Although the technology behind tourbillon watches originated in the 18th century, this marvel of engineering excellence continues to be highly prized for its novelty and beautiful operation in many fine watches today. Tourbillon watches were first built for extreme accuracy. By utilizing a special combination of balance wheels, these watches are designed to counter the effects of gravity, maintaining precision chronometry long after comparable watches have lost seconds or even minutes. While newer technologies can offer similar accuracy, there is still nothing like the visual appeal of the mini-solar-system-under-glass effect that distinguishes these watches. Traditionally, this novel technology has been incorporated only in the finest watches costing upwards of $50,000. The exclusive market has recently opened up, however, so that the very best is now available to a wider market at much lower prices.
Zenith Men's Defy Xtreme Tourbillon Titanium Chronograph Watch
The Zenith Men’s Tourbillon Titanium Chronograph Watch is an example of an exclusive watch traditionally available only to the extreme jet set. Utilizing the finest materials and extreme precision, this watch is nonetheless principally a status symbol. The finely machined parts of the tourbillon mechanism are highlighted in the design so that the Zenith is also a mini-museum displaying the mechanism for the fascination and admiration of those around you. This watch can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000.
Aqua Master Men's Tourbillon Diamond Watch
The Aqua Master Men’s Tourbillon Diamond Watch is an example of a recent edition to the marketplace that strives to offer similar elegance and status without the famous tourbillon watches price. Available on Amazon for around $3,500, this watch still falls into the elite category. Instead of titanium, stainless steel is used, though there is no noticeable reduction in accuracy or performance. Styled to be flashy, this watch is set inside a ring of shiny stones and prominently displays the tourbillon device in a classic-looking face design.
Dropping even farther down the price scale is the Steinhausen Tourbillon Mechanical Watch costs around $1,500. Tuned and styled to be highly accurate and readable, this watch offers a more subdued design. The exposed tourbillon device and elegant numerals will still generate gasps of appreciation, but in a much more subtle fashion. This watch does not come equipped with the James Bond diving watch features of the Zenith, but is nonetheless a highly functional and stylish watch.
Shattering the price boundary entirely, the Daniel Steiger Men’s Evolution 35 Jewel Automatic Tourbillion Multi-Function Watch costs only around $200. This is not a real tourbillon but a “tourbillon style watch”, however it looks like that it costs a lot more and very closely resembles the real thing. This multifunction watch is highly practical and durable and manages to be both dignified and showy at the same time. This is a great watch for people who want to show off a tourbillon device without mortgaging the house.
Daniel Steiger Men's 2084-M Evolution 35 Jewel Automatic Tourbillion Watch
Despite their accuracy, tourbillon mechanisms are mostly desirable for their fascinating appearance and status-raising effect. The addition of several affordable tourbillon watches to the market has finally made this exclusive feature available to normal mortals. The past exclusivity means that those interested in purchasing a chic watch/conversation piece can benefit from the vaulted reputation of tourbillon watches without having the incredible bank roll previously required. A visit to Amazon.com will demonstrate the amazing range of tourbillon watches for sale as well as greatly increased access now available as a result of lower prices.