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Home > Features > Affordable Tourbillon Watches: 15 Options That Won’t Break the Bank

Affordable Tourbillon Watches: 15 Options That Won’t Break the Bank

By Erik Rowe

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Updated on

Reviewed by Adrian Prisca

Tourbillon watches, once the exclusive treat of the ultra-rich, have always fascinated me.

Picture this: a tiny, intricate mechanism ticking away on your wrist, a symbol of not just time but of high-end craftsmanship as well.

For years, I thought owning one was just a dream, especially with their hefty price tags, they were often seen as a luxury that only the wealthy could afford.

But recently the game has changed! Affordable tourbillon watches are no longer a fantasy.

Thanks to a few Chinese manufacturers, these masterpieces of precision and artistry are now accessible to enthusiasts like me and you, without breaking the bank.

I was skeptical at first – could these budget-friendly versions really match up to their opulent counterparts? To my surprise, some of them did.

But the value of a tourbillon isn’t just in its price tag. It’s in the mesmerizing dance of its gears and springs, a ballet of engineering that’s as beautiful as it is complex.

The real charm lies in the dedication and skill it takes to create such a piece.

Each watch is a story of meticulous craftsmanship and hours of labor. And now, this story is not just for the rich and famous.

It’s for anyone who appreciates the art of watchmaking.

What’s really astonishing is how these affordable models have opened the doors to a world once thought unreachable.

Today, anyone passionate about the art of horology can own a small piece of this mechanical marvel.

The journey from being an emblem of luxury to becoming an accessible treasure is nothing short of remarkable.

So, if you’re intrigued by the allure of owning a tourbillon, the time has never been better.

With these new affordable options, having a tourbillon watch is not just an extravagant dream, but an attainable reality, a testament to how far we’ve come in making the extraordinary ordinary.


What are Tourbillon Watches?

What are Tourbillon Watches
Akribos XXIV AK493 Tourbillon Moon Phase

Invented back in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon (from French, whirlwind) is a mechanical complication where the balance wheel and escapement are both placed inside a cage to deny the effects of gravity, thus enhancing the accuracy of a mechanical timepiece. At least that’s the generally accepted idea.

Whether the tourbillon does improve a watch’s accuracy in a noticeable way to worth all that money, that’s a different question and the answer is highly debated.

But one thing is for sure. Tourbillons have become a demonstration of craftsmanship and a means for the wealthy to display their social status.

They are nonetheless a wonderful complication to admire.

Today though, Chinese watch manufacturers have began to create tourbillons at prices a lot cheaper than they normally have been for such a long time.


Why are Tourbillon Watches so Expensive?

Why are Tourbillon Watches so Expensive
Reef Tiger Men’s Double Tourbillon RGA1995

Though everyone knows that the way that Swiss watch manufacturers make tourbillons is extremely costly, nobody knows exactly how much it costs, and this is something which generates doubts in the watch world on whether the huge price of a tourbillon is justified.

Also, how is it possible for Chinese manufacturers to sell tourbillon watches for prices as low as several hundred dollars?

There might be some answers to this question:

First, cost of labor in China is extremely cheap compared with that of the Swiss or the rest of the world. Only the time needed to make a tourbillon ends up to be very costly.

Then there’s the materials, and those used by Swiss watchmakers are premium materials like titanium or platinum, which bring the cost even higher. Chinese on the other hand, use very cheap materials.

Affordable Tourbillon Watch
Sugess Tourbillon Master

There’s also the mass production capabilities of the Chinese industry which manages to reduce cost even further for several parts, including some parts of the tourbillon complication.

And then there’s the secrecy behind the real production costs of a Swiss made tourbillon, with many wondering if that’s not just a reason to inflate the price only because the rich and wealthy are the ones who appreciate the exclusivity, luxury and branding above anything else.

On the other hand, you can’t expect a Chinese made tourbillon to rise to the same quality standards of a Swiss one, as that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

So.. let’s take a closer look at the most affordable tourbillon watches you can buy right now:


Stuhrling Original Viceroy Tourbillon 296D

Stuhrling Original Viceroy Tourbillon 296D

Founded back in 2002, Stuhrling has come on the market with high-end watches at affordable price tags.

Their tourbillon collection has been well regarded since the launch. Part of that collection, the Stuhrling Original Viceroy Tourbillon proves that you don’t need a huge budget to afford a nice tourbillon watch.

It comes in a 42mm stainless steel case with a nice polished bezel and is powered by a hand wound mechanical movement with a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The crocodile leather strap is paired with feels a little bit cheap but it looks good enough.

The tourbillon is displayed at the 6 o’clock position on the dial, and fits in nicely with the Roman numerals and the skeleton hands under the sapphire crystal glass. The watch is legible, simple and elegant, but lacks a date complication and doesn’t have luminous hands and hour markers.

What We Like

  • Simple yet elegant look, which makes it suitable as a dress watch as well.
  • 5 ATM water resistance (50 meters/165 feet) adds practicality.
  • Easy to read display even with its tourbillon feature​.

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires regular winding, less convenient than automatic models​.
  • May not appeal to those who prefer automatic or quartz movements.

Stuhrling Original Viceroy Tourbillon 296D Specifications

  • Case Size: 42mm
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters/165 feet)
  • Bezel: Polished Beveled
  • Strap: Genuine Crocodile, 22mm wide
  • Case Back: Screw Down Exhibition
  • Crystal: Sapphire (Front & Back)
  • Movement: ST-93301, 28,800vph, 18 jewels
  • Power Reserve: 40 hours
  • Dial: Guilloche-like Stamped Soleil Pattern
  • Hands: Skeletonized Alpha-Style

View Price on Stuhrling


Lobinni Automatic Skeleton 15011

Lobinni Automatic Skeleton 15011

The Lobinni Automatic Skeleton comes in very cheap but very good looking nonetheless. It’s got an automatic movement housed in a stainless steel case with a 50m water resistance rating and under a sapphire crystal glass. The watch is paired with either a stainless steel bracelet or a genuine leather strap.

The dial of the watch is jam-packed, but it somehow looks okay, with a modern and masculine style.

The dial is skeletonized, so you get to see little bits of the movement that powers the watch, with a steel gray color specked with occasional bursts of gold tones from the gears behind.

What We Like

  • Fashionable skeleton dial design, visually appealing.
  • Made with durable 316L stainless steel and sapphire crystal.
  • 5Bar water resistance offers good protection.

What We Don’t Like

  • Strap quality seems average, may not last long.
  • Some users might find the 42mm dial too large.
  • Limited Availability: It’s not always easy to find in stock​​.

Lobinni Automatic Skeleton 15011 Specifications

  • Water Resistance: 5Bar
  • Movement: Automatic Self-Wind
  • Band Length: 22cm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Features: Shock Resistant, Luminous, Water Resistant, Anti-magnetic
  • Case Shape: Oval
  • Band Width: 21mm
  • Case Thickness: 11.5mm
  • Dial Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
  • Dial Diameter: 42mm
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel / Leather

View Price on Amazon


Ingersoll Golden Spike Tourbillon IN5102SRG

Ingersoll Golden Spike Tourbillon IN5102SRG

Ingersoll is not a name that pops to mind when thinking about tourbillons, and even watches in general, no matter if they’re hand wound, self-winding or quartz.

But it happens that Ingersoll is one of those names that started as an All-American company and moved away to the far east in order to minimize their production costs.

Their Golden Spike Tourbillon is one affordable option for a tourbillon at a little less than $1,500. The watch features a black and white dial with rose gold tone skeletonized bridges and a tourbillon at the bottom.

What We Like

  • Features a convex bubble-like sapphire crystal lens.
  • Distinct skeleton dial showing the inner mechanism and the superb tourbillon display.
  • Offers a depth resistance of 165 feet, suitable for swimming.

What We Don’t Like

  • At 45mm, it may not fit comfortably on smaller wrists.
  • There’s a lack of detailed information on long-term performance and durability.
  • Ingersoll is not widely known for tourbillon watches.

Ingersoll Golden Spike Tourbillon IN5102SRG Specifications

  • Materials: Leather, Stainless Steel
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 8mm
  • Band Material: Leather Calfskin
  • Band Length: Men’s Standard
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Band Color: Black
  • Dial Color: White
  • Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
  • Crystal Type: Anti-Reflective Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 165 Feet

View Price on Amazon


BINLUN 18K Tourbillon

BINLUN 18K Tourbillon

The Binlun 18k Tourbillon is a little too much in terms of design, but it’s still one of the best affordable options. Beyond the cluttered design, it’s got a skeleton window that shows a glimpse of the tourbillon movement inside, housed inside the 39mm 18k gold plated stainless steel case.

The dial of the watch comes in white and is surrounded by a gold tone rhinestone-encrusted rim with black Roman numerals to contrast the hour and minute hands and the rest of the watch.

What We Like

  • 18K gold plated stainless steel case and band.
  • 5ATM Water resistance, suitable for swimming (but not in salty water or for scuba diving).
  • Uses a Japanese Miyota 21-jewel ruby bearing automatic mechanical movement.

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited information on brand reputation and longevity.
  • The time might be a bit hard to read, especially towards the end of each hour.

Binlun 18k Tourbillon Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 11mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
  • Movement: Japanese Miyota 21 jewels automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Material: 18K Gold Plated, Stainless Steel

View Price on Amazon


Reef Tiger Multifunctional Tourbillon RGA703

Reef Tiger Multifunctional Tourbillon RGA703

Reef Tiger is one of the leading Chinese watch manufacturers, but one with a questionable history. Despite that, they still manage to do some more refined and higher end timepieces compared to their rivals.

The Reef Tiger Multifunctional Tourbillon, RGA703 simply looks amazing, especially when you think how cheap it is at under $300.

Under the domed sapphire crystal glass, we’ve got an analog skeleton dial which allows a peek into the inner workings of the automatic movement, protected by the 44mm stainless steel case with rose gold tone.

This Tiger Reef model comes with a month and year display at 12 o’clock and the day and date sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock.

What We Like

  • The watch’s design is inspired by the chaos of the birth of the universe.
  • Skeleton dial with multiple subdials, including year, month, day, and date displays.
  • Swiss Reef Tiger RT6503 automatic movement ensures quality and precision.

What We Don’t Like

  • Due to the unique design, readability might be challenging for some users.
  • The brand is not as widely known, which might raise questions about long-term reliability.

Reef Tiger Multifunctional Tourbillon RGA703 Specifications

  • Case Size: 45 mm
  • Movement: Swiss Reef Tiger RT6503 Automatic
  • Strap: Calfskin Leather with Tang Buckle
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters
  • Dial: Skeleton with various subdials
  • Other Features: Year, Month, Day, Date Display

View Price on Amazon


Sugess Tourbillon Master

Sugess Tourbillon Master

The Sugess Tourbillon Master brings a fresh look and a minimalistic design on the affordable tourbillon market.

The watch has a simple, yet very attractive 12 hour main enamel dial with pretty Arab numerals painted in black at high temperature. The blue steel hour and minute hands and screws add a nice contrast to the dial.

At the 6 o’clock position there’s a good looking tourbillon window that steals the show. It’s probably one of the nicest affordable tourbillon watches on the market. And at almost $600, the tourbillon promises to be the real thing.

What We Like

  • The 60-hour power reserve is quite substantial.
  • Stunning enamel dial that remains elegant and crisp.
  • Impressive movement and finishing for the price.

What We Don’t Like

  • The crown is a bit small, making winding challenging.
  • Limited strap options due to 21mm lug width.
  • Some elements like the case finishing are less impressive.

Sugess Tourbillon Master Specifications

  • Model: SU8230YW
  • Features: Tourbillon, Enamel Dial, Blue Steel Hands and Screws, Weight Precision Balance Wheel, Exhibition Case Back
  • Case Diameter: 41mm
  • Case Thickness: 11mm
  • Glass Material: Sapphire Crystal
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
  • Band: Genuine Leather
  • Movement: Manual winding
  • Caliber: Genuine Seagull ST8230
  • Jewels: 21
  • Vibration: 3 Hz (21,600 BPH)
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 5ATM (50 Meters)

View Price on Sugess Watch


Reef Tiger Men’s Double Tourbillon RGA1995

Reef Tiger Men’s Double Tourbillon RGA1995

Another Reef Tiger, the Men’s Double Tourbillon RGA1995, comes with an analog silver sub-dial display with Roman numerals and bright blue hour, minute and seconds hands. The sub-dial display also features a date window at the 3 o’clock position.

Inside the 44mm case, there’s a Miyota 6T15 automatic movement, which powers the watch. The two tourbillons on the left side, with the golden touches, make the piece look more expensive than it really is.

What We Like

  • Traditional Hollow Artist Design with a unique and attractive look.
  • Good Build Quality: Utilizes stainless steel for durability
  • It offers both quartz and automatic self-winding mechanical movements

What We Don’t Like

  • Early confusion over the use of Chinese movements and “Swiss Tech” claims​.
  • Automatic models may lose 25-40 seconds per day​.
  • Some models may have overly crowded features.

Reef Tiger Men’s Double Tourbillon RGA1995 Specifications:

  • Movement: Miyota 6T15 Automatic Movement
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel plated with Rose Gold
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Thickness: 11mm
  • Dial: Dial with Roman numerals
  • Strap Material: High-quality genuine leather
  • Strap Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

View Price on Amazon


Stuhrling Devilray Tourbillon 407A

Stuhrling Devilray Tourbillon 407A

Coming in a 44mm all black case with a bold sharkskin strap, the Stuhrling Devilray Tourbillon is quite a sight, and doesn’t feel a cheap one at all.

It’s powered by a Chinese Seagull mechanical movement, with a 4Hz frequency and a 40 hour power reserve. The movement can be seen through the exhibition case back.

The dial is divided in two, with the upper half dedicated to a large number 12, the only hour indicator, and the large luminous hour and minute hands in white.

Below the center of the dial there’s a tourbillon surrounded by a carbon fiber like dial pattern. The glass is sapphire crystal, so you can expect good protection from scratches.

What We Like

  • Drips attitude with a bold, black sharkskin strap.
  • Scratch-resistant sapphire crystals on both front and back.
  • Exhibition case back that allows viewing the intricate movement.

What We Don’t Like

  • Dial mainly shows the number 12, could be impractical for some.
  • Requires regular winding, less convenient than automatic.
  • It’s a lot more expensive than other watches in this list.

Stuhrling Devilray Tourbillon 407A Specifications

  • Case Size: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 12.68 mm
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters/165 feet)
  • Crystal: Sapphire (Front & Back)
  • Dial: Brass with exposed tourbillon movement
  • Strap: Black sharkskin
  • Movement: Chinese Seagull mechanical, 4Hz, 40-hour power reserve

View Price on Stuhrling


LOREO Multifunction Tourbillon

LOREO Multifunction Tourbillon

The Loreo Multifunction Tourbillon features a black analog dial with a nice tourbillon at 6 o’clock, plus two sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock for the month and day.

The hour markers with Roman numerals and the hour and minute hands come in a gold color to match the faded gold of the 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet.

The watch boasts and automatic movement and is protected from splashes and rain due to its 30m water resistance rating.

What We Like

  • Impressive features for its price range.
  • Stainless Steel Case: Durable with a good feel.
  • Seagull Movement: Comparable performance to Seiko and Miyota movements.

What We Don’t Like

  • Poor Lume Quality: Limited brightness and duration.
  • It has an aluminum bezel insert, which is less durable, prone to scratches.

LOREO Multifunction Tourbillon Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Band Length: 24cm
  • Case Thickness: 13mm
  • Weight: 150g
  • Water Resistance Depth: 200m/660ft
  • Movement: Seagull Automatic Self-Winding
  • Materials: Stainless Steel (case and band), Sapphire Crystal (window)

View Price on Amazon


Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1639 Luxury

Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1639 Luxury

The Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1639 Luxury comes out as a more refined looking piece than the ones we already presented from the same brand.

It comes with a more elegant deep blue dial, with luminous hands and indices in a rose gold tone. There’s a nice looking tourbillon at 9 o’clock and a dual time sub-dial at 11 o’clock.

The automatic movement is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case plated with rose gold, and covered with a sapphire crystal glass. The blue leather strap is a perfect match to the rest of the watch.

What We Like

  • Rose gold case with a black dial and luminous markers.
  • Fine steel case, genuine leather strap, and sapphire crystal.
  • Offers a luxury feel at a more accessible price point.

What We Don’t Like

  • Rose gold plating may be less durable than solid metal
  • Not suitable for diving or intense water sports.

Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1639 Luxury Specifications:

  • Model Number: RGA1639-PBB
  • Movement: Japan Seiko NH39A Automatic
  • Case Material: Polished Stainless Steel, Rose Gold Plated
  • Crystal: Anti-Reflective Sapphire
  • Dial: Black with Luminous Markers, Skeleton Dial
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters
  • Strap: Genuine Leather with Deployment Buckle
  • Case Size: 44mm

View Price on Amazon


Nesun N900

Nesun N900

Coming in at around $500, the Nesun N900 is an automatic watch with a good looking simulated tri-axis tourbillon, sapphire crystal glass, a 50 hour power reserve and 50m water resistance rating.

Its design is simple but has enough appeal, especially for those who are searching for high-class looks without paying the price.

What We Like

  • Luxurious Design: Simple yet luxurious aesthetic.
  • It’s very lightweight and comfortable at 80g.
  • Made with tough materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal.

What We Don’t Like

  • Not Super Precise: May gain or lose a few seconds each day.
  • Short Warranty: Only covered for one year.

Nesun N900 Specifications

  • Movement: Automatic self-wind
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Weight: 80g
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Dial Diameter: 41 mm
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
  • Case Thickness: 13 mm
  • Time Accuracy: +/- 6 Seconds a day
  • Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
  • Band Material: Genuine Leather
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Band Length: 22cm

View Price on Amazon


ERA Prometheus Tourbillon

ERA Prometheus Tourbillon

With a price point floating around $1,500 for its cheapest variant, the ERA Prometheus Tourbillon promises a lot.

The best thing about it is that it can be configured according to your preferences, so you can opt for either a manual or self-winding movement, and between a platinum plated or stainless steel case.

The dial comes with a dual time sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a moon phase indicator at 3 o’clock. At the 6 o’clock position is a lovely single-axis tourbillon.

What We Like

  • Eye-catching blue dial with useful features like dual timezone​ and moonphase.
  • Comfortable leather strap that’s soft and conforms well to the wrist
  • Offers high-end features at a lower price point​.

What We Don’t Like

  • Readability Issues: Time may be hard to read due to design
  • More of a specialty or occasional watch.
  • Advised not to submerge in water despite 50m rating.

ERA Prometheus Tourbillon Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 44 mm
  • Thickness: 12.72 mm
  • Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds/day (standard) / +/- 25 seconds/day (Titan edition)
  • Power Reserve: ~42 hours
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph
  • Jewels: 20
  • Case: Platinum Bezel (Titan edition)
  • Crystal: Ultra Scratch-resistant Sapphire Glass With Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 meters
  • Movement: HZ3360A
  • Strap: Leather Strap with Butterfly Clasp
  • Weight: 3.53oz / 100 grams
  • Additional Features: Luminescent hands and hour markers, sun/moon indicator, GMT feature

View Price on ERA Timepieces


Grmontre Automatic Tourbillon G701

Grmontre Automatic Tourbillon G701

The Grmontre G701 Automatic Tourbillon offers an exquisite experience at an affordable price.

The design is superb and doesn’t betray its cheapness. It features a date, month and day dial and a simulated triple-axis tourbillon that makes for a very likeable appearance.

The watch comes in a stainless steel case with 30m water resistance rating and an automatic movement with 35 hour power reserve.

What We Like

  • Complete Calendar Feature: Displays month, day, and time.
  • Offers qualities of high-end watches without the hefty price tag.
  • Durable Design: Hardlex crystal glass case is impact-resistant.

What We Don’t Like

  • I couldn’t find too many drawbacks, maybe only the limited water resistance.
  • For people with smaller wrists the 44mm might seem a bit bulky.

Grmontre Automatic Tourbillon G701 Specifications:

  • Water Resistance: 3Bar
  • Dial Diameter: 44mm
  • Band Length: 22cm
  • Case Thickness: 16mm
  • Band Width: 21mm
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Window Material: Hardlex Crystal

View Price on Amazon


Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1930

Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1930

The Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1930 is an even more exquisite model than the other Reef Tiger pieces presented above, and the price of around $1,100 is proof alone for that.

The design of the RGA1930 is mesmerizing and good looking, with a sleek and minimalist deep blue dial, but quite impressive with the tourbillon complication seen at the 6 o’clock position.

The hour markers appear curved under the domed sapphire crystal glass, while the rose gold tone of the 40mm case blends nicely with the deep blue color of the dial.

While the price is higher than the other models on this list, this might actually stand for a higher quality and confidence it’s a real tourbillon.

What We Like

  • Offers luxury watch aesthetics at a more accessible price.
  • Uses high-quality materials like sapphire crystal and rose gold.
  • The double arched design and gentle case lines fit well on smaller wrists.

What We Don’t Like

  • Lacks some advanced features found in other similar-priced watches.
  • Despite being automatic, it may need winding with infrequent use.

Reef Tiger Tourbillon RGA1930 Specifications

  • Case Size: 40x11mm
  • Case Material: Solid Stainless Steel with Rose Gold Bezel
  • Dial: Black with Stick Markers and Tourbillon Display
  • Crystal: Anti-Reflective Sapphire
  • Movement: Reef Tiger Tourbillon Automatic
  • Strap: Brown Leather with Deployment Buckle
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

View Price on Amazon


Akribos XXIV AK493 Tourbillon Moon Phase

Akribos XXIV AK493 Tourbillon Moon Phase

With its interesting moon phase display, dual time and the skeletonized bottom half of the dial, the Akribos XXIV is one of the best options you can find today on the affordable tourbillon market.

The watch features gold tone Roman numerals and hands on its main display, with a secondary sub-dial at 9 o’clock for a second time zone. At 3 o’clock is the moon phase indicator, and the beauty at 6 o’clock is the skeletonized view of the self-winding mechanical movement.

Overall, the 44mm stainless steel Akribos XXIV looks posh, but costs only around $550.

What We Like

  • Durable build, with stainless steel and mineral crystal dome.
  • Features ISA Swiss Quartz movement.
  • Sun-inspired dial and gold-tone finish add elegance.

What We Don’t Like

  • The time might be hard to read in some moments of the day.
  • The gold tone may fade over time.

Akribos XXIV AK493 Tourbillon Moon Phase Specifications

  • Diameter: 42 mm
  • Thickness: 14 mm
  • Case: Brushed/polished steel
  • Back Case: Scratch-proof sapphire crystal
  • Bracelet: Black leather
  • Dial: Beige with roman numerals and index markings
  • Glass: Scratch-proof sapphire crystal
  • Movement Type: Automatic winding
  • Water Protection: 5 ATM
  • Other Features: Moon phase, GMT-function, 24 hours function

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of tourbillon watches went through a remarkable transformation in these last couple of years.

The days when the tourbillon was an exquisite thing only afforded by the rich are now over with these impressive and cheap alternatives presented on this list.

This article has showcased a variety of affordable tourbillon watches that we hope you will like, each blending elegance, functionality, and value.


Tourbillon Watches FAQ

Is a Tourbillon Watch expensive?

Yes, traditionally, a tourbillon watch has been an expensive item, often associated with the wealthy due to its hefty price tag. The difficulty, time, and attention to detail needed to craft a proper tourbillon, not to mention the stellar craftsmanship involved, all contribute to its value.

However, the game has changed a bit recently with some Chinese manufacturers shaking things up and introducing more affordable tourbillon watches, lowering the entry price for us all.

Is a Tourbillon worth it?

Well, this can be a bit of a contentious question. If we’re talking about practical purposes or noticeable improvements in accuracy, the jury’s still out, with a lot of debate ongoing.

However, a tourbillon watch does offer a fantastic display of craftsmanship, and for some folks, it’s a great way to flaunt their social status. Plus, it’s just plain cool to look at!

Why buy a Tourbillon?

The main reasons you’d want to get a tourbillon watch would be the love for the intricate craftsmanship and the status symbol it presents. It’s like a showpiece for mechanical watch enthusiasts.

Besides, with more affordable options emerging, the exclusivity of owning a tourbillon watch is now more accessible to the masses, which is pretty neat.

What powers a Tourbillon Watch?

Tourbillon watches are powered by mechanical movements. The magic of the tourbillon lies in its special mechanism where the balance wheel and escapement are housed within a rotating cage.

This cancels out the errors caused by gravity, ideally improving the accuracy of the timepiece. However, the effectiveness of this mechanism is a topic of much debate.

How much is a Chinese Tourbillon watch?

Chinese tourbillon watches can vary in price, but you can find some real gems out there for just several hundred dollars, which is a steal considering the typical cost of a tourbillon!

For instance, the Reef Tiger Multifunctional Tourbillon RGA703 offers a great deal of elegance for under $300, while the Akribos XXIV AK493 Tourbillon Moon Phase is a fantastic choice for around $550. Not too shabby for a tourbillon watch, right?

Remember though, the quality of a Chinese tourbillon won’t exactly match up to a Swiss one. That being said, for the price difference, it’s a compromise many are willing to make. Happy hunting!


Why Trust WYCA?

As a lifelong watch enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty of tourbillon watches. I understand the desire to own one, and also the challenge of finding affordable options in a market filled with high-end prices.

That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best affordable tourbillon watches, a selection shaped by years of personal experiences and detailed research.

Our handpicked selection balances affordability with the precision and craftsmanship that tourbillons are known for.

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About Erik Rowe

Erik has always been fascinated with all things horological, from affordable diving and sports watches to high-end timekeeping wonders. He's a real watch enthusiast whose love and passion for watches extended into collecting, writing and even working on watches. Learn more about WYCA's Editorial Process.

3 thoughts on “Affordable Tourbillon Watches: 15 Options That Won’t Break the Bank”

  1. Half of these aren’t even tourbillons including the literal first picture of the article. Jesus guys. Whoever is writing this blog needs to learn some more before writing any more posts. This is basic stuff.

    Reply

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