Art Piece Edition Historique: An artistic and architectural chef-d’oeuvre
Looking into the wide open heart at its three-dimensional construction and highly original geometry, the new Art Piece Edition Historique crowns the avant-garde aesthetic approach behind numerous exceptional creations. Combining technicity, exclusivity and the finest craftsmanship, this 33-piece limited edition (of which the first 11 are in platinum) presents a new vision of time in the spirit of the revived and renewed notion of Fine Watchmaking by Greubel Forsey.
This highly acclaimed model, although only a six-piece limited edition, was certainly not an isolated achievement. It marked the start of a ground-breaking journey, a true creative exercise whose development we can follow over the years, like observing the evolution of a painter, sculptor or architect. Rather than reworking an existing calibre in order to create a visual impact (as is generally the case with a skeletonised movement), Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey opted right from the outset to approach the entire conception of the movement in architectural terms. The period between 2007 and 2011 thus saw the emergence of the first three Invention Pieces, each paying tribute to one of Greubel Forsey’s Fundamental Inventions in the realm of tourbillons. Multilevel constructions, offset subdials, hand or disc displays, concentric hours/minutes indications, interplays of transparency and depth, contrasting materials and colours, lateral case windows, asymmetrical domed sapphire crystals: these three masterpieces defined the essence of a new aesthetic vocabulary, amplified by an extreme concern for fine craftsmanship as much for the movement as the exterior elements.
Balancier Contemporain: The essence of Greubel Forsey in 39.6 mm
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. Mission accomplished with this powerfully structured timepiece featuring all the Greubel Forsey signature characteristics.
This highly original creation is distinguished by its 39.6 mm diameter, a first from Greubel Forsey which generally builds larger timepieces. The challenge here was not only to house the large balance wheel within a limited space, but above all to achieve optimal proportions and an attractive three-dimensional construction, as well as safeguarding the emblematic aesthetic codes of the timepieces built within the Atelier. A daunting endeavour that required several years of development in order to create an appealing and unmistakably Greubel Forsey creation.
Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain: A radiant and elegant 41.60mm edition
Greubel Forsey pairs the launch of the Balancier Contemporain with this diamond set edition becoming a sparkling sculpture where mother-ofpearl dials underline its elegance. This lustrous new creation stands out like the Balancier Contemporain for its compact size and its exclusive balance wheel system. Its unique proportions are enhanced by the radiance of the diamonds where the bezel, case band, lugs and crown are all invisibly set with the finest IF / D-E quality baguette-cut diamonds. This diamond set edition is fitted with an alligator or rubber strap and the gold pin buckle or folding clasp with the handengraved Greubel Forsey logo is also invisibly set with baguette diamonds. Balancier Contemporain and Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain: a unique new combination of technical sophistication and aesthetic elegance, creativity and expertise, signed Greubel Forsey.
