Baselworld/SIHH

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*** SIHH 2012: Greubel Forsey ***

Greubel Forsey unveiled three new models this year. The first, the GMT, is a new calibre, while the other two are variants of existing models.

The GMT is a multi time zone watch paired with the 25° Inclined Tourbillon 24 Seconds. This is not the existing tourbillon calibre with a second time zone, rather it is a new calibre utilising the Tourbillon 24 Secondes as the regulator.

Though it looks complex it is fairly easily deciphered.  (The GMT pictured here is a prototype and will vary from the final production piece slightly, the cities disc will be more legible for example.)

The globe at eight o’clock functions as a day-night indicator for any point on earth, depending on the globe’s position relative to the 24 hour ring around it. Half the 24 hour ring indicates darkness and the other half daytime. Made from titanium the globe shows the earth from the North Pole and is pivoted at the South Pole on the base.

At ten o’clock the second time zone is displayed, and adjusted with the pusher at the same position on the case.

The pusher adjusts the second time zone in sync with the cities disc on the back, which is in turn synchronised with the globe on the front. In order to ensure the globe is in the right position, the cities on the disc have to be aligned with the correct time on the outer hour index (or the inner index for summer time).

While this is an innovative and useful take on the travel watch, it is less compelling than everything else Greubel Forsey has done, because it is a world time added to an existing tourbillon. But it is attractive, with the sort of top class finishing expected from Greubel Forsey.

The second novelty is the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain. This is a variant of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes, housed in a platinum case with contemporary styling. It is a limited edition of 33 pieces.

The stunning blue dial is blued titanium with two levels, giving the watch a subtle three dimensional appearance that is not immediately apparent due to the blue base. Clear sapphire is used for the hour index and tourbillon bridge.

Notice the height of the applied “12” numeral (and note only the “12” will be filled with Luminova in the final production piece, not the baton indices).

One of the most beautiful details is the massive looking bridge that holds up the hands.

Turn it over and the calibre is revealed. It is reminiscent of vintage pocket watches like 19^th century Breguet due to the large wheels, bridge shape as well as blue base plate.

Last is the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret, so named because the four tourbillons – a pair of double tourbillons – are all hidden from view. They are visible only from the back or a peek from the sapphire window on the side of the case. Needless to say the view from the back is spectacular, showing off large swathes of the frosted finish that Greubel Forsey excels at.

This watch, along with the Contemporain, demonstrates the versatility of Greubel Forsey’s designs. They are all clearly from the same bloodline, yet markedly different.

The Quadruple Tourbillon Secret is the second “Secret” watch, the first being the Double Tourbillon 30°. Eight each will be made in rose gold and platinum.

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