Tourbillons symbolize mechanical sophistication and the highest precision in timekeeping. Enhancing this popular complication, which means “whirlwind,” is the flying tourbillon, which showcases this lightweight and engraved mechanism to its perfection. This masterpiece was invented in the 1920s by Alfred Helwig, who taught at the German Watchmaking School in Glashütte, Germany.
Now, Glashütte Original, a company with impressive capabilities in this field of precision micromechanics, has introduced a new milestone in the art of tourbillon with its “flyback” mechanism. When the crown is pulled, a vertical clutch stops the balance and locks the tourbillon cage in place. When the crown is pushed to the next position and held there, the tourbillon cage moves smoothly until the second hand at the top of the cage stops at the zero marker.
Limited to only 50 pieces, the Senator Chronometer Tourbillon stands out even more thanks to its innovative minute brake feature. When the tourbillon is set to zero, the minute hand simultaneously moves towards the next index. This synchronization of the second and minute hands allows the time to be set with the utmost precision while also providing a mechanical “tune” as one can hear the minute hand jumping from index to index. next.
At the heart of this horological masterpiece is the manual-winding caliber 58-06 that runs at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour and has a power reserve of 70 hours. Its silicon balance spring protects the watch from the effects of magnetic fields and changes in temperature.
This manufacture movement, visible on the dial in a 42mm platinum case, is designed to focus entirely on the tourbillon, including intricate details such as the damping wheel, ensuring smooth upward movement. which when resetting the tourbillon. It is housed in a wonderful laser-engraved decorative Clous de Paris pattern, further highlighting the stunning architecture. The dial and tourbillon cage are mounted like two small towers above the movement.
Another eye-catching feature can be found in the off-center hour and minute sub-dials. There is a depiction of a globe that includes a day/night display, with the sun and moon completing their orbits around the spherical axis every 24 hours.
To put the proportional accuracy of the Senator Chronometer Tourbillon to the ultimate test, each watch is inspected by the independent Thuringian Office of Weights and Measures to ensure it meets official chronometer standards German DIN 8319. During this process, the watches are subjected to a 15-day testing process, during which they must prove their reliability in five different positions and at three different temperatures.
The price of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer Tourbillon Limited Edition is marked at $168,200.