The Absolute World Record

The smallest Tourbillon movement in the world

The fantastic evolution in the field of miniaturisation in mechanical watchmaking symbolizes, today, the spectacular progress made since 1945, when Robert Charrue created his tiny pocket-watch, until now recognized as containing the smallest Tourbillon movement in the world. For over fifty years not one single watchmaker has succeeded in making a smaller one. Now, Franck Muller has made a historic masterpiece with the presentation of this unique item.

Franck Muller decided to "breathe life" into this new invention by giving it very harmonious curves. The perfect oval shape reflects the ellipsoidal shape of an egg. This horological construction dates back to the birth of watchmaking when, in the 18th century, inventive minds of the time were already producing splendid mechanical objects in shapes that were as rounded and unusual as the egg. In 1998, Franck Muller reinterpreted this legendary shape - the perfect mythical object - which has always been a source of inspiration to the greatest philosophers and navigators.

The Tourbillon that Franck Muller has perfected is, today, the smallest Tourbillon movement in the world, with a diameter of 19.15mm. The hours and minutes are visible through a mineral glass section cut and fitted to the top of the egg. The mechanism, which is the object of the record, can be viewed through the bottom of the egg which is also fitted with a transparent glass section. Franck Muller has glorified this horological objet d'art by covering it completely with 240 baguette diamonds using an invisible setting technique.