Luxury Watch Complications Guide

quattro · 2024-07-30T09:29:43Z

Explore the debate: Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon vs. Blancpain flying tourbillon. Collectors discuss front vs. back tourbillon display for aesthetics and horological value.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

39 replies7990 views2 photos

quattro's exploration of tourbillon placement, specifically contrasting the Blancpain flying tourbillon with the Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon, sparks a fundamental debate among collectors. This article delves into the aesthetic and horological considerations of displaying this complex mechanism, offering insights into why some prefer it front and center, while others appreciate its discreet elegance on the case back. quattro's personal preference for a clean dial, even when admiring the horological marvel, sets the stage for a nuanced discussion.

Do you like tourbillons to be front or back? flying or bridged?

I personally struggle with this complication: at first, I was very seduced by the flying tourbillon designed by Vincent Calabrese for Blancpain because it displays the movement of the escapement wheel like no other. But at the same time I really like a clean dial not looking like a workshop and that's why I think I tend to prefer the horological marvel to be kept for display at the back of the watch. So, even if this LF bridged tourbillon may be a little less spectacular than the one designed by Calabrese, it still looks great and is integrated to such a beautiful manual wind movement... Not to speak of the lovely brown hand guilloché dial...

Have a nice day!

Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon Clous de Paris ref. LCF001.R5.D2GR

Key Points from the Discussion

Many collectors prefer to see the tourbillon in full view on the dial, arguing that its intricate movement and the significant craftsmanship involved should be appreciated constantly, despite its diminished horological value for accuracy in modern watches.
The integration of a small seconds hand directly onto the tourbillon cage is considered an efficient and aesthetically pleasing design choice, providing a 'living' element to the dial.
The Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon is highlighted as a top example of tourbillon execution, particularly when the complication is not explicitly mentioned on the dial, contributing to a cleaner aesthetic.
When a tourbillon serves as a small seconds hand, its presence on the front of the watch offers a calming rhythm to the wearer; otherwise, if a separate small seconds hand exists, the tourbillon is often preferred to be hidden or viewed as a fancy balance wheel.
The author reiterates a preference for placing the tourbillon on the back to ensure a cleaner dial, avoiding a 'mechanical workshop' appearance that some front-facing tourbillons can create.
The Horage Optimum's dead-beat seconds feature on the back is mentioned as an interesting alternative, offering a different kind of visual engagement when the tourbillon itself might be front or back.

The Discussion

Watch Commission

Jul 30, 2024

Do you know if the small seconds is mounted directly on the tourbillon? I have to assume so. That would make it such an efficient design. EDIT: I have been obsessed by Small Seconds movements, and found this Hodinkee Article a good place to start.

dedestexhes

Jul 30, 2024

And this is certainly a top example. Some others are GP, Patek, Journe, JLC (Reverso) and probably some more that I now forget. But clearly, the LF one is top. Certainly in this configuration without the mentioning of the tourbillon on the dial. Thx for sharing, Dirk

Moka-Tiger (Ron)

Jul 30, 2024

I am saying this because the turning/winding tourbillon mechanism is a thing of such beauty and fascination to me. I want to see it moving all day long. To me, hiding it in the back seems sad and serves no purpose to me, of having a tourbllion. From what I know, a tourbillion nowadays serves very little, if any, horological value in terms of accuracy. The time spent to make such a complicated (AND very expensive) mechanism (complication) that moves so beautifully should be appreciated in full vi

ZSHSZ

Jul 30, 2024

If it serves as a small seconds hand, I like it in the front, it gives life to the watch and a nice calming rhythm to the wearer, if there’s a small seconds hand present, I like it hidden, however, if placed in the back, I interpret it as a fancy balance wheel.

hora12reborn

Jul 30, 2024

is refined and pretty to my eyes.

quattro

Jul 31, 2024

but I’m not certain. Thanks for the article: I will definitely read it !

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 39 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum