During last year’s US Presidential campaign, Trump debuted a namesake limited-edition tourbillon watch, the Trump Victory Tourbillon. A watch Trump unabashedly described as “not just any watch; one of the best watches made”, in a video found on the Victory Tourbillon’s gettrumpwatches.com e-commerce outlet.
While he may well be a dab hand at building edifices and winning over voters, I must disagree with his ‘best watch made’ appraisal. For those after a tourbillon to challenge that of the president-elect’s offering, we’ve compiled a list of ten current-market alternatives.
Drawing its name from the French word for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon was developed by horological torchbearer, Abraham Louis-Breguet during the turn of the 18/19th centuries.
Pre-dating the wristwatch, tourbillons were designed to mitigate the negative effect Earth’s gravity has on a (pocket) watch’s movement by mounting its power-routing components in a rotating cage.
Today’s best tourbillons are worthy, skill-preserving expressions of one of the most technically complex echelons in horology’s history
A tourbillon’s effectiveness in a wrist watch, however, is questionable, as it’s only really effective when the host watch is kept static as opposed to the constant mercy of a wearer’s ambiguously moving limb.
The likes of Jaeger Le-Coultre and Grubel Forsey have sought to address this with multi-axis tourbillons, but many brands still choose to include traditional single-axis toubillons in their wristwatch lineups.
While contentious for some, I’d argue that the cynicism around these pieces is a somewhat reductive view which fails to take into account the joyous irrationality which attracts so many to the charmingly antiquated field of mechanical watchmaking. Think, instead, of today’s examples as worthy, skill-preserving expressions of one of the most technically complex echelons in horology’s history.
Breguet
Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255
This year, Breguet is going big. Well, you don’t turn 250 without marking the moment, right?
The brand has already launched a series of blockbusting releases, but it’s saved the best for last: the Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 marks the fourth chapter of Breguet's 250th anniversary celebrations with a fitting nod to its history.
The new watch was released on 26 June 2025, commemorating the same date in 1801 that Abraham-Louis Breguet obtained the patent for the first ever tourbillon.
Limited to just 50 pieces, this statement piece showcases the Maison’s first-ever flying tourbillon – a dramatic, elevated mechanism with no upper bridge, appearing to float in space.
This tourbillon is no mere homage: it’s a feat of engineering precision, rising 2.2mm above the plate and commanding the design of the entire 10.2 mm-thick case.
The dial is equally stellar – literally – rendered in deep blue aventurine enamel that evokes a starry night sky, with each of its five kiln-fired layers sparkling with unique, copper-flecked brilliance.
Breguet’s mastery is evident in every detail: the gold-framed aventurine dial, the sculpted tourbillon bezel, and the warm glow of applied hour markers that seem to hover mysteriously. This is horology as celestial art – a timeless celebration of the watchmaker’s pioneering spirit and an invitation to wear the universe on your wrist.
Vacheron Constantin
Overseas Tourbillon
Vacheron Constantin takes its tourbillons seriously – so much so, you’ll find its iconic ‘Maltese cross’ logo incorporated into the mechanism itself.
Self-wound via a peripheral 22ct gold rotor, the Overseas’s 60-second tourbillon also incorporates a ‘blued’ heat-treated screw in lieu of a dedicated seconds hand.
Our favourite is the Grade-5 titanium version pictured. It has a 42.5mm case and 50m of water resistance, and thanks to a tool-less ‘quick change’ system, wearers can swap between the supplied titanium bracelet, leather strap or rubber strap options with ease.
Anti-magnetic protection is afforded by a soft-iron ring encircling the movement.
Biver
Carillon Tourbillon Signature Series
Not all tourbillons are built equal – and not all of them even show off their biggest selling point.
Biver has unveiled two new expressions of its Carillon Tourbillon that hide their mechanical fireworks behind vintage-inspired, richly layered dials. The Signature Series Two-Tone and Titanium models retain the original’s Calibre JCB.001-B movement – complete with tourbillon and minute repeater (oof!) – but present it with a pared-back, two-hand façade that’s all about understatement.
This is haute horlogerie in stealth mode: the IYKYK repeater slide on the case hints at the complications within, while the closed dial – inspired by last year’s Automatique – offers a cleaner, more classical architecture.
Faceted white gold hands, applied markers, and a chemin de fer track add depth and elegance to shades of gold that evoke mid-century watchmaking at its finest.
Finished with bespoke bracelets and matching cufflinks, these new references reflect Biver’s philosophy: combining traditional inspiration with genuinely modern execution. It’s a family vision – Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver’s quest to create timepieces that are personal, thoughtful, and uncompromising in their artistry.
Frederique Constant
Classic Tourbillon Manufacture
Frederique Constant is breaking barriers at every turn. With a sub-£15k price tag, its Classic Tourbillon Manufacture is a relative bargain in the tourbillon sector.
At its heart is the self-winding FC-980 Manufacture movement, developed and assembled entirely in-house. Other standout features include: a handsome sunray dial, an ‘onion’ crown, ‘spear’-shaped central hour and minute hands, and a tourbillon-mounted ‘running seconds’ hand.
Combining historic watchmaking techniques with 21st century knowhow, the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture also employs a silicone escapement, resulting in reduced levels of friction between components and greater levels of resistance to magnetism.
Housed in a 39mm white-gold case, it’s what the term ‘modern classic’ was invented for.
Originally launched in a dark blue, an updated green version is now available for 2025 in a limited-edition run of just 150 pieces.
Piaget
Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon 150th Anniversaire
Piaget is renowned for its work with ultra-thin timekeepers. Continuing this lineage is the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon 150th Anniversaire, produced in celebration of Piaget’s sesquicentennial (!) anniversary, it’s a remarkable piece of watchmaking.
Despite a thickness (read: thinness) of 2mm, Piaget has still managed to fit a flying tourbillon into its waifish case. In order to achieve this, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept’s flying tourbillon is peripherally mounted, and also driven, using a ceramic ball bearing.
Notwithstanding the lack of space, Piaget has also managed to squeeze out a respectable 40 hours of power reserve.
Hublot
Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A by Samuel Ross
To anyone after a big, bold in-your-face tourbillon, may I direct your attention to Hublot’s Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A by Samuel Ross. With its 44mm titanium and carbon case, fully skeletonised dial, honeycomb-patten perforations, and bright blue rubber strap (not to mention its tourbillon),
this is not a timepiece for the shy nor retiring.
As its name suggests, the Carbon SR_A has been produced in collaboration with British artist/designer and Hublot ambassador, Dr Samuel Ross MBE. Known for his work with brutalism and deconstruction, Ross’s distinctive influence is easily apparent throughout.
Probably not one to be worn to the office – unless you own said office.
Zenith
DEFY SKYLINE TOURBILLON FELIPE PANTONE
Complex yet minimalist. It’s a tricky dichotomy to pull off, but Zenith has managed it here with its limited-edition Defy Skyline Tourbillon made in association with Spanish contemporary artist Felipe Pantone.
The watch merges high horology with modern art, showcasing Pantone’s signature exploration of light, colour, and movement via the tiny gradient indexes and hands alongside the mirror ‘Planned Iridescence’ dial.
Zenith is bringing its A-game with its unique bolt-shaped tourbillon, comprising 56 components alone.
It’s powered by the El Primero 3630 automatic movement, which manages a respectable 60 hours of power reserve.
It has to be one of our favourite launches from the brand of late.
Audemars Piguet
Code 11:59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph
Audemars Piguet holds the distinction of being the first watchmaker to produce a self-winding tourbillon, thanks to 1986’s Calibre 2870 movement.
So, it’s only fitting to include the Code 11:59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph in this list.
And, with a flyback chronograph complication, 65-hours of guaranteed power, and no less than 40 jewels, its 470-piece Calibre 2592 movement is quite the evolution
Aesthetics are important here too: ‘openworked’ (to use Audemars Piguet parlance) for all to see, movement and case have been made to coalesce perfectly. A class act.
Richard Mille
RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium
Field tested by the likes of Rafa Nadal and Yohan Blake, Richard Mille has become renowned for its work with lightweight shock-resistant tourbillons.
Pieces like the RM 17-02 with its titanium-baseplate movement are a perfect case in point. It’s loaded with a free-sprung balance with variable inertia; winding/neutral/hand-setting crown position indicator; ‘fuel gauge’-style power reserve indicator; signature tonneau-shape tripartite, titanium case; proprietary spline-shaped screws; and ‘vented’ rubber or canvas straps.
It’s quite a piece of kit. The brand’s tagline is ‘A racing machine on the wrist’ and this is a great example of what’s made the brand such a success.
Laurent Ferrier
Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit
Laurent Ferrier’s Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit is something of a departure from most on this list, in that its tourbillon is hidden beneath its dial; a sapphire caseback has been included for owners who enjoy inspecting their tourbillons.
It’s a restrained decision in keeping with the brand’s modus operandi. Coming from the integrated-bracelet-sports-watch school of design, additional design notes comprise: titanium case/bracelet, a ‘crosshair’ dial, oversized ‘onion’ crown, and a fetching ‘salmon’ pink opaline-finish dial.
Water resistant to 100m, it measures 44mm and weighs in at a featherweight 118g.
Chopard
L.U.C 1860 Flying Tourbillon
This is about as far as one can get from the Trump Victory Tourbillon mentioned earlier.
Chopard’s L.U.C 1860 Flying Tourbillon is a discerningly styled watch that’s been produced to the very highest standards of haute horology.
In the flesh, it is almost achingly beautiful. (Again, a marked contrast to Trump.) Measuring in at a svelte 36.5 x 8.2mm, it employs yellow-gold case construction and is the only flying tourbillon to have been awarded both Geneval Seal and COSC chronometer certifications.
Whereas most tourbillons are installed into a movement with a topside bride, a flying tourbillon is secured from the rear, to provide an unobstructed view of its action.
TAG Heuer
Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon
With the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon, Tag Heuer has seen fit to blend a modern tourbillon with archive 1960s Carrera styling. And we’re down for that.
Adopting the 6 o’clock sub-dial position, the ‘opened’ tourbillon is a welcome retrofit which sits remarkably well with the vintage Carrera ‘glassbox’ raised crystal, throwback blue/orange livery, and retro contrast-silver hands, indexes and sub-dials.
On a technical level, the watch is driven using a chronometer certified, in-house automatic movement with 65-hours of power reserve. The stylish timepiece comes replete with a blue calfskin leather strap, sapphire crystal caseback and a five-year warranty.
Horage
Autark Tourbillon
Throwing its hat into the automatic tourbillon ring comes Horage.
Founded in 2015, Horage is a relative newcomer, but don’t let youthfulness put you off.
Its new Autark Torubillon model can boast of a proprietary micro-rotor movement with flying tourbillon and three days of power reserve.
Tungsten by standard, the winding rotor can be upgraded to platinum for an increase in operational efficiency of approximately 8%.
Case (39.5mm) and bracelet are made using Grade 5 titanium with a ten-point micro-adjust deployant buckle. Its dial, on the other hand, is available in a host of colours and with the option of a power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock.
Incredibly, the Autark Tourbillon has an entry price of 12,990 CHF.
