A 12 months earlier than I used to be capable of dump a number of items from my assortment to afford a Greubel Forsey watch of my very own, I waxed philosophical about why I’m so enthralled by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s creations and on the identical time expressed a particular affection for his or her Invention Items: watches that to some extent de-emphasize the show of time to present primacy to displaying off one of many basic technical improvements included within the model’s watches.
When the time got here, I used to be delighted to take possession of an Invention Piece 1 with its inclined double tourbillon. And shortly thereafter, a superb pal of mine jumped in as nicely along with his buy of the quadruple-tourbillon Invention Piece 2 in platinum.
Aspect by facet: Invention Items 2 and 1 by Greubel Forsey
Ever since, I’ve been dying to get these two attractive monsters facet by facet within the gentle tent, and the time has lastly come!
Zooming in on the Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2
Since I’ve featured my Invention Piece 1 right here earlier than, let’s first flip our consideration to a superb, onerous take a look at the Invention Piece 2.
Invention Piece 2 by Greubel Forsey
There may be, in fact, a show of the hours and minutes seen on the decrease proper of the dial facet, however the apparent emphasis of this piece is on the pair of double tourbillons at decrease left and higher proper linked by the seen differential mechanism at middle.
The wrong way up: left-side inclined double tourbillon, Invention Piece 2
One of many coolest issues about this watch is that the 2 double tourbillon cages are opposed vertically; the left-hand cage (and tourbillon mechanism) seen above is oriented with the highest of the tourbillon meeting towards the again facet of the watch, whereas the right-hand cage seen under places the higher finish of the mechanism towards the dial.
Proper facet up, with particular sauce: right-side inclined double tourbillon, Invention Piece 2
The suitable-hand cage is topped with a sapphire crystal piece that tracks the passage of the four-minute interval of the outer tourbillon, indicated by one in every of my favourite bits in any watch made: the tiny sapphire crystal needle with its personal superbly completed mounting that you simply see on the fitting facet of the picture above.
It’s additionally noteworthy that the reverse orientation of the 2 double cages required some actual ingenuity in designing the linkages of their outer toothed rings to the central differential. If you happen to try the photograph under, along with gaining an appreciation for the deep dimensionality of this motion it is best to be capable of spy the left-hand cage participating with the underside wheel of the differential meeting.
Low angle view, Invention Piece 2 by Greubel Forsey
And whereas we’re at it, please take the time as you try the entire images of this watch to admire the great black sharpening of lots of the parts as evidenced not solely by the blackness of a few of the surfaces however the flawless gradients of sunshine between the darkish and light-weight parts of the parts – and the “GF-level” ending general, from the sleek bevels to the dramatic frosting of the primary dial areas.
Element view, Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2
Issues get much more attention-grabbing with this specific watch after we check out the again. To start with, the view of the counter-positioned double tourbillons is in my view at the very least nearly as good from the again as from the entrance, and we’re handled to 2 extra attractive examples of black polished bridges as nicely. There’s additionally the “house owners’ solely” inscription describing the philosophy of the watch (blurred in these images as typical on the request of Stephen Forsey) and the intense pink gold medallion on the middle.
All in all, from my perspective maybe essentially the most compelling reverse facet of any of Greubel Forsey’s items with the potential exception of the GMT Earth.
Reverse facet of the Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2
Take yet another take a look at the picture above and also you’ll in all probability choose up some of the distinctive issues about this watch: on the request of the proprietor and with the sort settlement and characteristically sensible workmanship of Greubel Forsey, this watch is an “Exécution Spéciale” by which the unique platinum case has been changed with a stunningly crafted, ultra-lightweight titanium model.
The sharpening on the titanium is to not be believed: within the photograph under simply check out the reflection within the shiny portion of the case again bezel of the “Invention Piece 2” engraving. And for good measure, I’ve left only a little bit of the etched private message seen to present you a way of the standard of that work.
Excessive polish and refined tones: element view, Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2 with distinctive titanium case
As a facet notice, I’m nonetheless loving the chance to make use of the Hasselblad X1D to seize scenes like these; particularly, the decision is mind-blowing, and the colour rendering (at the very least previous to importing compression) reveals the refined however clear distinctions between the colours of the titanium case, metal bridge, and white gold message plate within the picture above.
Face to face: Greubel Forsey Invention Items 1 and a pair of
However, hey – let’s not neglect the Invention Piece 1 in all of this!
The writer’s Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1 in crimson gold
The Invention Piece 1 is constructed to function a single instance of the double tourbillon cages that you simply’ve been seeing within the Invention Piece 2 up to now. And there’s no mistake concerning the supposed point of interest, particularly when the sunshine is good to make the stability wheel and tourbillon cages flash in opposition to their darkish background.
After all, there’s additionally “that bridge”: the ever so lengthy, ever so good black-polished bridge that stretches throughout the watch and locates the dual tourbillon meeting from above with out obscuring it from our view.
Seen facet by facet, from my perspective the Invention Piece 1 is maybe a bit extra elegant than the Invention Piece 2, which particularly in white steel has an especially purposeful, nearly industrial, look.
Which one for you? Invention Items 2 and 1 by Greubel Forsey
A part of the curiosity of the Invention Piece 2, at the very least for me, are the bulges within the case that permit for the 2 double tourbillon assemblies to be positioned far aside whereas nonetheless sustaining a 43.5 mm diameter for the primary physique of the watch.
I do know that these aren’t to everybody’s style, however I truly fairly like them and I do recognize the issue each of fabricating a case with these advanced shapes and the intense ability required to make a domed sapphire crystal that easily covers the void under. And I additionally recognize the facet view that the sapphire crystal window within the left-hand bulge affords of the workings of one of many twin tourbillons.
Secret window: double tourbillon meeting seen via the facet of the Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2’s case
Seen from the again, the Invention Piece 1 reveals considerably lower than its counterpart, however I might nonetheless spend hours having fun with that huge crescent-shaped arc of steel with its brilliantly polished edges and sharply etched phrases.
Again to again: Greubel Forsey Invention Items 2 (at left) and 1
I assumed to seize a fast shot of the 2 watches as seen from the facet: if something the Invention Piece 2 has a barely extra subtle profile with a slight radial bulge within the case band as in contrast with its extra slab-sided counterpart and extra natural entrance and rear bezel contours. These are small distinctions, although, and which (if both) you favor may be very a lot a matter of non-public style.
Profile view of Greubel Forsey’s Invention Items 1 (at left) and a pair of
Lastly, let’s go right down to the ends of the straps and take a look at the buckles. Whereas my crimson gold deployant is gorgeous and classically made, there’s positively quite a bit to be mentioned for the angular appears to be like and crisp motion of the technical buckle affixed to my buddy’s Invention Piece 2. And the truth that it’s a distinctive piece made only for him in titanium to match the case of his watch ups the ante one other degree or two as nicely!
Distinctive titanium clasp, Invention Piece 2 (foreground) and standard Invention Piece 1 clasp in crimson gold
On the wrist: Greubel Forsey Invention Items 1 and a pair of
Okay, so I really like how they give the impression of being within the gentle tent. However what about on the wrist?
Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1 on the writer’s wrist
I like sporting heavy watches, and my Invention Piece 1 doesn’t disappoint; however regardless of its heft and the thickness of the case, it sits properly balanced on the wrist and the substantial deployant on the reverse facet of the wrist does its job in serving to to maintain issues steady.
On the wrist: Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2 in titanium
Within the horological dictionary, there needs to be an image of the Invention Piece 2 on the wrist subsequent to the entry for “wrist presence.” This factor simply calls for consideration, and in its distinctive titanium guise the Invention Piece 2 is unbelievably wearable, nearly forgettable till you see it peeking out from underneath your cuff.
Sure, I did: Greubel Forsey Invention Items 1 and a pair of on the identical wrist
And so long as I had the prospect, I went all the best way and (very, very fastidiously) strapped each of those unhealthy boys onto the identical arm for a fast side-by-side comparability.
If I’ve a criticism of the Invention Piece 2, it needs to be the relative illegibility of the time indication, and so long as I’m at it I’ll point out that its indication of minutes turns the “unsuitable” approach for my tastes, with the numeral ring turning clockwise (and by implication, the mounted blue minute pointer “touring” counterclockwise a consequence as seen by the mind).
If I truly must learn the time, I’ll take the Invention Piece 1 any time.
So, which one?
From a sensible perspective I don’t want to fret an excessive amount of about this query as my Invention Piece 1 is already paid for, and my buddy will not be remotely considering promoting his distinctive Invention Piece 2.
However as you’ll be able to in all probability inform, I’m completely in love along with his watch! If a giant bag of Krugerrands fell from the sky into my yard in a single day, I’d be on the lookout for an Invention Piece 2 of my very own so as to add to my assortment (and, maybe not surprisingly, an Invention Piece 3 as nicely to finish the trifecta).
For now, although, I’ll simply hold thanking my fortunate stars for my Invention Piece 1 and I’ll search for your preferences within the feedback under.
Parting shot: object of want – Invention Piece 2 by Greubel Forsey
For extra info, please go to www.greubelforsey.com/en/assortment/invention-piece.
Fast Information Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1
Case: 43.5 x 16.6 mm, crimson gold, white gold, and platinum
Motion: handbook winding Caliber GF02N with inner one-minute tourbillon inclined at 30 levels and outer four-minute tourbillon; 72-hour energy reserve from two mainspring barrels; 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency
Features: hours, minutes, seconds; energy reserve show
Limitation: 11 items every in crimson gold, white gold, and platinum
Value: $595,000 unique retail worth; most up-to-date accessible public sale worth $225,000 (2016)
Fast Information Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2
Case: 43.5 x 16.28 mm, crimson gold and platinum
Motion: handbook winding Caliber GF03N with a pair of dual tourbillon escapements every consisting of an inner one-minute tourbillon inclined at 30 levels and outer four-minute tourbillon; 56-hour energy reserve from two mainspring barrels; 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency
Features: hours, minutes, seconds; energy reserve show
Limitation: 11 items every in pink gold, white gold and platinum (one transformed to titanium)
Value: $750,000 unique retail worth; no accessible current public sale outcomes
* This text was first printed on October 13, 2018 at Moms Of Invention: Behind The Lens With Invention Items 1 And a pair of By Greubel Forsey.
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