TOURBILLON Meaning and
Definition
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A tourbillon is a mechanical device commonly found in high-end luxury watches, designed to improve the accuracy and precision of timekeeping. It is a complex and intricate mechanism that consists of a rotating carriage or cage, which holds the escapement and balance wheel of the watch.
The tourbillon was invented in the early 19th century by the renowned watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Its purpose is to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch's movement, thus reducing potential errors in timekeeping. By continuously rotating the escapement and balance wheel within the cage, the tourbillon averages out the effects of gravity in different positions, ensuring that the watch maintains its accuracy regardless of its orientation.
The term "tourbillon" is derived from the French word for whirlwind or tornado, which accurately describes the frantic and mesmerizing motion of the rotating cage. This miniature whirlwind inside a watch has come to be seen as an emblem of luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
Due to the complexity and precision required to manufacture a tourbillon, these watches are typically highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts. They often represent the pinnacle of watchmaking expertise and can command exorbitant prices.
In summary, a tourbillon is a mechanical marvel found in luxury watches that aims to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping by continuously rotating the escapement and balance wheel within a protective cage. Its purpose is to enhance accuracy and precision, making it a symbol of high-end watchmaking.
Common Misspellings for TOURBILLON
- rourbillon
- fourbillon
- gourbillon
- yourbillon
- 6ourbillon
- 5ourbillon
- tiurbillon
- tkurbillon
- tlurbillon
- tpurbillon
- t0urbillon
- t9urbillon
- toyrbillon
- tohrbillon
- tojrbillon
- toirbillon
- to8rbillon
- to7rbillon
- touebillon
- toudbillon
Etymology of TOURBILLON
The word "tourbillon" has its origins in the French language. It comes from the Old French word "turbillon", which means "whirlwind" or "whirling". The word is derived from the verb "tourbillier", which means "to whirl" or "to spin". In horology, a tourbillon refers to a complex mechanical device used in watches to counter the effects of gravity on the movement, improving accuracy. The word "tourbillon" is also used metaphorically to describe a whirlwind or a state of constant motion or activity.
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