet. A tourby is like a tie
As most of the arguments on both sides of the equation have been well covered and raised by my fellow Purists. To me, wearing a tourbillion is like wearing a tie. A tie is totally superfluous in terms of usefulness. So is the tourby( GF fans I know your s...
Interesting analogy Horo.
A tourby is like a peacock displaying its plummage. Serves very little purpose except to the eye of the beholder. best fernando
Well put Horo - I concur
With your thoughts - and away with a principle view - it's the watch that matters Best Christian
HA! Touche. But I'll have you know the Freak is more interesting
than quite a few tourbis ok.
I totally agree with your feeling Fernando
It is maybe, personally, my favorite complication, before a minute reapeter or a Quantieme perpetuel. I like, as you said, watching it "alive" and for me it is also a good proof of skill from the watchmaker. Concenrning the fact that it could be hidden, w...
Very nice examples of hidden tourbis Mark
Like you, it's also too early for me to go hidden & discreet with a tourby. Maybe further down the road when there's already a few in the collection or they become so common that they are no longer prized. However, there will always be exceptions. App...
The distinction, so often...
...is not between the 'obvious' and the 'stealthy', but rather between the 'obvious' and the 'slightly-less-obvious'. Think about it: how many of those so-called 'stealthy' or 'secret' tourbillons are really that? Many of them have the tourbillon parked o...
My favorite "stealthy" tourbillon revisited
during dinner last night with Mr. Olivier Muller, CEO Laurent Ferrier. BTW the offensive wording on the dial can be omitted by request if so wish. Such is the flexibility of an independant! Thank you for your participation pplater. Your comments are alway...
Once more
+1 to that pplater....you are indeed a time saver Tourbillon is hidden only when it is not written on the dial so DeBethune is real example and for me and the painfullest one .... there is indeed no place for cage on that dial but having such dial and suc...
prefer under the hood, so to speak
besides, you can always flip the watch backside....... J
A dial that needs the toubillon in front
This multi-level, multi-component dial is built around the tourbillon and within the case bezel. The tourbillon needs to be there to hold it all together Regards, MTF...
At the end... the most important is coherence.
For me, front or back, the most important is the beauty of the watch, the technical interest of the Tourbillon and the overall coherence. A few examples of Tourbillons I really like: Hidden: Visible: Half visible & half hidden: Fx...
Excellent pics. FX
Like your choices, especially the second pic. Thanks for sharing your views. Best fernando
I guess I am in a lucky position...
when I don't find on the market what I am looking for, I make it. That was the reason I make my first watch and the most recent one too. I love seeing the tourbillon on from the dial, but it is so sorry to have to see it lost down in a hole in the dial. S...
A fine solution Don ....
and a very lovely piece! Wish I could see it in the metal. cheers fernando
Unless you have a dial more beautiful than a tourbilion...
Therefore, if you have high quality maki-e (by Japanese master) or enamel (by Anita) dial, you may hide the tourbilion at the back. It is simply because you can just drill a hole to spoil their art work. Regards Ling
I would prefer front view, its very enjoyable looking
at the whirling effect, somehow it give you the feeling that the watch is more "alive". My personal favorite is Tourbograph, the design of the dial is symmetrical. And hopefully one day is on my wrist! This just my personal view and pic of my very afforda...
I like when the tourbillon is on the front.
I think that a tourbillon was made to be on the dail. I just love to see that tourby spinning, I feel like the watch is more alive. I don't own a tourbillon yet, but I will. I know when I eventually get one I want people to notice once in a while. Like if...