The ever-spinning tourbillon does not figuratively go around in circles, but is instead perpetually renewed, displaying an amazing degree of plasticity that is once again on show in 2014. At Baselworld 2014 Swiss Rolex Replica Watches, a bountiful crop of new models showed that this rotating escapement system lends itself to all manner of interpretations.

In the most classic vein of them all, as interpreted by Breguet, the tourbillon is very much the visual focal point.  The Classique Tourbillon Quantième Perpétuel Squelette version provides a broad space at 6 o’clock to ensure that the chamfered and finely cut-out tourbillon bridge takes centre-stage. Coupled with a retrograde perpetual calendar, a speciality of which Breguet is a past master, it naturally forms part of a Grande Complication model.

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Quantième Perpétuel Squelette.
© David Chokron / Worldtempus

Blancpain also makes it the most visible element of its new Villeret Tourbillon 12 Jours model. Positioned at 12 o’clock, it tops a classic Grand Feu enamel dial exuding a pure, uncluttered style. Its energy is stored up in a large barrel guaranteeing it a minimum 290-hour power reserve. Automatic winding is powered by a rotor featuring a diameter larger than the calibre itself, but its rim never passes behind the tourbillon carriage so as to avoid obstructing the view.

Villeret Tourbillon 12 Jours.
© Blancpain Replica Watches UK

The tourbillon also proves capable of meeting contemporary demands, as demonstrated by Girard-Perregaux’s most iconic movement, the Tourbillon with Three Bridges, which has undergone a radical modern overhaul. The Neo Tourbillon with Three Bridges has a matt-finish, angular, sandblasted mainplate. Its redesigned and openworked bridges have undergone the same treatment and are all clearly visible beneath a dome-like sapphire crystal creating a panoramic effect from all angles.

Neo Tourbillon with Three Bridges
© David Chokron / Worldtempus

When the tourbillon is visible, it is well worth observing at close hand – especially when it is composed of intricate details and when the said details are clad in black. TAG Heuer’s Monaco V4 Tourbillon is indeed very dark, but its 9 o’clock tourbillon follows the rules that have made the V4 unique in its kind: namely a movement driven by belts rather than wheels.

Monaco V4 Tourbillon.
© Cheap TAG Heuer Fake Watches

On an even more radical note, albeit this time in terms of style rather than horological content, Hublot has turned a tourbillon into skull. Simply fitting a skull-shaped carriage would not have been enough for the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Skull, on which all the visible bridges take the skeleton concept quite literally, since they are in fact shaped like bones.

Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Skull.
© David Chokron / Worldtempus

From the most elegant to the most concept-based, the tourbillon also crosses all known boundaries of the genre. Chanel has been featuring this type of regulator for years and in 2014 uses it to power its star. The J12 Flying Tourbillon is a jewellery model featuring a diamond-set star-shaped carriage at 6 o’clock that is asymmetrical in keeping with the brand signature codes. Its five points are of varying lengths and the tourbillon actually sets them in motion. The primary reason for being of this horological complication thus becomes kinematics rather than merely timekeeping.

Chanel J12 Flying Tourbillon.
© Chanel