Lightning Fast:  – Franck Muller The “Thunderbolt Tourbillon”

Lightning Fast: – Franck Muller The “Thunderbolt Tourbillon”

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote December 20, 2012

At the Franck Muller 2012 Salon World Première of Haute Horlogerie & Jewellery (WPHH) in Monaco, invited guests, members of the press and partners witnessed the world premier of the Thunderbolt Tourbillon. After three years of research and development, by master watchmaker Pierre-Michele Golay and the members of the Franck Muller team, The Master of Complications does it again with The Thunderbolt Tourbillon.

The Franck Muller Thunderbolt Tourbillon has been referred to as the “fastest tourbillon in the world” due to the 5-second rotation of the tourbillon cage – which is completely captivating to watch. Using the power from four barrels, the tourbillon cage is able to make 12 full rotations per minute on a ceramic ball bearing, right before your eyes.

Thunderbolt Tourbillon features a 55.05mm Cintrée Curvex case in 18 carat white gold. The case houses a Caliber FM2025T mechanical, manual winding tourbillon movement with four barrels and a 60 hour power reserve. The look of the skeletonized dial exemplifies and reiterates Franck Muller’s dedication to fine watchmaking, with hand finishing, engraving and beveling techniques adding to the creative design of this timepiece.

The Thunderbolt Tourbillon features hours and minutes functions and a two position crown used for time setting and winding. Shown here on a black, hand sewn alligator strap, the Thunderbolt Tourbillon by Franck Muller is priced at 210,000 CHF.

Source and Photograph Courtesy of Franck Muller.