Watch Forums - Revolution Online - Greubel Forsey

2013 Sneak:- Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain now in 5N Red Gold and Limited to 33 Pieces. (no replies)

Jaw — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:42:49 -0600

More to come...

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Jaw

2013 Sneak:- Greubel Forsey Qadruple Tourbillon Secret now in Red Gold and Limited to 8 Pieces Only. (no replies)

Jaw — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 07:37:06 -0600

It's the same impressive Quadruple Tourbillon Secret, the same technical tour de force we have accustomed to from Greubel Forsey, but now in pink gold and limited only to 8 pieces.

I am certain we will see more at SIHH-2013 but let's take a look at the Red Gold version.

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Jaw

Stephen Forsey accepting prize at the Geneva Grand Prix for Best Complicated Watch for IP2 (no replies)

IanS — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 05:13:51 -0600

Greubel Forsey was honoured (yet again) at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix with the prize for Best Complicated Watch, which went to Invention Piece 2. In this video Stephen Forsey is accepting the prize on behalf of the Greubel Forsey team and their partners.

For more information please click Invention Piece 2 Press release

For more videos of the evening, please visit www.gphg.org/horlogerie/en/images/film

Willard Wigan and Art Piece 1 on the Conan Show (no replies)

IanS — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:44:14 -0600

Micro-sculptor Willlard Wigan discusses his art and shows Art Piece 1 (a work in progress) to Conan O' Brian on the Conan Show. Note: Art Piece 1 comes out at 2:43.

You can see Part 1 of the interview by clicking [teamcoco.com]

The ‘mysterious’ Greubel Forsey Balanciers Inclinés 20° (no replies)

IanS — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:04:17 -0500

A recondite Greubel Forsey timepiece with two concentric inclined balances, but no tourbillon, has been spotted recently in London and Geneva. While not part of the regular Greubel Forsey collection, this covert EWT limited edition of six pieces highlights the importance of the inclined balance in Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s pursuit of higher precision wristwatches.

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While Greubel Forsey is more generally known for their superlative tourbillon-based timepieces, the overriding aim of the marque is to improve the chronometric performance of the wristwatch.

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What unites all Greubel Forsey movements − whether they have one tourbillion (T24S), two tourbillons (DT30°), four tourbillons (QDT) or, in the case of the Balanciers Inclinés 20°, no tourbillons – is that they all have an inclined balance wheel, or two inclined balance wheels in the case of the Quadruple Tourbillon.

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The reason for Greubel Forsey’s inclined balances is that the greatest difference in timing rate for a mechanical movement is between the balance being in the vertical position and the horizontal position. The balance amplitude (how far it oscillates each way) reduces with the balance in the vertical position because friction is distributed over two pivots (the ends of the axle of the wheel) and the amplitude increases with the balance in the horizontal position because friction is concentrated on the lower pivot only and significant changes in amplitude cause the timing to speed up or slow down.

A COSC-certified chronometer is allowed to have a rate difference between 5 positions of -4 seconds to +6 seconds per day, with the extremes usually between the regulator flat and vertical. While Greubel Forsey regulate their movements to higher precision than COSC requirements, you can imagine that rate difference between positions will be reduced as the angle of the regulator between flat and vertical positions is reduced.

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A traditional wristwatch (with fixed escapement) is often constantly moving through multiple positions while being worn so that many positional rate differences cancel each other out. However, if the watch is taken off at night (placed on its edge with folding clasp), the balance will be in the vertical position for eight hours or more and it may be in the horizontal position most of the day for those typing at a computer keyboard.

If the balance wheel is inclined relative to the movement then it will be neither vertical nor horizontal when the movement is at rest in either of the unfavourable vertical or horizontal positions.

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If that inclined balance is rotated inside a tourbillon, then even if the watch is placed on the same angle as the inclination, the balance will constantly rotate away from that angle, so that it is virtually impossible to have the balance either vertical or horizontal for any significant length of time. Due to the proven benefits regarding increased precision, placing an inclined balance inside one or more tourbillons has been the focus of Greubel Forsey's inventions until now publically at least).

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But in their EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) research laboratory, Greubel Forsey have been experimenting and testing many different mechanisms with the aim of improved accuracy. One promising avenue of research concerned a movement with two inclined regulators (no tourbillon) linked by a spherical differential. An EWT prototype movement with this concentric double inclined system of regulation was first displayed at Baselworld in 2009.

EWT validation is fundamental for all Greubel inventions, mechanisms and even complete timepieces and EWT testing of the concentric inclined regulators indicated that the fundamental principle was sound and that the configuration of the 20° inclined regulators delivered results in terms of higher precision. However, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey decided to continue their research before launching a new complication into the Greubel Forsey collection.

They did, however, make a few movements with the concentric inclined balance configuration and cased them as a special EWT limited edition of six pieces. As these were not part of the Greubel Forsey collection, there has been no official communication regarding this hush-hush timepiece. However, at least two Greubel Forsey retailers have one of these special EWT models: Marcus in London and Les Ambassadeurs in Geneva/Zurich.

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It must be stressed that the Balanciers Inclinés 20° is an EWT timepiece and not part of the Greubel Forsey Collection.

The round 43.5mm diameter white gold case is simple and unadorned. The dial is clearly marked ‘Experimental Watch Technology’ and while an opening in the dial at 8 o’clock reveals a highly polished bridge supporting an inclined escapement, a closer look rewards the viewer with a glimpse of the second inclined escapement positioned below the first.

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Black-oxidized steel skeleton hour and minute hands provide a clear contrast with the dial and the blued-steel hand of the small seconds indicates the average rate of the two regulators.

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These two complete concentric inclined escapements are coupled by a spherical differential that averages out their combined timing rates. Greubel Forsey describes the movement finishing as ‘functional’. However, that term can only be applied in the context of their extremely high standards. While the bridges may lack Greubel Forsey’s usually galvanic treatment, they are still frosted and the brand’s signature hand-finishing of mirror polished bevels, counter sinks and screw heads, as well as gold chatons and demi-glace jewels, leave no doubt as to the movement’s provenance.

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The Greubel Forsey EWT Balanciers Inclinés 20° is a limited edition of six pieces destined for sophisticated collectors who are likely to be existing fans of the marque, but shhhhh… Don't tell anyone.

Thank you to Les Ambassadeurs in Geneva who kindly allowed me into their hallowed 'Espace Connoisseurs' and lent me their precious Greubel Forsey balancier Incliné 20° to photograph. If you are ever in or visiting Geneva, I highly recommend arranging a visit to Les Ambassadeurs’ Espace Connoisseurs

Video: The Le Garde Temps team discuss the project (no replies)

IanS — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:07:38 -0500

Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey, Philippe Dufour and Michel Boulanger discuss the "Le garde temps, naissance d’une montre" project.

For more information on "Le garde temps, naissance d’une montre" project, please visit www.legardetemps-nm.org

Video: Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and micro-sculptor Willard Wigan explain their Art Piece 1 co-creation project (1 reply)

IanS — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:01:48 -0500

For more information, please visit:
www.greubelforsey.com
www.willard-wigan.com
www.timeartgallerygf.com

Presenting Art Piece 1 – a co-creation in progress by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey with Willard Wigan – at the Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair (1 reply)

IanS — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:28:05 -0500

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Stephen Forsey, Willard Wigan and Robert Greubel

Greubel Forsey founders Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey will be at the Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair on September 6th, 2012 to present Art Piece 1, their first artistic co-creation that they are making with world-renowned micro-sculptor Willard Wigan. This work in progress will also be presented in Greubel Forsey’s Time Art GalleryGF at Bund18 in Shanghai from September 7th to 9th.

After learning of Willard Wigan’s incredible nano-sculptures five years ago, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey decided to ask the artist if he would be interested in collaborating with them on a long-term project. The fruits of this will take the form of a co-creation combining the respective universes of Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and Willard Wigan, each one imbuing the creation with their own miniaturist language. The objective is to produce a unique piece previously unimaginable in the field of art.

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For Art Piece 1, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey will create a rotating hemispherical structure featuring several micro-sculptures, which will be easily observable through specially created optics. The ensemble will be a veritable tour de force in terms of innovation, architecture and technical complexity.

Art Piece 1 will be unveiled during the 2013 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in its advanced state.

Working with a scalpel and a microscope, Willard Wigan works with unusual materials, like spider web, legs of flies, gold and Kevlar. Working at this extreme nano level necessitates extreme concentration and requires a rigorous physical discipline. To create his art Wigan controls and slows his breath to enter into a kind of trance that allows him to sculpt between beats of his heart. Such is the beauty and wonder of Wigan’s work that in 2007, he was honoured by HM. Queen Elizabeth II with an MBE for his services to art.
Biographies

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Willard Wigan biography

The work of Willard Wigan (born in 1957) is commonly placed in the eye of a needle, or on the head of a pin. Once completed, his work measures only a few micro millimetres, (less than 1/13th of the size of a grain of rice). The work can only be viewed using a high powered microscope. Often working with custom made tools and natural objects such as using the hairs off dead flies as paintbrushes; Wigan reinterprets iconic images from popular culture, the animal kingdom and picturesque scenes. For example, Michelangelo’s David, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, Prince Charles, the boxer Mike Tyson, Marylin Monroe, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.

For more information, please visit:
Greubel Forsey: www.greubelforsey.com
Willard Wigan: www.willard-wigan.com
Time Art Gallery http://www.timeartgallerygf.com
Contemporary Art Fair Shanghai www.shcontemporary.info

What do you buy for the man who has everything for a 50th birthday present? (no replies)

IanS — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:15:38 -0500

If you are the father of Francois-Henri Pinault, a Greubel Forsey GMT. Francois-Henri Pinault is one of the world's richest men; the CEO of PPR: a French conglomerate which includes Gucci, Puma, Gucci, Yves St Laurent, Stella McCartney and Girard Perregaux; and is married to actress Salma Hayek.

www.telegraph.co.uk

"He is wearing a Greubel Forsey watch, which has a spinning miniature globe under its glass."

For his 50th birthday Mr. Pinault's father bought him a Greubel Forsey GMT. A very nice present for the man who has everything! Please click the link for this article in the UK Telegraph newspaper (last paragraph) Francois-Henri Pinault's Puma: a Bolt from the blue

NdN 3. Hand made (no replies)

Nicolas Maillechort — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:49:14 -0500

A big hello from a beautiful place – Lignières in Switzerland – where the weather is back to how it should be – spring like! To show you, I have made a mini photo gallery that you can find in the photos/videos section of the website [www.legardetemps-nm.org]

Back to the topic of the day. A few days ago I mentioned that of utmost importance in this project is the preservation of valuable manual watchmaking techniques that are essential to create a ‘hand-made’ watch.

This adventure consists of compiling these techniques, which are danger of disappearing, and perpetuating them, highlighting the fact that we are still able to create a watch by hand, using simple tools.

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Planting tool

Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and Philippe Dufour state that:

1. The creation of the timepiece will be carried out using simple and rudimentary tools: For example, a watchmaker’s lathe (un tour d’horloger), a milling-machine (une fraiseuse), a pointing machine (une pointeuse), an uprighting tool (un perce-droit), or a mandrel (un burin fixe).
2. The initial sketches and drawings of the movement will be done in pencil. However, the final designs will be carried out on a computer.
3. The timepiece will be entirely hand-made by Michel Boulanger who will be given all the necessary support and training.

I look forward to following Michel in these coming weeks! Are you familiar with all the tools mentioned above? Not me! That’s why I am going to and find out about them. I’ll then share the fruits of my research with you.

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Burin fixed

NdM 2. The parameters of the timepiece defined (no replies)

Nicolas Maillechort — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:22:04 -0500

NdM 1.Here we take a look at the at the basic parameters of the timepiece that Michel Boulanger will make for the “Le Garde Temps, la Naissance d’une Montre” adventure.

Robert Greubel, Philippe Dufour, Stephen Forsey and Michel have defined the principle features of the timepiece:

1. Michel will make a round wristwatch – very pure, very classical

2. This watch will have three hands – hour, minute and small seconds.

3. The movement will be manual winding with the crown positioned at 3 o’clock.

4. The architecture will be in the style of watches made during the Golden Age of horology – the 19th century – by watchmakers such as Jacques-Frédéric Houriet or Abraham-Louis Breguet.

5. The timepiece will feature a tourbillon escapement, a classic complication requiring the utmost skill when made by hand.

6. This tourbillon will have the largest diameter possible to maximise the visual splendour of this complication.

7. The timepiece will feature an off-centre subdial indicating hours and minutes and another subdial indicating small seconds rather than a full central dial. This will maximise the visibility and the appreciation of the mechanism.

8. The finishing of each element of the timepiece will be of particular importance because it plays a significant role in safeguarding traditional and ancestral techniques. In times gone by, watchmakers wanted the bienfacture – the craftsmanship – of each part to be perfect, without aesthetic decoration as practiced today.

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*An example of a tourbillon from a 19th-century pocket watch by Jacques-Frédéric Houriet

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*An example of 19th-century bienfacture – craftsmanship

*Images courtesy “Frédéric Houriet, le père de la chronométrie suisse” by Jean-Claude Sabrier, Editions Simonin

This all bodes well for a great adventure – the bar has been set high, setting our imaginations racing as to what the timepiece will look like!

NdM 1. Allow me to intoduce myself, Nicolas Maillechort, reporter for Le Garde Temps project (no replies)

Nicolas Maillechort — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:05:52 -0500

Recently I happened to meet Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and Philippe Dufour who told me about a quite extraordinary adventure that they have recently launched: “Le Garde Temps, la Naissance d’une Montre” (The Timepiece – Birth of a Watch). They have set themselves the mission of documenting traditional, manual, watchmaking techniques that are in danger of disappearing, then teaching these techniques to a young watchmaker so that he in in turn can pass them on to a new generation of the watchmakers.

The person chosen to ‘pass on the baton’ is Michel Boulanger, a French watchmaker who already possesses excellent knowledge of the watchmaking craft. To assimilate all these techniques, Michel has been set the target of designing and creating by hand a three-handed wristwatch (hours, minutes,seconds) – as well as a tourbillon. No small task!

The adventure begins for me today and so I propose that we follow it together, on this blog as it happens. I will be your eyes and ears on this project. Please join me here regularly for updates.

You can follow the project via the website www.legardetemps-nm.org, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GardeTemps, Twitter twitter.com/#!/LeGardeTemps or right here on Revolution Online.

Short video of limited edition Double Tourbillon 30° (1 reply)

IanS — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:05:51 -0500

Short video of a limited edition Double Tourbillon 30° taken at the Greubel Forsey Time Art Gallery in Shanghai

Please vote for the GMT in the Haute Time Madness competition (no replies)

IanS — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:24:34 -0500

Thanks to your support, the GMT is in the finals of the Haute Time Madness competition.

There are just a few hours left to cast your vote at http://hautetime.com/madness/haute-time-madness/round-5

http://hautetime.com/madness/haute-time-madness/round-5]

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There are just a few hours left to cast your vote at http://hautetime.com/madness/haute-time-madness/round-5

GMT (2 replies)

Flemming — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:42:31 -0500

Hi All,

It`s a question for Ian i think, I just want to know if GF are doing a GMT in platinum . I heard in some place, it should be a 11 piece platinum edition i think, just wanted to hear if it is true .

Kind regards Flemming

Video: Robert Greubel, Philippe Dufour and Stephen Forsey explain their motivation in embarking on the 'Naissance d'une Montre' adventure (1 reply)

IanS — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:07:01 -0500

Robert Greubel, Philippe Dufour and Stephen Forsey explain their motivation in embarking on the 'Le Garde Temps, Naissance d'une Montre' adventure, which aims to preserve and transmit traditional watchmaking knowledge and techniques by teaching Michel Boulanger how to create a watch by hand.

For more information, please visit [www.legardetemps-nm.org]

Please vote for the GMT (no replies)

IanS — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:30:34 -0500

Greubel Forsey's GMT has been selected in the Haute Time Madeness competition.

Please vote in Round 1 by scrolling to page 14 at HauteTime.com/madness/haute-time-madness/round-1/

hautetime.com

Please vote in Round 1 by scrolling to page 14 at HauteTime.com/madness/haute-time-madness/round-1/

Ariel Adams reviews the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain on A Blog to Read (no replies)

IanS — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:45:10 -0500

Please click Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain “Royal Blue” Watch Hands-On to read the full article

www.ablogtoread.com

Please click Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain “Royal Blue” Watch Hands-On to read the full article

Naissance d’une montre: It all starts with a sketch (or two) (no replies)

IanS — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:28:24 -0500

The first step in the development of any new watch are drawing rough sketches. Putting ideas down on paper helps the visualisation process and the drawings quickly reveal issues they can be resolved quickly and easily at this early stage.

At this meeting at Greubel Forsey in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Michel Boulanger shares his initial ideas for the timepiece with Philippe Dufour and Stephen Forsey and they discuss the pros and cons of different basic designs and movement architecture.

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Initial sketches can be drawn freehand using just a pencil and paper, but might then evolve to a drafting board.

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Michel Boulanger examines an antique protractor

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Philippe Dufour, Michel Boulanger and Stephen Forsey discussing the initial phase of the project

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It is hard to believe that these apparent doodles will become a superlative hand crafted timepiece

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Michel envisages something along the lines of this.

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There are few nicer places to sketch watches than Greubel Forsey's manufacture and farmhouse in La Chaux-de-Fonds

The esteemed Prodigal Guide visits Greubel Forsey at the 2012 SIHH (no replies)

IanS — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:03:01 -0600

Gruebel Forsey put the globe on your wrist, and your head down the rabbit hole

www.theprodigalguide.com

For more, please click the Gruebel Forsey put the globe on your wrist, and your head down the rabbit hole to find out what they thought - plus photos and video

The new Greubel Forsey timepieces video by the Prodigal Guide at the SIHH (no replies)

IanS — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:44:01 -0600

Live photos of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain (1 reply)

IanS — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:13:44 -0600

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For more information, please click Greubel Forsey present the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain

Live photos of the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret (no replies)

IanS — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:32:53 -0600

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The Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret

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For more information, please click for the Quadruple Tourbillon press release

Greubel Forsey presents the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret (2 replies)

IanS — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:26:51 -0600

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The Quadruple Tourbillon Secret represents a special link between Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and the collector. The ultimate refinement, this timepiece evokes to the passionate enthusiast the promise of an exceptional movement in which a magical mechanical ballet plays out on a hidden stage visible only through the display back. The dial side redefines the expression of telling the time with its harmonious arrangement of multiple dials. Ultra-exclusive, the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret comes in a unique edition of eight pieces in 5N red gold and eight pieces in platinum.

Conceal . . .

The Quadruple Tourbillon Secret redetermines the expression of time which plays out its many paradoxes. A play of seduction in which fantastic mechanisms are subtly revealed by indications imperturbably bearing witness to their existence; a play in which a contemporary dynamic is created by overlapping curves within curves, in which symmetry gives way to asymmetry.

. . . to better reveal

The ultimate in refinement, the ballet of the tourbillons is visible only through the synthetic sapphire crystal display back. This private micro-mechanical performance becomes a witness to the bond that unites the owner with the values of Greubel Forsey. A bond further strengthened by the precious exclusivity of the Quadruple Tourbillon Secret.

The Quadruple Tourbillon

This timepiece houses Greubel Forsey’s second fundamental invention, the Quadruple Tourbillon: a reliable high-performance mechanism comprising four tourbillons configured in independent pairs, which are linked by a spherical differential that averages out any timing errors between the two regulators. Particularly in stable positions, timekeeping accuracy is improved by the Quadruple Tourbillon.

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Technical Details

The movement comprises 519 components of which 261 make up the four tourbillon cages and is powered by two mainspring barrels which provide an effective power reserve of 50 hours. The oscillators feature variable inertia balance wheels, Phillips terminal curves and beat at 3Hz/21,600 APH.

The plates and bridges are in nickel silver finished in nickel-palladium with straight-grained and spotted finishes and hand polished bevels. The dials are in blackened or silvered gold with applied indices. The case is available in platinum 950 or 5N red gold and measures 43.5 mm in diameter by 16.11 mm high and features asymmetrical domed synthetic sapphire crystals on the dial side and for the display back. The black alligator strap is hand stitched with a folding clasp in platinum 950 or 5N red gold to complement the case.

Greubel Forsey present the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain (no replies)

IanS — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:15:45 -0600

Greubel Forsey launches the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain, which is characterised by its round case and the emphasis on the technical aspects of the movement, particularly the tourbillon.

With the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have once again challenged the frontiers of horological architecture in three-dimensions.

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The depth of vision is enhanced for the first time at Greubel Forsey by the royal blue finish of the plates and bridges.

The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain is a unique edition of 33 pieces featuring a titanium movement and platinum case.

An Expression of Architecture
The aim from the very start of its development was to offer a three dimensional view within a circular backdrop highlighting the beauty of Greubel Forsey’s Tourbillon 24 Secondes mechanism.

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey were guided in their architectural and technological creativity by a desire to achieve aesthetic balance in every dimension. The distinctive 12 o’clock index in relief is an example of the innovative spatial management of the components within this architectural study.

A transparent synthetic sapphire tourbillon bridge gives a captivating and hypnotic impression of the regulator floating in mid-air and underlines one of the highly creative challenges which are to be found throughout the timepiece.

And what makes it individual to every eye yet brings it a perfect harmony is the marriage of simplicity and complexity.

Royal Blue
The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain is distinguished by the magical royal blue finish of the titanium movement juxtaposed with the flamboyance of the tourbillon.

This unique colour recalls to mind the ocean’s abyss and strengthens the depth of architecture of the movement.

The purity of this intense blue finish, achieved through a special oxidation process is the fruit of considerable research and testing and, shimmering in an infinite range of hues according to the light, gives the timepiece an unparalleled vivacity.

The Tourbillon 24 SecondesThis timepiece houses Greubel Forsey’s third fundamental invention, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes: a highly-efficient fast-rotating – 24-second revolution – tourbillon cage inclined at 25 ° which minimises negative effects of gravity on the oscillator, particularly in stable positions.

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Technical details
The movement comprises 267 components, 88 for the tourbillon cage which weighs 0.39 grams and is powered by two coaxial mainspring barrels in series that provide a power reserve of 72 hours. The oscillator features a variable inertia balance with Phillips terminal curve beating at 3Hz / 21,600 APH.

The titanium plate and bridges feature a royal blue anodized oxide treatment and are hand finished with straight graining and spotting. Bridges in nickel silver with nickel-palladium finish are frosted and straight-grained with hand polished bevels. The tourbillon bridge is transparent synthetic sapphire while the tourbillon cage is in titanium. The hour and minute dial is in synthetic sapphire while small seconds dial and power reserve indicator are in gold. The platinum case measures 43.5 mm in diameter by 15.2 mm high and features domed synthetic sapphire crystals on the dial side and display back. The blue alligator strap is hand-stitched with a platinum 950 folding clasp.

Philippe Dufour, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey launch “Le Garde Temps, la Naissance d’une Montre” (1 reply)

IanS — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:36:35 -0600

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Preserving, perpetuating and sharing traditional watchmaking expertise for future generations: such is the challenge that Philippe Dufour, Stephen Forsey and Robert Greubel set for themselves when they decided to join together in the adventure of an unprecedented project, “Le Garde Temps, la Naissance d’une Montre”

Since Philippe Dufour, Stephen Forsey and Robert Greubel all share the same passion and vision of watchmaking, their paths were destined to cross. Realizing that the practice and knowledge of many watchmaking techniques, and hand craftsmanship in general, was declining, inexorably sinking into oblivion and, systematically being replaced by industrial methods, they decided to take action by initiating a project involving the complete creation of a wristwatch – from the first sketches to the final timepiece. This adventure will involve two key angles: firstly, making an inventory of the watchmaking techniques that deserve to be safeguarded; and secondly, passing them on to a talented young watchmaker with the aim of perpetuating them.

Michel Boulanger, a qualified watchmaker and restorer who teaches at the Paris Watchmaking School, was a natural choice for this endeavour. With the support of the three project initiators, his challenge will be to create a very few but truly hand-made Haute Horlogerie timepieces. As the heir and custodian of this expertise, Michel Boulanger will then carry the torch and pass it on to future generations.

Each completed timepiece will represent the concrete result of the transmission and acquisition of knowledge. It will be a manual-wind, three-hand tourbillon wristwatch embodying a contemporary blend of traditional and ancestral techniques.

Philippe Dufour, Stephen Forsey and Robert Greubel are expressing their desire to share their passion with the broadest possible audience through this extraordinary and totally unprecedented adventure.

Sharing this knowledge will take three different forms. Firstly, a series of 3D films will provide a close-up and detailed view of the implementation of time-honoured watchmaking techniques, and will keep track of the human adventure in an informative and lively way. These films are specifically intended to preserve existing expertise and to share the adventure with the widest possible audience. A regular blog will update on the progress, while a world tour is also planned as an optimal means of allowing watch enthusiasts to view the project at first hand. There will be a deliberate focus on visual and interactive information, since it allows the transmission of this expertise to be educational and dynamic.

This project is supported by Greubel Forsey and Time æon Foundation.

Photos of Invention Piece 3 by Alberto Schileo (3 replies)

IanS — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:45:56 -0600

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Excellent article by Christophe Roulet in HH Magazine (no replies)

IanS — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:49:44 -0600

Please click the link to read the article online http://journal.hautehorlogerie.org/en/points-of-view/the-experts-view/at-greubel-forsey-were-not-polishers-3142/

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Please click the link to read more articles on HH Magazine http://journal.hautehorlogerie.org/en/

Video: Elizabeth Doerr visits Greubel Forsey for iW magazine (no replies)

IanS — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:18:17 -0600

From La Chaux-de-Fonds to Shangai : Greubel Forsey announces the opening of the Time Art Gallery (no replies)

IanS — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:08:04 -0600

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The Time Art Gallery brings together and showcases three universes related to the creation and the art of watchmaking: The Greubel Forsey timepiece collection; the co-creation process undertaken with contemporary artists; and the work of master watchmakers whose work Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey consider milestones in horological history. Greubel Forsey chose the multicultural city of Shanghai for the Time Art Gallery due to its ever-increasing prominence in the world of contemporary art.

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The Time Art Gallery is located in the beautifully restored waterfront complex, Bund 18, in Shanghai, a cultural crossroads and nerve centre for the thriving contemporary arts scene. In 2006, Bund 18 received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Greubel Forsey -Time Art Gallery, Room C1, Bund 18, 4/F, 18 Zhongshan East Road (E1), Shanghai