24 hours later: Greubel Forsey’s Tourbillon 24-Second Architecture
Greubel Forsey has achieved many exciting developments. So, today, Watchonista takes a look at the independent watchmaker’s latest creation: the Tourbillon 24-Second Architecture.
Switzerland-based La Chaux-de-Fonds Greubel Forsey has long been a favorite of discerning collectors. Since the appointment of CEO Antonio Calce last year, the brand has undergone significant changes in producing, marketing, pricing and distributing its unique and well-crafted timepieces.
While we can’t say for sure that Greubel Forsey’s latest release of the Tourbillon 24-Second Architecture is the result of this influx of energy, it does help bring a well-deserved spotlight to this dynamic creation.
superstructure
As the name suggests, the Tourbillon 24-Second Architecture is the structure.
Greubel Forsey is famous for its tourbillons, especially those with tilt and multi-axis escapements. And since the creation of the independent brand in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the duo have invented and perfected a whole new generation of tourbillons (namely Tourbillon 24 Secondes, Double Tourbillon 30° and Quadruple Tourbillon).
The brand has also explored new horizons in the fields of energy, space and nanotechnology. For example, the Double Balancier Convex, released in March of this year, features two unique inventions: the two balance wheels are separated and tilted 30 degrees, while being connected by only one constant spherical differential, giving the mechanism a constant power distribution. Therefore, the watch guarantees precision and a 72-hour power reserve.
But as far as the tourbillon 24-second architecture is concerned, the brand wants to move completely away from traditional tourbillon engineering. Thus, the brand’s latest asymmetrically arranged movement consists of 354 parts. These include polished titanium bridges on top of the main plate with a matte finish, an anti-gravity escapement tilted by 25°, a fast-turning barrel (in total, the watch vibrates at 21,600 vibrations per hour), and more.
View Room
Of course, when you have such a complex and beautifully assembled watch movement, you (naturally) want to show it off. Therefore, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture is equipped with a large synthetic sapphire crystal ring that surrounds the entire perimeter of the case.
Greubel Forsey luxury has integrated lateral sapphire crystal windows as early as 2007. But the brand has never featured a visible movement above, below, and at nearly every angle of the case. Additionally, the synthetic sapphire crystal caseback provides another window into the mechanism.
These details give the wearer an unobstructed view of the movement, where they can observe almost 354 individual parts of the movement.
The tourbillon 24-second architecture is also attractive. Thanks to its titanium construction and gorgeous lines, it is very comfortable to wear on the wrist. In addition, the variable geometry bezel and caseback feature raised engraved text for a tactile experience.
While the titanium case looks very rounded when viewed from the dial side, its convex shape becomes apparent from other angles. Convex cases are still relatively uncommon in watch design, but I’ve gotten a little fascinated by them lately. These surfaces add extra visual fluidity to the silhouette. As far as the tourbillon 24-second architecture is concerned, this power is the perfect complement to the dynamic movement of the tourbillon movement.
tell the time
Greubel Forsey calls this mens replica watch the “city on the wrist”, an apt description, as the infrastructure, engineering and decorative elements of the Tourbillon 24-Second Architecture are organically combined to form a whole.
However, despite all the intricacies and craftsmanship involved in making the 24-second tourbillon architecture, at its heart is a watch you can wear every day.
For the sake of precision, the movement of the tourbillon 24-second architecture rests on a spherical skeleton bridge. At the same time, the escapement adopts a fast rotation speed and a 25° inclination to ensure excellent timekeeping performance, especially in a stable position, with a power reserve of more than 90 hours.
To enhance performance, the watch features two easy-to-read steel hands that are large, curved, skeletonized and polished to indicate the hours and minutes.
Additionally, the power reserve indicator is a moving red triangle floating on a conical disc at 3 o’clock.
Finally, it comes with a rubber strap secured by a titanium folding clasp and engraved with the GF logo.