Why This Obsolete Mechanism Makes Watches More Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

A tourbillon (French for "whirlwind") is a centuries-old mechanism built inside some of the world's most expensive watches. It was originally designed to improve the accuracy of pocket watches by rotating the escapement and balance wheel to help counter the effects of gravity.

Today, collectors consider tourbillon watches works of fine art. The construction and assembly of the mechanism is very time-consuming and requires extreme precision and patience. Tourbillon watches' complex design, combined with their limited production, contributes to their exclusivity and high price tags.

Remy Cools, an independent watchmaker based near Lake Annecy in France, is working on his second limited-edition release of 36 tourbillon watches, called the Tourbillon Atelier, which will sell for about $172,000 each.

On the lower end, you may find some entry-level tourbillon watches for $30,000. However, most tourbillon watches from reputable brands range from $100,000 to several million dollars.

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Why This Obsolete Mechanism Makes Watches More Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider