The Blackout XP1 Tourbillon LT Proves You Don’t Need £20,000 for a Tourbillon
For decades, the tourbillon has sat at the very top of traditional watchmaking. Originally designed to improve accuracy in pocket watches, the complication has evolved into one of horology’s most desirable visual spectacles. The problem? Ownership has traditionally required a budget well into five figures.
That is exactly where the XP1 Tourbillon LT from Blackout Watches enters the conversation.
Priced at €3,000, which converts to roughly £2,500, the XP1 Tourbillon LT offers something that remains remarkably rare in modern watchmaking: a flying tourbillon housed inside a forged carbon case for less than £3,000. While plenty of brands have attempted to democratise complications in recent years, few have managed to package them in such an aggressively modern design.
The XP1 is unapologetically bold. Measuring 44mm wide by 52mm long, it embraces the oversized tonneau shaped sports watch aesthetic that has become increasingly popular among collectors looking for something more contemporary than traditional round case designs. Despite its substantial dimensions, the watch weighs just 110 grams thanks to its forged carbon construction.
Blackout’s UAC forged carbon case is one of the watch’s standout features. The material incorporates luminous elements directly into the carbon composite, allowing sections of the case to glow in the dark once exposed to light. It creates an effect that feels futuristic without crossing into novelty territory, while also delivering the lightweight and durable characteristics enthusiasts have come to expect from forged carbon.
At the heart of the XP1 sits a manual winding flying tourbillon movement based on the PTS 3481D calibre. Blackout states that the movement is modified, upgraded and regulated in Switzerland before assembly in Geneva. The brand has built much of its reputation around refining and improving tourbillon movements through extensive testing and component upgrades carried out by experienced Swiss watchmakers. According to the company, selected parts are replaced with Swiss produced components to improve reliability and long term performance.
Visually, the movement remains the star of the show. The flying tourbillon dominates the lower portion of the dial, delivering the hypnotic rotating display that collectors associate with far more expensive pieces. Combined with the openworked architecture and exposed mechanical elements, the XP1 delivers a genuinely high end visual experience at a fraction of the cost typically associated with the complication.
Of course, comparisons to the ultra luxury sports watch segment are inevitable. However, the XP1 has gradually developed its own identity through its distinctive forged carbon construction, aggressive case architecture and focus on accessibility. Rather than attempting to compete directly with six figure Swiss exotica, it offers enthusiasts a realistic entry point into one of watchmaking’s most fascinating complications. Let’s be honest, not many people have £50k+ to buy a Richard Mille.
For collectors who have always wanted a tourbillon but could never justify the price of admission, the XP1 Tourbillon LT presents one of the most compelling value propositions currently available in the market. So lt’s take a look at the specs…
Specifications
Movement - Manual winding flying tourbillon / Base movement: 3481D PTS
Power Reserve - 72 hours
Case Size - 44mm x 52mm
Case Thickness - 14.8mm
Case Material - UAC Forged Carbon - White luminescent forged carbon construction
Crystal - Sapphire crystal front and back
Strap - Sharks Naka premium rubber strap
Buckle - Stainless steel folding clasp
Water Resistance - 10 ATM / 100 metres
Weight - 110g
Price - €3,000 (approximately £2,500)
Winding Things Up
The tourbillon has long been regarded as one of watchmaking's ultimate flexes. Whether it genuinely improves timekeeping in a modern wristwatch is almost beside the point. Collectors want a tourbillon because it represents mechanical artistry, technical complexity and a level of craftsmanship that few other complications can match. Traditionally, that experience has come attached to price tags that start in the tens of thousands and quickly climb into six figure territory.
The Blackout XP1 Tourbillon LT challenges that convention. For roughly £2,500, buyers are getting a genuine flying tourbillon, a lightweight forged carbon case, sapphire crystals front and back, and a design that feels far more contemporary than many watches at several times the price. It is not trying to compete with the likes of Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey or Audemars Piguet. Instead, it occupies a fascinating space of its own, offering enthusiasts the chance to own one of horology's most captivating complications without needing to remortgage the house.
For collectors who prioritise value, visual impact and mechanical intrigue over heritage and prestige, the XP1 Tourbillon LT represents one of the most accessible entry points into the world of tourbillons currently available. In a market where the complication often remains financially out of reach, that alone makes it a watch worthy of attention.
