A tourbillon is a sophisticated mechanical complication found in high-end watches, designed to enhance accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity on the movement's escapement. Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795, the tourbillon consists of a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel. This cage typically completes one full rotation per minute, ensuring that the escapement is exposed to gravitational forces from all directions, thereby averaging out positional errors that can affect timekeeping precision.

The tourbillon is a hallmark of horological craftsmanship and is often showcased through an aperture on the watch dial, allowing enthusiasts to admire its intricate motion. While modern advancements in watchmaking have reduced the necessity of a tourbillon for accuracy, it remains a symbol of technical prowess and luxury. The complexity of its construction and the skill required to assemble it contribute to the exclusivity and high cost of tourbillon watches.

In contemporary watchmaking, tourbillons are celebrated not only for their technical merit but also for their aesthetic appeal, often serving as a focal point in the design of luxury timepieces. They exemplify the blend of art and engineering that defines haute horology.