GREUBEL FORSEY launches its eighth fundamental invention: the tourbillon universal joint
Greubel Forsey has been developing new tourbillons for many years. Over the past three years, this tourbillon has moved from concept to reality and is now revealed as the studio’s eighth fundamental invention. To achieve new levels of chronometric precision, the Tourbillon Universal Wheel is based on three pillars: a rapidly rotating tourbillon, a rotating 30° bevel and two continuously tilting rings.
For 20 years Greubel Forsey has maintained its position that contemporary watchmaking is far from exhausting all the technical possibilities of fine watchmaking. The studio has proven this in seven landmark moments, developing foundational inventions that rethink the fundamentals of motion regulation and other major complex functions. This arduous undertaking focused on chronometric performance continues today with the launch of its eighth invention: the tourbillon universal joint.
An unprecedented tourbillon
The tourbillon universal wheel is designed to reach new heights of timekeeping precision. It combines three principles. The first one: tourbillon. Patented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the device was designed to compensate for differences in velocity and vertical position. For Greubel Forsey, this is not the end, but the beginning.
While most tourbillons rotate at 60 seconds, the eighth basic invention rotates almost four times faster. It only takes 16 seconds. This is the fastest Greubel Forsey tourbillon to date. It moves more positions in less time and therefore provides higher average performance.
In addition, this tourbillon uses a large balance wheel designed, developed and manufactured by Greubel Forsey for the first time. It benefits from its mass balance, large dimensions (12.6 mm) and optimized vibrations. Its high inertia also makes it less sensitive to impacts and speed changes.
The second principle: 30° angle. The tourbillon was born more than two centuries ago and was designed for pocket watches to be worn vertically. For watches, their design needs to be completely rethought and optimized for their place in everyday life in the 21st century.
Third principle: This 30° high-speed tourbillon is guided by two moving rings and connected by two 90° axes. For 48 seconds, they tilted back and forth. This structure may be reminiscent of a universal joint, but it is very different from a traditional universal joint, whose two rings are free to move and their role is to keep the object they contain level. In a tourbillon gimbal, the inclination of the ring is controlled (+30° to -30° range), whereas the inclination of the tourbillon is tilted (also 30°) and never changes, providing a better angular velocity ratio. Timing performance.
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Observatory power reserve
The tourbillon universal wheel has four barrels. This is a remarkable piece of architecture by Greubel Forsey (it only appears once in 20 years). They are stacked coaxially with a sliding mainspring to prevent excessive tension during winding. They offer a chronometric power reserve of 80 hours. Otherwise, the timepiece still runs very well, but may fall outside the strict Greubel Forsey precision tolerances.
a new aesthetic
Since the tourbillon cannot be held in place by a fixed upper bridge, this function is performed by two arched universal rings. Greubel Forsey’s eighth basic invention creates a new tourbillon with a flying appearance that does not use traditional structures and is both original and patented. Its structure may appear complex, but its minimal number of components provides an open, airy aesthetic that allows the eye to freely appreciate its kinematics.
100% hand finished
Some parts of the tourbillon universal joint can take up to three days just to be finished by hand. A variety of unique finishes have been developed specifically for this watch. Among them, the movement splint is made of frosted nickel silver with polished bevels and straight-grained flanks, while the titanium alloy main plate presents a large area of polished flanks as the background of the universal joint. Even more special: the upper bridge of the tourbillon cage is made of brushed titanium, with straight grained sides and polished bevels, above and below. Finally, the arches are barrel polished. It took over 30 hours to complete this single component.
The universal ring has a matte finish with polished bevels and ruled sides, while the lower plate is hand-brushed, a task that requires Atelier Manufacture’s special expertise to complete. Finally, there are two dials (hours, minutes and seconds), one with polished sides and a circular texture with very large mirror angles, the other with polished outer sides.
Greubel Forsey also developed a high-domed sapphire crystal for this piece. It accommodates the entire height of the tourbillon and cardan wheel system, providing a highly architectural view of the technology. The view over the 12.6 mm diameter balance wheel is completely unobstructed. You can admire the majestic swing of the two universal rings it is mounted on.
The Tourbillon Gimbal watch is housed in a 45.5mm titanium case. This metal was chosen for its modernity and lightness, in keeping with the light aesthetic of the Cardan Tourbillon.
Greubel Forsey
Since its founding in 2004, Greubel Forsey has continued to pursue excellence and is active at the forefront of high-end watchmaking, designing and producing timepieces renowned for their exceptional quality. Atelier Manufacture, located in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland), brings together exceptional expertise, extraordinary innovation and rare excellence in craftsmanship. Greubel Forsey has “the art of invention” as its guiding principle: since its founding, the brand has conceived, patented and created seven fundamental inventions that have fundamentally changed the world of fine watchmaking. All Greubel Forsey timepieces adhere to 5 principles: invention and innovation; hand-made and hand-finished; performance and reliability; architecture and design; rarity and exclusivity. With complete mastery of design and manufacturing processes and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the brand has become one of the best names in technical and contemporary fine watchmaking in just a few years. Now in its 20th anniversary, Greubel Forsey has become fully independent and has embarked on a fundamental transformation from a creative workshop into a full-fledged watch brand.