When Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey teamed up and launched Greubel Forsey in 2004, they shared a common view that there was still room for creativity in the development of complications in watchmaking. Their goal was to improve the performance of existing complications but also to invent innovative mechanisms. Over the years, they have honed their creative approach to fine watchmaking. The technical and aesthetic aspects complement one another, giving rise to bold creations. Greubel Forsey creations have been honoured with many prizes and are presented each year at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, which brings together some of the most prestigious watchmaking brands. Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey create just under one hundred timepieces each year – which speaks volumes about the quality of their workmanship and attention to detail.
INVENTIONS
1st Invention
Double Tourbillon 30°
Inside a cage which rotates in four minutes, the interior cage containing the balance and spring assembly is inclined at an angle of 30° relative to the first cage and completes a revolution in sixty seconds. The combination of the 30° inclination with the different rotational speeds of the two tourbillons improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors due to gravity in all usual wristwatch positions and especially in stable positions.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
2nd Invention
Quadruple Tourbillon
Each of the four tourbillons connected to a spherical differential contributes independently to obtain a precise and reliable timing rate especially in stable positions. The spherical differential transmits the average timing rate of the four tourbillons, thus improving the chronometric performance
of all the regulating organs.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
3rd Invention
Tourbillon 24 Secondes
The Tourbillon 24 Secondes uses a fast rotation speed and inclined angle to solve the problem of critical positions of the oscillator in relation to gravity. The 25° angle and the rapid rotation of the tourbillon cage significantly improve the chronometric performance of a system containing only one tourbillon, especially in stable positions. Consequently, we had to develop an inclined gearing profile and an ultra-light tourbillon cage to resolve the considerable mechanical constraints imposed by this system.
This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
4th Invention
Balancier Spiral Binôme
In order to improve the interaction between the balance and the balance spring, we explore the use of the same material for both components – a material which would be impervious to temperature variations and be non-magnetic in order to exploit its physical properties for the balance and the balance spring. We first explored the use of synthetic diamond, which has paved the way to research on other materials.
5th Invention
Différentiel d’Egalité
The Différentiel d’Egalité is based on a spherical differential that receives energy from the mainspring barrel and releases it in constant amounts to the regulating organ. In order to maintain this constant rate, the mainspring barrel powers a secondary spring, which is rewound every five seconds. Placed before the regulating organ, the spring ensures a uniform transmission of energy by eliminating power variations from the mainspring barrel and correcting variations in torque generated by the gear train.This invention is incorporated into our Différentiel d’Égalité timepiece.
6th Invention
Double Balancier
In order to obtain the average timing rate in a stable position, we explored using the Double Balancier, i.e. two oscillators positioned along two different axes at precise predetermined angles. Thanks to the combined effects of the spherical differential and the angle of the balances, this system helps to minimise the effects of gravity and maximise timing precision in stable positions.This invention beats at the heart of several timepieces in our collection.
7th Invention
Le Computeur Mécanique
Our mechanical computer of the QP à Equation reinterprets certain functions of ancient astronomical clocks. It is composed of a set of coding wheels superimposed in a coaxial manner with movable programmed fingers. Depending on their rotation speeds and number of teeth, these wheels provide a variety of information (months with 30/31 days and leap years [February 28/29 days]).The mechanical computer also directly drives a system of sapphire disks, which display the equation of time, i.e. the difference between “apparent” solar time and mean time. This new invention is composed of 25 parts and is the subject of three new patents. This invention regulates our QP à Équation.
COLLECTION
Balancier S
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey unveil a new timepiece showcasing a large, high precision and inclined balance wheel within a 100 metres water resistant titanium case tailored for the most active lifestyle. The two inventor watchmakers took up the challenge of fully – and visibly – combining sport and chronometry! The unique ovoid case with ergonomic profile and integrated lugs, provides optimal protection for the movement. With this new calibre, the “Balancier S”, Greubel Forsey pursues the sporting adventure, pushing the technical limits to combine ergonomics, architecture and precision. A new flagship in aesthetics and performance, innovation and craftsmanship.
GMT Sport
The completely new and original titanium case, firmly positions this GMT in a “sports” league of its own. In their creation of this timepiece, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have pushed back the limits of ergonomics and wrist comfort. They have invented a totally new case form, perfectly round from above, while revealing the accentuated arched and ovoid shape from other angles. The aerodynamics of this timepiece 4 patents are reinforced by its integrated lugs and strap resulting in distinct functional forms that perfectly fit any wrist.
GMT Earth
The ground-breaking spirit that is a hallmark of Greubel Forsey is particularly evident in this timepiece. It incorporates a globe to make three time zone displays visible. By reproducing the Earth’s rotation in real time, this timepiece offers an intuitive view of time all over the world and a day/night indication. With this creation, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey totally reinterpreted the very notion of the GMT as a watchmaking complication.
GMT Quadruple Tourbillon
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have shown creative daring and boldness in uniting their second Fundamental Invention, the Quadruple Tourbillon, with their ground breaking interpretation of the GMT with its outsized rotating globe. Displaying three time zones along with a universal time function, this exceptional timepiece is distinguished by its three-dimensional architecture created with extreme attention to fine craftsmanship.
Double Tourbillon
With its open architecture offering superb visual access to the mechanism, the movement of the Double Tourbillon 30° is hand-wound. It has a 120-hour power reserve guaranteed by four fast-rotating coaxial barrels.
Quadruple Tourbillon
With its four tourbillons, each independently contributing towards optimal timekeeping precision, the Quadruple Tourbillon features an asymmetric case. The technical performance delivered by an innovative spherical differential is expressed subtly in a contemporary style.
QP à Équation
At the heart of the QP à Équation lies Greubel Forsey’s seventh invention, the Mechanical Computer, an entirely integrated 25-part component that brings a totally new interpretation to some of the calendar functions incorporated in age-old astronomical clocks. It is composed of a set of coding wheels superimposed in a coaxial manner, along with removable fingers programmed by this ingenious system.
Balancier Contemporain
In creating the Balancier Contemporain, a white gold 33-piece limited edition, Greubel Forsey imagined providing a particularly compact showcase for its exclusive balance-wheel system. Creating such a moderately-sized new movement and dial imposed the challenge of maintaining well-balanced forms and pleasing proportions, along with clear legibility and cutting-edge performance.
Différentiel d’Égalité
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey first unveiled their invention at Baselworld 2008 as part of the EWT Laboratory and then presented a more advanced version of a technical demonstrator at SIHH 2010. Since then, further exciting paths have been explored to help optimise accuracy in this new timepiece. The Différentiel d’Égalité enables steady distribution of power from the mainspring barrel to the regulating organ, which maintains a constant balance amplitude during the 60 hours of the power reserve.
Double Balancier
Stemming from fundamental research into the inclination of oscillators and escapements, the Double Balancier offers a significant approach to improve chronometric timing performance for the timepiece, both on and off the wrist
