A tourbillon is a complex mechanism found in some high-end mechanical watches. It was invented in the late 18th century by the Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet to improve accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity on the watch's movement. The tourbillon consists of a rotating cage that holds the escapement and balance wheel, allowing them to move in different positions. This innovative design helps to average out positional errors that can occur when a watch is stationary. While it is a remarkable feat of engineering, the tourbillon is not essential for timekeeping and is often seen as a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in the world of horology.