When Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey teamed up and launched Greubel Forsey in 2004, they shared a common view that there was still room for creativity in the development of complications in watchmaking. Their goal was to improve the performance of existing complications but also to invent innovative mechanisms. Over the years, they have honed their creative approach to fine watchmaking. The technical and aesthetic aspects complement one another, giving rise to bold creations. Greubel Forsey creations have been honoured with many prizes and are presented each year at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, which brings together some of the most prestigious watchmaking brands. Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey create just under one hundred timepieces each year – which speaks volumes about the quality of their workmanship and attention to detail.
INVENTIONS
1st Invention
Double Tourbillon 30°
Inside a cage which rotates in four minutes, the interior cage containing the balance and spring assembly is inclined at an angle of 30° relative to the first cage and completes a revolution in sixty seconds. The combination of the 30° inclination with the different rotational speeds of the two tourbillons improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors due to gravity in all usual wristwatch positions and especially in stable positions.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
2nd Invention
Quadruple Tourbillon
Each of the four tourbillons connected to a spherical differential contributes independently to obtain a precise and reliable timing rate especially in stable positions. The spherical differential transmits the average timing rate of the four tourbillons, thus improving the chronometric performance
of all the regulating organs.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
3rd Invention
Tourbillon 24 Secondes
The Tourbillon 24 Secondes uses a fast rotation speed and inclined angle to solve the problem of critical positions of the oscillator in relation to gravity. The 25° angle and the rapid rotation of the tourbillon cage significantly improve the chronometric performance of a system containing only one tourbillon, especially in stable positions. Consequently, we had to develop an inclined gearing profile and an ultra-light tourbillon cage to resolve the considerable mechanical constraints imposed by this system.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
4th Invention
Balancier Spiral Binôme
In order to improve the interaction between the balance and the balance spring, we explore the use of the same material for both components – a material which would be impervious to temperature variations and be non-magnetic in order to exploit its physical properties for the balance and the balance spring. We first explored the use of synthetic diamond, which has paved the way to research on other materials.
5th Invention
Différentiel d’Egalité
The Différentiel d’Egalité is based on a spherical differential that receives energy from the mainspring barrel and releases it in constant amounts to the regulating organ. In order to maintain this constant rate, the mainspring barrel powers a secondary spring, which is rewound every five seconds. Placed before the regulating organ, the spring ensures a uniform transmission of energy by eliminating power variations from the mainspring barrel and correcting variations in torque generated by the gear train.This invention is incorporated into our Différentiel d’Égalité timepiece.
6th Invention
Double Balancier
In order to obtain the average timing rate in a stable position, we explored using the Double Balancier, i.e. two oscillators positioned along two different axes at precise predetermined angles. Thanks to the combined effects of the spherical differential and the angle of the balances, this system helps to minimise the effects of gravity and maximise timing precision in stable positions.This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
7th Invention
Le Computeur Mécanique
Our mechanical computer of the QP à Equation reinterprets certain functions of ancient astronomical clocks. It is composed of a set of coding wheels superimposed in a coaxial manner with movable programmed fingers. Depending on their rotation speeds and number of teeth, these wheels provide a variety of information (months with 30/31 days and leap years [February 28/29 days]).The mechanical computer also directly drives a system of sapphire disks, which display the equation of time, i.e. the difference between “apparent” solar time and mean time. This new invention is composed of 25 parts and is the subject of three new patents. This invention regulates our QP à Équation.
8th Invention
Tourbillon
Cardan
The Tourbillon Cardan is designed to reach new heights of chronometric precision. It combines three principles.
The first: the tourbillon.
While most tourbillons have a revolution of 60 seconds, that of the 8th Fundamental Invention is almost four times faster. Just 16 seconds. This is the fastest yet for a Greubel Forsey tourbillon.
Second principle: the 30° angle.
Third principle: this 30° high-speed tourbillon is guided by two mobile rings, linked by two 90° axes. In 48 seconds, they tilt backwards and forwards.
In the Tourbillon Cardan, the tilt of the rings is controlled, while the degree of inclination of the tourbillon is inclined and never varies, offering a better ratio of angular velocity to chronometric performance.
COLLECTION CONVEXE
Balancier 3
Almost 20 years were required for Greubel Forsey to embark on this challenge to produce an entirely new, more accessible timepiece with its own unique identity. To achieve this, the Atelier needed to start from scratch.
The Convexe case is profiled on both the back and display sides, making it truly unique in fine watchmaking. Offering total comfort, the piece naturally follows the curvature of the wrist.
Balancier Convexe S2
Carbon is a material that Greubel Forsey has studied for many years. Giving it complex, architectural shapes, all with the highest level of watchmaking finishes, is an exercise that requires patience and technical mastery. Now, the conditions are ripe to give life to the new Balancier Convexe S², one of the Atelier’s iconic creations.
The new diameter of 41.5 mm has been specifically designed for carbon. It’s a radical change, immediately visible on the wrist. This timepiece is tighter, livelier, and even more modern. The very dark tone of the carbon reinforces the feeling of a very compact piece, while staying open to display the movement, complication and finishes.
Double Balancier Convexe
This new Double Balancier Convexe slips more easily under a fitted sleeve, or can be worn casually on a bare wrist. Depending on their preference, collectors can hide or reveal the mechanics of their visible movement to their liking, without appearing ostentatious.
GMT Balancier Convexe
Greubel Forsey is dedicating a brand new calibre to the Terrestrial globe, decisively replacing its predecessors. It is the purest and most contemporary interpretation of the GMT complication ever imagined, deeply rooted in the universe of the brand as well as in Haute Horlogerie.
Tourbillon 24 Seconds Architecture
The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture is unlike any Greubel Forsey timepiece ever created. Its case is wholly atypical, its construction purposeful, its components sculptural, their mechanical interplay kinetic and the movement – simply spectacular. This new Greubel Forsey calibre within a new convex conical frustrum case shape represents a complete departure from traditional movement construction and aesthetics and brings an architectural experience to the wrist.
COLLECTION
Tourbillon Cardan
The Tourbillon Cardan is designed to reach new heights of chronometric precision. It combines three principles. The first: the tourbillon, second principle: the 30° angle and third principle: this 30° high-speed tourbillon is guided by two mobile rings, linked by two 90° axes.
Grande Sonnerie
Eleven years of development and research. The assembly of no fewer than 935 parts. The filing of two patents. The perfecting of an acoustic resonance cage. The installation of eleven safety features offering maximum comfort. These few details give an idea of how monumental an undertaking the creation of the first Greubel Forsey Grande Sonnerie really was.
Hand Made 1
In this uniquely Greubel Forsey endeavour of handmade craftsmanship, each component tells a tale. Each part has its own development process and journey that makes it unique, undergoing long hours of shaping from the raw material as it is guided by the human hand and eye.
QP À ÉQUATION
At the heart of the QP à Équation lies Greubel Forsey’s seventh invention, the Mechanical Computer, which brings a totally new interpretation to some of the calendar functions incorporated in age-old astronomical clocks. It is composed of a set of coding wheels superimposed in a coaxial manner, as well as removable fingers programmed by this ingenious system.
BALANCIER CONTEMPORAIN
Greubel Forsey opened a new chapter in its history by presenting the Balancier Contemporain with particularly compact dimensions – a diameter of 39.6 mm. This was a real challenge, since it involved reducing the size of the movement and the dial all while maintaining well-balanced forms and pleasing proportions, along with clear readability and cutting-edge performance.
