GMT XXL - Summer 2009
With the Double Tourbillon Technique, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have created a truly stunning timepiece that is faithful to their philosophy of technical visibility. Each and every element of the mechanism is enhanced and displayed without overshadowing others. At the heart of the timepiece is the Double Tourbillon 30° mechanism; however, to perpetuate the art of horology and contribute to its 21st century development, several additional technical elements have been added, including four fast-rotating co-axial barrels guaranteeing 120 hours of autonomy. The Double Tourbillon Technique is a case study in precision mechanical watchmaking with the sapphire crystal acting as a portal through which to observe the mesmerising workings of the intricately interlocking parts.
The eye is naturally drawn from one gear to the next, enabling careful observation of each separate element. Thus admirers can even enjoy the sight of the barrels rotating while winding and unwinding. Coupled to these barrels is the visible spherical differential that drives the power reserve indicator. The hours are displayed on a transparent sapphire crystal ring fitted inside the inner circumference of the bezel to ensure full visual access to the astonishingly three-dimensional depth of the mechanism. Transparency is also reflected in the luminous open-worked signature Greubel Forsey hands and both the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock and sub-seconds dial at 9 o'clock are strikingly enhanced by their red triangular pointers.
EXTRAORDINARY CHOREOGRAPHYThe Quadruple Tourbillon is a blend of art and technical innovation which encapsulates the very soul of its two creators. The technological sophistication of this movement is such that it was necessary to invent new testing instruments, and only these were able to provide the necessary information for checking and verifying its performance. Four separate tourbillons are connected at the heart of two autonomous regulating organs. Each of the two regulating organs is composed of a balance wheel oscillator placed in a cage of a first tourbillon rotating once a minute and inclined at 30 degrees.
This mechanism rotates within the cage of a second tourbillon rotating every four minutes. The two oscillators, independently regulated inside the four tourbillons, are coupled by a spherical differential which transmits their combined precision to the time display. By transmitting the averaged results of two oscillators, the spherical differential doubles the chronometric performance of the two regulating organs, and also minimizes the smallest variations in the performance of the oscillators. Transparent sapphire bridges were specifically chosen to allow unimpaired visual access to the perfectly choreographed aerial ballet of the four tourbillons. Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have engineered the four tourbillons together in a contemporary design, in which elegance and harmony are the dominant features.
In the same spirit, and owing to the impressive number of parts which make up the movement, an asymmetrically-shaped case was chosen. To complement the homogeneous ensemble, the displays of the small second and the power reserve dials are semi-circular. Wearing a Quadruple Tourbillon is to enter the universe of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, and to share, appreciate and be empathetic to the essential values emanating from their Invention.
To pay homage to their third invention, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have taken on the challenge of housing a watch mechanism combining complex and innovative techniques within an unprecedented architectural setting. Directly inspired by the researches lead on the Tourbillon 24 Secondes, Invention Piece 3 consists of a single tourbillon cage inclined at a 25° angle and performing a rapid rotation in 24 seconds. This utterly original mechanism guarantees the watch maximum efficiency and optimal performance on the wrist. Invention Piece 3 features a totally unconventional display with the plates themselves serving as the base for the timekeeping indicators.
INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE
In a league of its own, Invention Piece 3 shows the time on a large 24-hour display taking up most of the space on the dial side. The minute display is concentric to the hour dial, with the hours distinguished by a red indicator and the minutes by a blue one. The power reserve, offset at 2 o'clock, is visually balanced by the tourbillon at 8 o'clock and provides linear reading of the indications. A sub-seconds dial at 5 o'clock ensures the overall equilibrium of the timepiece. Turning the watch over, the tourbillon, supported by a distinctive arrow-shaped bridge, provides an aesthetical link between the front and back of the watch and it can also be admired via the lateral convex sapphire crystal on the side of the case.
The very exclusive nature of Invention Piece 3 is ensured by a unique series of 11 pieces in white gold, 11 pieces in red gold and 11 pieces in platinum. This exceptional and exquisitely balanced timepiece expresses a rare degree of innovation and technical mastery that is enhanced by its exceptional hand finishing. When observed through a magnifying glass, the engraved message reveals the true nature of the extreme dedication to horology embodied in its numerous technical and aesthetic details. Invention Piece 3 is clearly designed to build powerful and lasting links between its owner and the inventor watchmakers, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.
