The Timepiece Journal » Watch Knowledge

The tourbillon is either the pinnacle of watchmaking genius or an expensive solution to a problem that no longer exists. We examine both sides of the most debated complication in horology.

Flip a mechanical watch over and you'll see something extraordinary. This beginner's guide explains every key component of a watch movement — mainspring, gear train, escapement, balance wheel and more — in plain language.

A $10,000 watch tells time no better than a $20 quartz. So what are you actually paying for? From hand-finished movements and exceptional materials to heritage and scarcity — here is the real answer.