A relative new comer to the world of haute horology, Greubel Forsey has become a tour-de-force creating high-end complicated movements that are not only precision timekeepers, but also technical masterpieces. In 2004 Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey released their first wristwatch, the Double Tourbillon 30° at Baselworld, and since that time they have continued to amaze collectors with a collection of exemplary watches ranging from their GMT with three-dimensional rotating terrestrial globe to their first repeating timepiece, the Grand Sonnerie with inclined tourbillon. The brand has become revered for the challenges they address through innovative watchmaking and the exquisite hand-finishing found on each watch.
The Double Tourbillon 30° was Greubel Forsey’s first “invention” in which they sought to develop a high-performance tourbillon regulator while paying homage to its inventor – Abraham Louis Breguet. Two tourbillon cages visible through the lower third of the dial average out gravity-induced errors on the escapement allowing for more accurate timekeeping. Consisting of 128 parts solely for the tourbillon cages, the outer tourbillon revolves once every four minutes, while the smaller, interior tourbillon, inclined at a 30° angle, revolves once per minute. It was a highly innovative improvement on the classic tourbillon that received widespread accolades. Not only is the movement absolutely extraordinary, but the case and dial are executed and finished to the highest degree as well.
Today’s collectors seek watches for many reasons, from design and aesthetics, to wearability, to innovation and hand-craftsmanship. Greubel Forsey set their goal to innovate and hand finish movements at the very highest levels, and this early Double Tourbillon 30° wristwatch is a superb representation of their ethos. The present example is in exceptionally well preserved condition, and complete with its original box, dedicated owner’s book, and guarantee. It is an incredible, seminal piece by an independent manufacturer that helped build the foundation for the brand’s current success.