Manufacture
Oztimelord provides an exclusive look into the Greubel Forsey manufacture, detailing a personal tour that included a chance encounter with Philippe Dufour. This post offers a rare glimpse into the independent watchmaker's workshop, highlighting their commitment to precision, environmental design, and logical workflow.
As part of our global holiday we had arranged to have a visit to the manufacture of Greubel Forsey (‘GF’). Having met Stephen on several occasions we contacted him to see if we could have a tour while we were in Switzerland. In the end it ended up being more than a tour of the workshop as we were invited to lunch and a tour of Musée d'Horlogerie du Locle, Château des Monts with our super tour guide, Phoebe Forsey. After a two hour drive through the towns and mountains between Zurich and La Chaux-de-Fonds, we pulled in to the drive way of Greubel Forsey, and who should be departing but Mr Philippe Dufour.
Had I been quicker getting out of the car I would have had a chance to say, “Hello”. Stephen came down to meet us and after a quick chat, guided us up the entrance of the manufacture which is located in a restored barn. We were introduced to Chantel Graff who looks after sales and marketing at GF. Also located in therestored barn is the bespoke workshop for special orders, the kitchen, the staff lunch room, amenities and a private dining room. Down a few steps and through a sealed door, you are in the heart of the manufacture.
Designed to be environmentally friendly, the modern part of the building is constructed with a double “skin” of glass which allows light and heat from the sun to be utilised to the fullest and controlled to heat and cool the building. The central atrium also floods light in to the centre of the building. The inner shell has doors that can be opened to allow air to circulate.
The metal that has been cut away is caught in the liquid that is used to both lubricate and cool the metal and then collected to be recycled. Below are some of the components that come off the lathes. After all the parts are manufactured they go off to polishing and clean up and are then packaged into the little blue boxes, which have all the components for 1 watch, to await assembly. This enables watches to be built without having to wait for the parts to be manufactured.
Prior to lunch Stephen and Chantel showed us some of the amazing pieces that are produced by Greubel Forsey…..
The one that started it all, the Double Tourbillon 30 Degrees.
A breathtaking Quadruple Tourbillion
My favourite is the Double Tourbillon 30 Degrees Technique.
Regards
Oztimelord
Dear All, I apologise for the small size of the total post there could have been considerably more but the new photo uploading system and editing system is a nightmare. I am happy in future to send the word file and pics to the moderators and they can spend the time stuffing around with this. Enjoy nonetheless! Oztimelord
a great time in Switzerland in general and at Greubel Forsey in specific. Would love to see that "factory" as well, one day. Thanks, for sharing! Oliver
13 Greubel Forsey listings are live on the eBay market and 2 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
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