Sphérillon - Purtec Mouvements

Combining “sphérique” and “tourbillon”

Born from the imagination of the genius Eric Coudray, the Sphérillon is composed of two spherical cages weighing only 0.79 g each, with each containing three cages in permanent rotation.

Designed to compensate for the effects of gravity forces, as established by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the tourbillon sees its efficiency significantly improved through this “three-axis” concept capable of enhancing the precision of a mechanical watch, regardless of its position.

Within each Sphérillon, the first cage housing the balance wheel completes a full rotation on itself. The different speeds of the two cages create a visually mesmerizing complication.

An innovative technical challenge

The initial idea behind the Sphérillon was to design a new type of multiaxial regulator that had just been sold to two major watch brands. The creator shared: “I must admit, this somewhat unique escapement caused us some issues because we had to find the right efficiency and optimal rotation speed to transmit enough energy to the balance wheel.”

Eric concluded: “If the pivots of the balance wheel axis trace a perfect sphere in space when the component containing it is in motion, then it should be named after the shape it produces to help enthusiasts better understand the kinematics of this marvel of precision. Ultimately, why complicate things when simplicity can suffice?

Therefore, I named this component the Sphérillon, as clarity is key.”