Greubel Forsey is an innovative force which creates contemporary mechanical timepieces that are a hybrid between the highly technical and artistic elements of horology. Through their EWT Laboratory, they refuse to accept there are no new technical advances in watchmaking, and with an uncompromising vision, and a high standard of craftsmanship, their “inventions” add new chapters to the history of horology. In 2004, they released their first mechanical marvel, the Double Tourbillon 30° featuring a patented 30° inclined tourbillon carriage, which revolutionized high-end watchmaking. The tourbillon is set within another, and effectively compensates for gravity-related errors. The exterior tourbillon is inclined at 30°, rotating every 60 seconds, while the inner tourbillon carriage rotates every four minutes. The double tourbillon mechanism improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors due to gravity, ensuring better chronometric performance.

Following years of research and development, the Greubel Forsey team committed their first invention to paper, and needed to create a proof of concept model. In 2002, Steven Forsey, who as a child played with a Meccano set given to him by his father, spent a weekend at home with his childhood toy and rendered a three dimensional model of the Double Tourbillon 30°, which would go on to represent their first marketable wristwatch. Meccano model construction sets were created by Frank Hornby in 1898, offering kits with metal strips, gears, and wheels which children used to create working mechanical structures.

The present Meccano model was released in 2014 during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie by Greubel Forsey to celebrate their 10th anniversary. These working sculptural pieces were gifted to loyal collectors and never offered for sale to the public. Each Meccano was recreated from parts sourced through eBay and online websites with each piece cleaned, repainted and prepared for assembly. The handcrafted models were unique since there was no uniformity to the parts, and Greubel Forsey used what they could source. Number 25 is in excellent condition, and is a marvel to wind with a hand crank to observe the double tourbillon in action. Accompanied with the original presentation box and pamphlet, this is the first known Meccano model to be offered at auction. Mechanical models have a long tradition in horology, and this 21st century example is a wonderful concept piece, which is sure to amaze and entertain all collectors.

Generously donated by Greubel Forsey, this model is being sold to benefit HSNY’s ongoing education initiatives, in support of international traveling and virtual education programs, scholarships for students of watchmaking, and awards to watchmaking schools.