After being awarded with the ‘Aiguille d’Or’ Grand Prix last year in 2015 for excellence, innovation and replica watchmaking expertise at the 15th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Greubel Forsey decided to recreate its Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision —winner of the Grand Prix— in a 5N red gold case with a multi-level black anthracite dial. The rationale behind the creation of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision was to present their third invention in a case that is as slender as possible and yet able to accommodate the inclined tourbillon cage. It was the lateral projections of their asymmetrical models that gave them the idea for an original solution.
The Dial
While the previous iteration of the Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision sported a silvered dial, this time the new 18K red gold model features a rich black anthracite dial that makes for a perfect combo and makes the precious red gold in its case pop even more. The dial features subsidiary seconds indicator at 4 o’clock and tourbillon opening at 9 o’clock.
The superb looking dial pays homage to the classic dials made of gold with engraved ‘grand feu’ enamel hour markers and applied GF logo at 12 o’clock.
Particular care has been given to the design of the hands that indicate the time immediately and precisely. They have been lightened to the maximum degree and their form, in the shape of a lance, leads the eye straight to the indications that are first engraved and then “oven-firing” enameled into the solid gold of the dial. The fast-rotating Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision is also an integral part of the graphic composition of the entire piece. Set inside a light well, it creates an animated scene that is an irresistible invitation to explore the back of the timepiece.
The Case & Display Case Back
Fitted with a 5N red gold case measuring 43.50 mm in diameter and 13.65 mm in thickness —16.03 mm including the protruding sapphire crystal dome—, Greubel Forsey wanted to present a replica watch that was more classic in appearance and at the same time easier to wear. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the replica watch features a crown in 5N red gold with GF black lacquered logo.
By incorporating a dome —with a slightly flattened top for ergonomics and wearing comfort— into the sapphire crystal on the back of the timepiece, they created enough extra volume to allow the tourbillon cage to overlap the reference surface of the rear bridges. The convex dome is a new and intriguing element that directs attention to the lower bridge of the tourbillon. The tourbillon cage composed of 86 parts and with a mere cage weight of 0.38 grams is inclined at a 25 degree angle and performs a full rotation every 24 seconds. Opposed to what many would think, the protruding sapphire crystal is not uncomfortable at all as it has been flattened to sit nicely on the wrist.
The Movement
Apart from the exceptional standard of decoration that naturally applies to all 293 parts in the manual wound movement GF01r, the play of colors and finishes creates a spectacular visual dynamic, with pride of place given to the sectorial 72-hour power-reserve indicator. This new creation is also distinguished by its elegant, neoclassical simplicity. The overall aesthetic is extremely refined, paying homage to the standard of creation and the finesse of each component.
This bridge is more than just a supporting element, it is a triumph of technology and craftsmanship. Its geometry is similar to a Roman vault and its surface is gently polished by hand. Obtaining a perfectly straight reflection over the whole piece requires such expertise and experience that each bridge finished in this way is signed by the craftsman-decorator who executed it.
The manual wound Greubel Forsey calibre GF01r features a power reserve of 72 hours and 41 jewels in olive domed gold chatons. The black PVD-treated motor wheel with relief engraving provides an eye-catching element to the cleanliness of the frosted movement main plate. The finish is beyond exceptional and fully in line with a creation of this calibre and price.
On the Wrist & Pricing
To round out the classic and elegant look of this new Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision, the replica watch comes on a hand-sewn black alligator strap with 18K red gold pin buckle. On the wrist, the replica watch wears true to its size and quite comfortably. It takes a minute or two to adjust to the fact that there’s a domed convex protruding crystal on the back of the replica watch. This new replica watch is available in a regular edition, unlike its predecessor that was only available in a limited unique edition of 22 pieces.
Sticker Price CHF290,000 Swiss Francs. For more info on Greubel Forsey click here.
