The last part of this post shall deal with the 'crown of (watchmaking) creation', the Tourbillon. With Habring2, you have the choice of two entirely different versions:
On the left you see the traditional Tourbillon with a centrally mounted balance, on the right the modern one with a straight escapement layout like is a standard mechanical watch. Why two, and what are the difference?
The rationale for offering two different version lies in their specific objectives: The traditional one is the one for the aesthete, focussing on the 3D effects and the mesmerising movement of such a construction. The modern one is the performance-optimised racing engine in Habring2's stable.
We'll look at each of it separately!
1.) the Traditional Tourbillon:
Obviously, a flying construction based upon the original work of Richard on IWC's and later ETA 6498 movements. It highlights the three dimensions, features a large screw balance and an antimagnetic cage.
It also gives rise to fascinating effects on the dial:
On the back you see how it is integrated into the ETA UNITAS movement:
Wristshot:
2.) the Modern Tourbillon:
This Tourbillon is totally different from the above: performance-oriented, with little consideration to aesthetics. Optimised for low weight and robustness. No flying construction. Thick!
For a Tourbillon the construction comes with very little components (26 vs. 39 servicealbe parts; 41 vs. 99 if all parts are counted, compared to traditional Tourbillon). Almost all of them are made in-house:
Let's revisit the movement we have already seen in the COS part of the article:
First we'll take a closer look at the Tourbillon:
One can clearly see the splendid upper bridge supporting the Tourbillon cage...
... the straight-line escapement layout...
the Tourbillon fourth wheel integrated into the cage...
... the regulator...
... and admire the overall thickness and massiveness of the assembly:
Amazing that all of this massiveness effectively contribute to reduction of moveable mass and thus lower inertia at the escapement!
But how does it perform? No words, just an unregulated movement on the Witschi-counter:
This I think speaks to itself. This is a Formula-1 car on your wrist, nothing less!
This message has been edited by Magnus Bosse on 2012-04-28 09:41:33
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