Lifestyle

The History of Watchmaking You Never Knew

Published

6 years ago

March 12, 2020

History, as the old adage goes, is written by the winners. Such is the case with the tourbillon watch.

All throughout the watch world, John Breguet is revered as the “father of the tourbillon movement”. Receiving the first patent for his tourbillon design in 1801, Breguet was already a well-respected horologist among the aristocracy. Although a bit of a showoff, Breguet himself revealed the true inventor of this gravity-defying movement: John Arnold. While it may sound like the beginning of a story of corporate espionage and underhanded deals, much like the history Silicon Valley presents, nothing is further from the truth.

The esteemed pair were actually very good friends. Introduced by one of Breguet’s first clients, the Duke of Orleans. Throughout the years, they traded craft secrets, offered help to one another with new designs, even sending their sons to apprentice under the other.

Pocket watches were the mobile timekeepers of that era. Due to the relatively stationary position of the pocket watch, watchmakers struggled with how to answer the uneven wear pocket watches that affected the accuracy of their devices. A problem presented by a force that no artisan at the time could escape, gravity.

It was John Arnold that discovered the solution: to create a device that would release the escapement, allowing an additional rotation that would correct the drag of gravity on the delicate moving parts. This design gave birth to the first ever tourbillon movement.

The death of John Arnold, in 1799, was a terrible loss to Breguet. As a final labor of love to honor his colleague and friend, Breguet modified one of Arnold’s earlier creations with the first real tourbillon built. The modification was completed and presented to Arnold’s son in 1808 with the heartfelt inscription, “Breguet’s first tourbillon regulator, united with one of Arnold’s earliest movements; a tribute by Breguet to the revered memory of Arnold and presented to his son in the year 1808.”

At Aventi, we don’t just make watches, we’re watch enthusiasts. Much like our predecessors, we constantly challenge ourselves to design and create something truly unique that overcomes a weakness in the industry.

We’ve taken on the big names and challenged the idea that tourbillon watches are meant for only the social elite. We’ve created a new design and system that answers the inefficiencies that plague horology today, reducing the production costs to mere fractions of what is commonly accepted, allowing us the opportunity to offer the first ever tourbillon for under a $1000.

Curious about what other innovations Aventi has up their sleeves? Go to www.aventiwatch.com to learn more about our revolutionary crowdfunding campaign that is challenging everything we know about watchmaking.

Lifestyle

Documentary Alert: Derik Fay – A Hidden Architect in Plain Sight

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneur, investor, and founder of 3F Management, Derik Fay has built a business empire with discreet precision. Now, his story is set to reach a broader stage with a documentary scheduled for release in early 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the man behind the moves.

From Small‑Town Roots to Private Equity Power

Born November 19, 1978, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s trajectory defies conventional entrepreneur narratives. He began with limited resources but an expansive vision. After the success of his early fitness venture, he shifted to the private equity and operational model through 3F Management, quietly holding or controlling stakes in companies across fintech, media, health, construction and more.

The Documentary’s Focus: Strategy, Legacy, Quiet Influence

The upcoming film dives into Fay’s behind‑the‑scenes methodology. Rather than spotlight‑chasing, the narrative shows how Fay executes in boardrooms most never see, scales companies most never hear of, and converts digital authority into foundational power. It highlights how his Instagram following of over 1.4 million and billions of digital impressions are not the goal—they are the byproduct of systematic growth and influence.

Why This Story Matters Now

In an era of flash exits, viral entrepreneurs and boom‑and‑bust startups, Fay represents a different archetype: the silent architect building for endurance. The documentary frames his model as an antidote to hype—emphasizing infrastructure, sustainable growth and strategic compounding. Viewers will follow his journey from his earliest days in Rhode Island to boardroom negotiations, legacy exit strategies and personal transformation.

What You’ll Discover

The founding and expansion of his early fitness business, and how that created the blueprint for modern deal‑making.
The evolution of 3F Management and its broader holdings, showing how Fay’s operational involvement distinguishes him from traditional investors.
Personal chapters rarely told: his reflections on family, fatherhood (including daughters Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay), and how his values inform his business.
Digital influence redefined: how millions of followers and global content served not as showmanship, but as a platform for entrepreneurs, giving back and platform building.
A net worth estimate derived from exits, real‑estate holdings and equity positions—though Fay chooses discretion, analysts place his worth comfortably into the $100 million‑plus range, with some valuations exceeding $250 million.

Anticipated Release & Impact

According to early reports, the documentary is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2024. While the exact distribution vehicle is unconfirmed, the subject’s reach, story and timing suggest a high‑profile streaming launch is possible. For those tracking “Derik Fay documentary” or “Derik Fay Netflix,” this will be a key watch.

Final Word

The documentary isn’t merely about success. It’s about how success is built—behind closed doors, sometimes unseen, yet undeniably powerful. Derik Fay’s story reminds us that influence isn’t measured only in noise—it is often measured by the legacy quietly assembled.