Tourbillon complications are rarely seen in cheap mechanical watches. The prices of timepieces with tourbillon complications have always been exceptionally high. Genuine tourbillon watches typically sold from $20,000 to over $100,000 dollars. Luxury models and limited editions are much more expensive. Some prices are even higher than that of a Ferrari car.
Not until the most recent years, the Chinese have taken advantage of their low cost labor force, and tried their hands on the tourbillon manufacturing niche. Thanks to mass production and low running costs, Chinese made tourbillon watches are typically priced at only a fraction of Swiss watches of the equivalent quality. The prices of a Chinese tourbillon normally range from $1,000 to the upwards of $10,0000 dollars. At either end of the spectrum, prices can be as low as $500 dollars, and as high as $30,000 – $50,000 for some luxury versions.
Online shops are the best places to buy tourbillon watches. eBay is a good starting point. There are many sellers with good reputation selling Chinese tourbillons. Top benefit of buying from eBay is their buyer protection – tourbillon watches are expensive items after all.
There are also some Chinese retailers with English language online shops offering tourbillon watches of different quality and grades. Their watches usually are categorized into “watch movements”, because some of these shops are OEM manufacturers for well known brands. You can buy branded and unbranded tourbillon watches from these shops. Interestingly you might be able to add some personalization to your watches too with some of these shops.
Don’t forget your local jewelry and watch boutiques. They may also sell Chinese tourbillons. Good quality Chinese tourbillon watches have already found their way into many boutique shops worldwide because of their competitive prices.
Before buying a Chinese tourbillon watch, it is advisable to do some thorough researches. Forum such as watchuseek.com is a place where there are many active members with great knowledge about the Chinese watch industry and the ins and outs of Chinese tourbillons.