For some 220 years, the tourbillon was one of the most fascinating horological devices invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet.
The mechanism spins at 5 o'clock on a new Breguet Marine Tourbillon 5577 presented in a 42.5mm platinum or 18K rose gold case matched with a bracelet or strap in rubber or alligator leather.
On a navy blue or slate-grey coloured sunburst dial, the chapter ring has been off-centred so as to highlight the tourbillon.
Patented on June 26, 1801, the invention counteracted Earth's gravity that affected a movement's regularity. The effect of gravity caused variations in the rate, which was a problem as timepieces were mainly worn vertically along the body at that time.
To improve the accuracy, Breguet's solution was to install the entire escapement inside a mobile carriage performing one complete rotation per minute. Errors were thus regularly reproduced and cancelled each other out. In addition, the perpetual change in the balance pivots' point of contact in their jewelled bearings ensured better lubrication.
Besides the tourbillon, Breguet was known for his exceptional marine chronometers. This earned him the title Chronometer-maker to the French Royal Navy, bestowed by King Louis XVIII in 1815. Thereafter, the success of royal expeditions was in part dependent on the reliability of Breguet's timekeeping instruments.
Off-centred chapter ring highlights the tourbillon.
This heritage is celebrated by the Marine collection, whose new models are driven by the self-winding Calibre 581, revealed by the sapphire crystal caseback.
The ultra-thin movement measures just 3mm thick, thanks to the use of a peripheral rotor. The carriage is in titanium and balance spring in silicon, which is resistant to both corrosion and wear, along with insensitivity to the influence of magnetic fields.
Characteristic decorations on the movement of the Marine Tourbillon 5577 include a straight ribbed motif while the barrel drum features a compass rose.
Self-winding Calibre 581.
