IBG Worldwide is a video platform dedicated to demonstrate how finest timepieces are really made. A video channel hosting our documentaries which explain and educate collectors in the many techniques used in the creation of sophisticated mechanical watches. This is an English speaking video channel no brand could create by itself.
But these are not simple videos. These videos are produced and presented by the Ebner Publishing Company - the biggest publisher worldwide of watch related media - and one of today’s most well-known collectors and experts: Jeff Kingston.
About the most concise and clear explanantion of these two main gravity defying escapement designs, very eloquently presented and easy to understand. Thank you! I do have a few 'tourbillons' in my small watch collection, but apparently still lack the "carousel" type, must hunt one down. Can't afford the shown watch, which features both drive trains in one calibre. But one does not need to spend 5+ digit amounts of Dollars to enjoy the fascinating motion of these rotating drive trains. I found the Asian movements from PTS, Seagull and Hangzhou quite entertaining, at very low cost. Yes, they tend to fizzle out earlier than Swiss movements, due to complex gearing, material, tolerance and friction issues. Yet I do not wear my tourbis on a daily basis, rather enjoy different watches and complications on my wrist every other day. Not shown here are other 'rotating' movements I found on the market: my rare and weird PTS1201 rotates itself once every 12hours, and there is an 'orbital tourbillon' calibre that rotates the entire movement including the watch face once every 60min. All these rotating mechanisms make NO SENSE at all on a wrist watch anyways, since the watch itself is constantly in 3D motion. It never experiences the constant gravity effect on vertically worn pocket watch drives. Breguet had to fight the real 'gravitiy demon' back then in the 18th century..
The lathe I saw was a low tech vintage design. What a backward education. Chinese watchmaking schools are using 21st century equipment with microscopes and high tech measuring equipment. I now see why Swiss watches are not as accurate as early to mid century American watches, and why Grand Seiko do make the ultimate movements that have been streets ahead of Swiss movements since the late 1960s. I witnessed the epitome of pomposity on display in this archaic teaching establishment. Making a movement and designing a movement are two entirely different disciplines. A Chinese watchmaker learns CAD, CNC machining, and a myriad of manufacturing skills. Here they learn to make a completely out of date, yet beautiful trinket where art and innovation are nowhere to be seen.
Modern technology has come so far so it'll be interesting to see how dials will be made 10, 20 years from now. For example, the friction press: precise CNC machines nowadays can easily replicate those complex date window shapes that are "impossible to achieve". Both exciting and a little sad to think that automation will continue to replace beautiful, manual work.
Such a masterpiece! The video reveals the details of such an intricate and rare element like fusee in a great quality. It deserves much more attention! Thank you. ⚙️👍
Does a tourbillon make a watch more accurate?, more reliable?, easier to service? Lets face it, a tourbillon is as necessary as a Bugatti 16 cylinder engine in a Kia Forte. The toubillon is just a bragging right. It's an absolutely superfluous add on that does nothing other than become something to worry about if there is a problem. Silly toy, nothing else.
It has no practical application in a wristwatch but was a critical part of the pocket watches of old for accurate timekeeping since they were held in the vertical position most of the time. On a wristwatch they are only good for bragging rights and appreciation of mechanical engineering.
Fantastic explanation. I understand why there is a Gyro version after watching this. Being able to explain extraordinarily complex concepts in ways that people understand is a rare gift.
Titanium is most often heard in aerospace technology. It being used for a watch is just priceless. Love the alarm in a wrist watch and gold used to its timepiece. Just wish i can afford to buy one for my wrist.
Thank you. I am a young amateur horologist, that is to say: a 71 year old forest dweller who is fascinated by these little engines and enjoys working on them. I have recently acquired a couple of antique fusee watches, with the intent to restore. I enjoyed your video.
