Senator Chronometer Tourbillon - Premiere of a world first

Premiere of a world first As fascinating as it is to observe the turning of a tourbillon cage, it was originally intended to enhance the precision of a watch. Whether cantilevered (“flying”) or anchored with a bridge in the classical manner: this “whirlwind” turns, together with the entire oscillation and escapement system, on its own axis. In the past, this made it possible to counter the impact of gravity on the rate performance of pocket watches. With modern wristwatches, the tourbillon serves above all to demonstrate the maker’s exceptional horological expertise, which connoisseurs around the world are certain to appreciate. Glashütte Original shows that a tourbillon can still serve its original purpose. Second-stop mechanism, zero reset and minute detent ensure that the minute and second hands are synchronised, allowing the time to be set with great precision: the tourbillon’s rotating cage stops the moment the crown is pulled, and since the second hand is mounted on the cage, it also stops immediately. The watchmakers of the manufactory welcomed the challenge to find a way to stop the flying tourbillon “in full flight” and to combine it with the ability to set the time precisely. Their solution is as well engineered as it is innovative. Glashütte Original has applied for two patents on the complex construction. To set the time the crown is pulled out. This triggers a vertical clutch that locks the tourbillon cage, and with that the balance, in its current position.