The models are hypnotic and fascinating artifacts, inspired by the world of horology and mechanical art. With their unique steel look and mesmerizing movement, any Wervelwind model is a great addition to the enthusiast’s home or professional work environment. The name Wervelwind derives from the Swiss Tourbillon watch complication invented by Abraham Louis Breguet. Our escapement artworks deliver an interpretation on Breguet’s 18th century invention, and intend to explore the world beyond mechanical limits.
The ‘Tourbillon’ -or ‘whirl-wind’- mechanism was specifically invented for pocket watches, as they were mostly carried vertically and were therefore vulnerable to gravity related errors. To increase the accuracy of a watch’s escapement, the Tourbillon reduced the effects of gravity, by placing the balance wheel and escapement in a rotating cage. The generated rotation prevented time errors. In contemporary horology Tourbillon mechanisms are added to wrist watches as highly prestigious attachments. The invention’s complexity made the Tourbillon transcend its function and turned it into a desirable collector’s item for passionate horologists. Wervelwind delivers a mechanical interpretation of the Tourbillon. Our kinetic sculptures are artworks that emphasize the distinguished movement of rotation. The sculptures magnify the mechanic precision of Tourbillon escapements and will continue to evolve over time.
When I was fourteen I bought my first pocket watch at a little antique store in southern Italy. It had an opened dial, which made it possible to see through the watch’s escapement. This so- called Hebdomas pocket watch triggered my passion for mechanical horology. I was stunned by the mesmerizing movement of the wheel, constantly moving back and forth. From this day onward I’ve immersed myself in the working of mechanical escapements, as a form of art in itself.
The Wervelwind sculptures are a direct consequence to my first encounter with precision mechanics in Italy. I perceive the working of a watch as equivalent to art. At first, one might consider a mechanical watch as something of high technical complexity. However, when looked upon closely, every working part of a watch is determinable and understandable in its purity of form and movement. I always felt like entering the brain of the inventor when decomposing a watch’s escapement. This transcending feeling made me realize I had to bring my passion to work, by being a creator of horological art myself.
My project on creating mechanical sculptures will be called Wervelwind. ‘The Tourbillon’ is the second model that I’ve made for Wervelwind. This specific model is an interpretation of the 18th century invention of Abraham Louis Breguet, to prevent time errors in pocket watches that were carried vertically. I will make a limited amount of 94 sculptures of ‘The Tourbillon’, all numbered and delivered with a certificate. After this, ‘The Tourbillon’ model will not be produced anymore.
With this project I hope to make you experience the magic of technical horology, like I did for the first time in Italy. By inspiring others with the movement of the sculptures, I intend to open a world beyond mechanical limits. Where time is limited, the construction of time is a never ending story, written by movement.
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