With this new creation unveiled in Geneva, Greubel Forsey houses its Tourbillon 24 Secondes in a particularly sophisticated case that exemplifies classic elegance. Its lines have been redefined to reduce its height. The tourbillon appears on the back of the timepiece taking its place under the sapphire crystal dome: a first for Greubel Forsey.
“Sophistication”
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s primary intention is to present their third invention (the Tourbillon 24 Secondes) in a case that is as slender as possible and yet able to accommodate the unique inclined tourbillon cage.
It was the lateral projections of Greubel Forsey’s asymmetric models that inspired this original solution. By incorporating a dome into the sapphire crystal on the back of the timepiece, they have created enough extra volume to allow the tourbillon cage to overlap the reference surface of the movement bridges.
The dome is a new and intriguing element that draws attention to the lower tourbillon bridge.
This bridge is more than just a simple support; it is a triumph of technology and craftsmanship. Its geometry is like a Romanesque vault and its arched and barrelled surface is delicately polished by hand. Obtaining a perfectly regular reflection over the whole piece requires such expertise and experience that each bridge finished in this way is discretely signed by the craftsman-decorator who executed it.
Completing the exceptional standard of decoration that naturally applies to all 288 parts in the movement, the unique composition of colours and finishes creates a spectacular visual dynamic, with pride of place given to the sectorial 72-hour chronometric power-reserve indicator.
“Simplicity”
This new creation is also distinguished by its elegant, neoclassical simplicity. The overall aesthetic is highly refined, and pays tribute to the craftsmanship and finesse of each component.
Particular care has been given to the design of the hand-finished blued-steel hands, which immediately and precisely indicate the time. They have been lightened to the maximum degree and their form, in the shape of a lance, leads the eye straight to the indexes that are first engraved and then “oven-fired” enamelled into the solid gold dial.
The fast-rotating 24 second tourbillon is also an integral part of the graphic composition of the entire piece. Set inside a light-well, it creates an animated scene that is an irresistible invitation to explore the movement-side of the timepiece.