A new interpretation of the Double Tourbillon 30° in an asymmetric case
Greubel Forsey presents the Double Tourbillon Asymétrique, a reinterpretation of Robert
Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s first Fundamental Invention, the Double Tourbillon 30°,
featuring an asymmetric case marking a striking departure from how this complication has
been previously presented.
In harmony with its distinctive design, the power reserve is indicated by a rotating disk,
underlining the highly original nature of this timepiece. The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique
is available in a unique edition comprising 11 pieces in white gold and 11 pieces in 5N red
gold.
Asymmetry and harmony of form
Greubel Forsey launched the Double Tourbillon 30° Vision in 2004, now, nearly a decade
later, this new interpretation features an asymmetric positioning of the Double Tourbillon
30°; which has only previously been presented symmetrically in the collection.
To achieve this, the movement architecture has been completely reconstructed, with the
outer cage of the patented Double Tourbillon 30° inversed. However, the one‐minute
rotation of the inner tourbillon cage and the four‐minute rotation of the outer tourbillon
cage remain the same.
The movement is housed in a 43.5 mm diameter case with a curved lateral window in the
case band at 8 o’clock. This three‐dimensional opening offers the observer a very special
view of the double tourbillon system, showcasing the complexity and aesthetic qualities of
this unique complication.
The black treatment of the mainplates, forming the backdrop for the tourbillion system
accentuates the three‐dimensionality and depth of the double cages, which are composed
of no less than 130 components. The polished conical arm and the flat black polish of the
steel tourbillon bridge is one example of Greubel Forsey’s signature superlative hand
finishing.
The power reserve indicator at 2 o’clock features an innovative rotating disk displaying
optimal remaining running time by means of a fixed red triangle instead of a conventional
hand.
Sobriety and exclusivity
The architecture of the gold dial contributes to the perfect balance of the timepiece. The
minute ring is concentric around the satin‐finished hour display, with the applied polished
gold hour indexes creating additional contrast and relief.
In the white gold version, the dial is finished in shades of grey, anthracite and black, while
the dial of the red gold version is treated in black and anthracite. The hands and indexes are
in perfect harmony with their case – white gold or in red gold, depending on the version. For
ideal legibility at night, the tips of the hour and minute hands have been filled with luminous
material.
The individual number of each timepiece is engraved on a gold plate concentric to the power
reserve indicator. The small seconds at 6 o’clock features a striking triangular red hand, one
of three bright red details on the dial.
An asymmetric domed sapphire crystal display back mirroring the lines of the case reveals
the beautiful movement beneath. The nickel‐palladium treated frosted and bevelled geartrain
bridge juxtaposes against the sobriety of the black‐chromed mainplate.
The polished internal angles of the beautifully finished one‐piece gear ‐train bridge bear
testimony to the meticulous hand finishing throughout the timepiece. This bridge, fixed by
four blued‐steel screws, supports two white gold plates: one with the individual number of
the timepiece mirroring that on the power reserve indicator; the other signed ‘Greubel
Forsey’. With their golden finish against a black background, the two series configured
mainspring barrels and centre wheel stand out visually from the black mainplate.
Unique edition
Presented in a unique edition of 11 pieces in white gold and 11 pieces in 5N red gold, the
Double Tourbillon Asymétrique is an exclusive and original addition to the Greubel Forsey
collection.
The timepiece is completed by a hand‐sewn alligator strap with folding clasp in the same
colour gold as the case.
Technical Specifications
The manual‐winding movement comprises 326 components. It is powered by two rapidly
rotating mainspring barrels in series, which provide a72‐hour reserve of optimal power. The
Double Tourbillon 30° features a variable inertia balance with Phillips terminal curve beating
at 3Hz/21,600 vibrations per hour – the inner and outer cages make one revolution in 1
minute and 4 minutes respectively. The inner cage is at a 30° angle to the outer cage.
The mainplates in nickel silver are frosted with straight grained flanks, hand polished
countersinks and bevels, with a black chrome treatment, while the bridges are frosted,
spotted, with hand polished countersinks and polished bevels with a nickel‐palladium
treatment. The dial is in black‐oxidised or anthracite finished gold, with indications for hours,
minutes and small seconds. The power reserve indicator is via a rotating disk. There are two
hand‐finished gold plates engraved with the individual number of the timepiece: One on the
dial side, the other visible through the display back.
The asymmetric case is available in white gold or 18K 5N red gold and measures 43.5 mm in
diameter and 16.13 mm in height. It features asymmetric synthetic sapphire crystals on the
dial side and for the display back, as well as a lateral window set into the case band, three dimensional, variable geometry shaped lugs, raised polished engraving "Greubel Forsey" on
a hand‐punched background and gold security screws. The black alligator strap is hand
stitched with a white gold or red gold folding clasp to match the case.
Decoration and aesthetic
Like all Greubel Forsey timepieces, levels of finishing and decoration are executed without
compromise. To provide optimal visual effect, all components of the movement are created
according to architectural criteria that highlight a myriad of details revealing their beauty.
Elements of finishing such as spotting, frosting, straight‐graining, scintillating flat blackmirror‐
polishing, as well as the stunning hand finished bevels. The three‐dimensional
architecture of this timepiece showcases its mechanisms and components and emphasizes
the finishing and decoration, reflecting the extremely high standards of Greubel Forsey’s
craftmanship.
Robert Greubel
Robert Greubel grew up in Alsace, France and began his horological career somewhat
precociously, observing and working with his watchmaker father in the family shop, Greubel
Horlogerie. In 1987 he moved to Switzerland to learn more about complications and he
joined IWC to work on their Grand Complication project. He moved to Le Locle in 1990 for a
prototypist position at Renaud &Papi, where he eventually rose to Co‐Chief Operating
Officer and partner. In 1999 Robert Greubel left to work independently and in 2001 he
founded CompliTime in partnership with Stephen Forsey, with the aim of creating and
developing complicated mechanisms for high‐end brands. They cofounded Greubel Forsey in
2004.
Stephen Forsey
Stephen Forsey was born in St. Albans, England where he inherited his father’s passion for
the intricacies of mechanics. From 1987 he specialised in antique watch restoration, which
led to a position as head of Asprey’s prestigious watch restoration department and he then
furthered his horological education at WOSTEP. After moving to Switzerland in 1992,
Stephen joined Robert Greubel’s team at Renaud &Papi where he worked on the most
complicated mechanical movements. In 1999 he left to work independently and in 2001 he
founded CompliTime in partnership with Robert Greubel with the aim of creating and
developing complicated mechanisms for high‐end brands. Together, they then launched
Greubel Forsey in 2004.
ref: gruebelforsey.com
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