In Focus: Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique
The first time I saw the Greubel Forsey Double Technique Tourbillon 30° it was the rose gold version, and I refused to take it off my wrist for over three hours. I was amazed that a watch with a 47.5mm case could wear so comfortably. The black ADLC treated titanium version brings a welcomed weight reduction to the watch and provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the watchmaking within. When looking at the watch, I’m amazed at how the case just disappears and acts as a canvas for Greubel Forsey’s Double Tourbillon 30° system.
This patented system helped Greubel Forsey win the 2011 Concours de Chronométrie, a significant accomplishment as the most accurate watch entered in the competition. It features two tourbillon cages; one rotating every four minutes, and an interior cage containing the balance wheel and spring. The smaller tourbillon cage is inclined at 30° relative to the first cage and completes its revolution once per minute. The different rotational speeds combined with the inclination improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors due to gravity.
When you hold this watch, you will see that around the dial there are polished facets, angles, and depth everywhere. Greubel Forsey seamlessly blends lines and shapes at different heights. Turning the watch from one side to the other on the wrist, it is amazing to look at the black polishing across the facets of the watch. There is a mind bogglingly three-dimensional quality to this piece; every component of the movement jumps out at you. A sapphire disc, which contains the hour indices and small seconds indication, appears to be floating inside of the case, and the four-minute outer tourbillon provides a geometric backdrop for the 30° tourbillon. The watch is more work of art than watch.
Winding the watch is a joy, there is incredible tactile feedback and a great engagement sound as you wind the four-barrels that provide a 120-hour power reserve. As you wind the crown, the barrels and reserve de marche advance, providing visual feedback that combines with the tactile and auditory feedback rising to a crescendo of horological bliss.
If you are seeking the ne plus ultra in the watch world, look no further than the Greubel Forsey Double Technique Tourbillon 30°. Greubel Forsey’s daily mantra is “to preserve our creative spirit, to continue to surprise, and to aim for excellence, now and forever.” And the double Technique Tourbillon 30° is excellent.
The Specs
Model: Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Black
Case Size + Material: 47.5mm case in black ADLC coated titanium
Caseback: Exhibition caseback
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical movement with Double Tourbillon 30°; features outer tourbillon 4-minutes rotation, and inner tourbillon 60-seconds rotation
Functions: Hours and minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator strap with deployant buckle