Posts filed under Greubel Forsey

SIHH 2016: Presenting the new Greubel Forsey Signature 1 Unique Edition. The Point of Entry to the Brand in Stainless Steel at 150,000 Swiss Francs.

Today, we bring you a new watch that left many in awe at the SIHH 2016 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. The new Greubel Forsey GF01 Signature 1 Unique Edition was presented as the point of entry watch into the Greubel Forsey brand. This watch not only represents a new era for Greubel Forsey, but it also revives a popular concept dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries known as 'subscription watch' and made popular by Abraham-Louis Breguet.

SIHH 2016: Presenting the Greubel Forsey GF04 Double Balancier. Hands-on Live Pictures & Pricing.

Without a doubt one of our favorite watches at the SIHH 2016 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the new Greubel Forsey Double Balancier brings a stunning work of horological art to the table. Available in a limited edition of only 33 pieces in white gold the Double Balancier is the first Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant.

News: The Winners of the 2015 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Congratulations to the Winners and Especially to Greubel Forsey for Winning the 'Aiguille d'Or' Grand Prix.

Excellence, innovation and watchmaking expertise were duly rewarded today October 29th, 2015 at the Grand Théâtre de Genève, on the occasion of the 15th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève —GPHG— prize-giving ceremony. The international jury of this edition 2015 of the GPHG handed out 16 prizes, including the supreme “Aiguille d’Or”, distinction, awarded to Greubel Forsey for the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. Jointly hosted by Melanie Winiger and Frédéric Beigbeder, the ceremony was attended by around 1,500 guests including influential figures from the world of watchmaking, finance and politics, who congregated in Geneva for this annual celebration of the 12th art. This 15th edition of the GPHG registered a record participation with representation from all the major watchmaking groups as well as a number of independent companies.

SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Commemorating its 10th anniversary this year, Greubel Forsey presented just a few novelties at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva. One of those novelties that received a lot of attention —in addition to his project in collaboration with Philippe Dufour called 'Naissance d'une Montre'— at the SIHH 2015 was the new Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. The rationale behind the creation of this new watch was to present their third invention in a case that is as slender as possible and yet able to accommodate the inclined tourbillon cage. It was the lateral projections of their asymmetrical models that gave them the idea for an original solution. By incorporating a dome —with flat top for ergonomics and wearing comfort— into the sapphire crystal on the back of the timepiece, they created enough extra volume to allow the tourbillon cage to overlap the reference surface of the rear bridges. The dome is a new and intriguing element that directs attention to the lower bridge of the tourbillon.

News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Presenting the Greubel Forsey GMT Black. Even More Stunning than its Predecessor.

Pre-SIHH 2015, Greubel Forsey is pleased to announce the launch of the GMT Black exploring a new design with a titanium case and treated with vacuum deposited ADLC. This is a unique edition of 22 pieces worldwide. The timepiece features a case measuring 43.5 mm in diameter housing a GF05 in-house movement with 24 second tourbillon inclined at a 25 degree angle, GMT function, three-dimensional globe for day/night indication, rotating disc with 24 different time zones, daylight savings indication, and 72 hour power reserve. This watch is the exact same watch as its predecessors in platinum, rose gold or white gold GMTs reviewed here but with a DLC Titanium case. The 25° inclined Tourbillon '24 Secondes' cage at 5 o'clock is one of Greubel Forsey’s major patented inventions. The single inclined tourbillon cage undergoes rapidly changing positions with a high angular velocity, thus minimizing the effects of gravity on the regulating organ and maximizing timekeeping accuracy. 

Posted on December 17, 2014 and filed under News, Greubel Forsey.

SIHH 2014: Greubel Forsey Presents the New Platinum GMT. Live Pics and Pricing.

In 2011, Greubel Forsey revolutionized the field of GMT —dual time zone— watches with their innovative timepiece and its original technique, aesthetics and practicality. Its exceptional precision movement, featuring the 24-second tourbillon with 25° inclination, now comes set against a platinum backdrop. This new Greubel Forsey unveiled this week at the SIHH 2014, is exactly like the two other GMTs available in 18K rose gold or 18K white gold, but this time in 950 Platinum —which shines with a whiter hue when compared to its white gold counterpart. The best way to differentiate the white gold model from this one —aside from the obvious whiter hue of the metal— is by the black dial and black alligator strap on the platinum vs. the grey dial and blue alligator strap on the white gold model.

This watch previously reviewed here features a second time zone indication complemented by a three-dimensional terrestrial globe —referred to as a Planisphere by Greubel Forsey— providing an intuitive picture of time all over the world in a distinctive asymmetrical case measuring  43.5 mm in diameter and 16.14 mm in thickness.

A dual-function pusher located on the left caseband —at what would be the 10 o'clock position— with GMT engraved on it, allows for quick setting of the second time zone that is indicated on a small register at 10 o'clock as well as adjustment of the rotating globe that is synchronized with a cities disc on the back of the watch. The dial features a 72-hour power reserve indicator at 2 o'clock right underneath the seconds register. The local time is shown on the off-centered gold frosted anthracite treated dial at 12 o'clock. The sapphire crystal opening on the caseband at 7 o'clock allows for full view of the delicately finished terrestrial globe and to allow for light to go in which indicates those areas of the world where it is daytime. The terrestrial globe makes one complete rotation every 24 hours anticlockwise —the Earth’s natural rotational direction viewed from North pole— and the position of the continents can be easily cross-referenced with the time on the equatorial chapter ring which is marked with 24 time zones and day/night indication. The night-time hemisphere —18:00 to 6:00— is indicated by a blackened half of the ring around the globe, while the daytime hemisphere —6:00 to 18:00— is indicated by a whitened portion. Midnight is indicated in red while noon is in yellow.

Sticker Price $630,000 USD. For more info on Greubel Forsey click here.

Insider: Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique in Platinum. Another Fascinating Invention Full of Intricate Details.

The exceptional Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique in platinum —also available in red gold or white gold— is another one of the inventions from this manufacture. This timepiece measuring 47.50mm in diameter full of intricate details and a perfect example of ultra 'haute horlogerie' is not only worthy of a detailed review, but also worthy of admiration. This is a watch where the eye is drawn from one gear to the next, enabling careful observation of each separate element.

Insider: Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret. Fitted with Four Tourbillons, it Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.

The Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret is a timepiece unlike any other. This timepiece is a perfect example of how traditional horology can be pushed to its limits and innovation becomes the name of the game. The Quadruple Tourbillon Secret a.k.a Quadruple Tourbillon à Différentiel is a blend of art and technical innovation that encapsulates the very soul of its two creators with its fascinating four tourbillons. This watch is fitted with an asymmetrical case in 18K red gold —also available in platinum— measuring 43.50mm in diameter and 16.11mm in thickness. This fascinating timepiece is fitted with a lateral window on the case band at 8 o'clock that allows for full view of one of the double tourbillon cages. The alternating satin brushed and polished areas on the case create the perfect symphony that houses such a magnificent complication and a gorgeous black dial.

The black dial with gold 'appliqués' features a 50-hour power reserve indicator with running seconds at 2 o'clock, a 4-minute tourbillon rotation indicator at 5 o'clock and a 240-seconds register at 8 o'clock. The 240-seconds indicator is delicately engraved with French words that perfectly describe the intrinsic attributes and qualities of this horological masterpiece: 'Savoir-Faire', 'Inventeurs Horlogers', 'Créativité', 'Technicité', 'Univers Original', 'Bienfacture d'Exception', 'Oeuvre Unique', 'Noblesse Esthétique', 'Inventeurs Horlogers', 'Créativité' and 'Technicité'.

Now, let's explain how this amazing timepiece works. The Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon is fitted with two double-tourbillons composed by an inner tourbillon —set at a 30 degree angle and that rotates once every minute— and an outer tourbillon that rotates once every four minutes. The four tourbillons are connected at the heart of two autonomous regulating organs, where each regulating organ is composed of a balance wheel oscillator placed in the cage of the tourbillon that is located at an angle of 30 degrees and that rotates once every minute. This mechanism rotates within the cage of a second tourbillon every four minutes. The two oscillators independently regulated inside the four tourbillons are coupled by a spherical differential which transmits their combined precision to the time display. Two barrels connected in series supply power through the spherical differential to the tourbillons.   

The beating heart of this magnificent piece of 'haute horlogerie' is the Greubel Forsey calibre GF03 composed of 531 parts, 2 double-tourbillon cages with 128 parts each, a spherical differential composed of 28 parts and 63 olived-domed jewels in gold chatons. When fully wound, the calibre provides a power reserve of 50 hours beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The calibre is of course fully visible via the display case back.  

This fascinating timepiece is fitted with a black hand-sewn alligator strap with double-folding clasp engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo. The strap is very supple, elegantly finished and quite comfortable. 

The Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret is available in a limited number of eight pieces in 18K red gold and 8 pieces in platinum.  If you appreciate 'haute horlogerie' and you have the money to play in the game, this timepiece is one that will for sure be featured in horological history books, as one of the most fascinating complications ever created. 

Sticker Price $805,000 USD. For more info on Greubel Forsey click here.

Insider: Greubel Forsey GMT. Taking Horology to the Next Level.

The Greubel Forsey GMT is one of the most fascinating worldtimer complications we have ever reviewed. This fascinating watch created by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, founders of Greubel Forsey will leave you in awe. Last week, we were able to peruse the watch and meet with Stephen Forsey who explained in detail how this fascinating complication works. 

Robert Greubel —a former IWC employee that worked on their Grand Complication Project and prototypist for complications at Renaud & Papi— and Stephen Forsey have been working together for nearly 20 years. In 1992, Stephen met Robert at Renaud & Papi and in 2001 they co-founded 'Complitime', a company focused on developing and crafting complicated movements for prestigious brands.

In 2004, Robert and Stephen unveiled 'Greubel Forsey' and stunned watch collectors with their innovative Double Tourbillon 30°. The GMT we are reviewing here is no exception as Greubel Forsey continues to take horology to the next level.

This GMT complication, available in rose gold or white gold, features a second time zone indication complemented by a three-dimensional terrestrial globe providing an intuitive picture of time all over the world in a distinctive asymmetrical case measuring  43.5 mm in diameter and 16.14 mm in thickness. A dual-function pusher located on the left caseband —at what would be the 10 o'clock position— with GMT engraved on it, allows for quick setting of the second time zone that is indicated on a small register at 10 o'clock as well as adjustment of the rotating globe that is synchronized with a cities disc on the back of the watch. The dial features a 72-hour power reserve indicator at 2 o'clock right underneath the seconds register. The local time is shown on the off-centered gold frosted anthracite treated dial at 12 o'clock. The sapphire crystal opening on the caseband at 7 o'clock allows for full view of the delicately finished terrestrial globe and to allow for light to go in which indicates those areas of the world where it is daytime. The terrestrial globe makes one complete rotation every 24 hours anticlockwise —the Earth’s natural rotational direction viewed from North pole— and the position of the continents can be easily cross-referenced with the time on the equatorial chapter ring which is marked with 24 time zones and day/night indication. The night-time hemisphere —18:00 to 6:00— is indicated by a blackened half of the ring around the globe, while the daytime hemisphere —6:00 to 18:00— is indicated by a whitened portion. Midnight is indicated in red while noon is in yellow.

The 25° inclined Tourbillon '24 Secondes' cage at 5 o'clock is one of Greubel Forsey’s major patented inventions. The single inclined tourbillon cage undergoes rapidly changing positions with a high angular velocity, thus minimizing the effects of gravity on the regulating organ and maximizing timekeeping accuracy. 

Now, let's talk about the back of the watch. As fascinating as the front, the back features a worldtimer disc with 24 cities that eases the setting of the globe and also provides the traditional worldtimer way of reading time in multiple timezones. As the cities disc rotates, so does the terrestrial globe to perfectly show night and day areas of the earth. The disc is also fitted with a central indicator for Summer Time a.k.a. Daylight Savings Time. Those cities not using DST are on a dark background and time is read on the outer chapter ring. It is worth mentioning that the anti-reflective coating treatment on the sapphire crystal of the display case back makes the cities disc appear grayish; however, the disc is made of sapphire crystal and the cities are in black and white as the last picture clearly shows it.

The back also features a golden gear with a beautiful windrose serving as a useful visual reference for midday. The beating heart inside this watch is the manual wound calibre GF05 decorated with nickel silver frosted bridges and plates, blued screws and a small opening where the efficient spherical differential can be admired. This calibre is composed of 443 parts, 50 jewels and two co-axial series-coupled fast rotating barrels. 

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The caseband is matte finished with alternating polished areas around the lugs and with polished edges on the bezel and the case back. A nice contrasting touch to the beautifully engraved black lacquered winding crown.  

This fascinating piece of horology is fitted with a beautiful and very comfortable blue crocodile strap with deployant buckle. The strap is extremely elegant and nicely handcrafted.

Opposed to the thick construction of this watch, it does not sit high on the wrist and is extremely comfortable wearing true to its diameter. If you are ready to own one of the masterpieces of modern horology, look no further. This is a real GMT watch that very few will be able to own. Please enjoy the video at the bottom of the post where Robert and Stephen clearly explain how this fascinating timepiece works. 

Sticker Price $595,000 USD. For more info on Greubel Forsey click here.