Greubel Forsey gives a poetic explanation of how form follows function with the Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant model, which was introduced to watch lovers for the first time at SIHH 2016.
Greubel Forsey is one of those boutique companies that every serious collector is after. The total number of watches they produce in a year, hold tight, is about 100 units. Founded by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey in 2004, the brand has only been making dream watches known as "holy grail" since its inception. Greubel Forsey, considered one of the most influential modern representatives of traditional luxury watchmaking today, deserves this title with every single timepiece it produces.
The model we have here in our Hands-On corner, Greubel Forsey Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant, was presented to watch enthusiasts for the first time at SIHH 2016 and took its place among the most prominent models of the fair.
Honestly, the watch's case is the least noticeable component of the model. Under normal conditions, I would not make such a definition for a case made of 18K white gold and produced with superior craftsmanship. However, when we look at the watch in general, this is true. Designed with a diameter of 43mm and a height of 13mm, there are sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides of the case. The case, which offers a sporty stance with its bold lug design as well as its flat and thick bezel, feels comfortable on the wrist despite its size and weight.
The dial of the model not only reveals the unique movement it carries in its heart but also forms the basis of the striking design. GF chose to cut the dial without showing any care for symmetry to show the movement (more precisely, the Double Balance feature). This situation, which negatively affects the legibility, reveals the intriguing preference of the model between form and function.
The dial has a slightly grainy and matte surface. While the 12 o'clock marker is a large Arabic numeral, the rest are baton indices. The scale surrounding the dial and the hands with phosphor at the tips display the time. Between 1 and 3 o'clock, there is a power reserve indicator designed in a quarter circle form. Between 3 and 4 o'clock, the small seconds counter catches the eye. Te balances, placed at a 30 ° inclination to the dial, and a part of the large barrel are visible through the perforated dial. Between the two balance wheels is the differential, which looks and works similar to the set-up in automobiles.
Let's get to the movement part... A hand-wound caliber, designed and manufactured in-house, functions within the Greubel Forsey Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant. The movement, which is one of the rare calibers of the brand without a Tourbillon, is home to two balance wheels placed at an angle of 30 ° to the dial and a differential mechanism that connects these two wheels.
This system and its operating principle work just like an automobile differential. However, the way and the reason for the wristwatch application is, of course, different. The working principle of the system is based on what we call the resting position of the watch. Accordingly, the most common resting positions for a wristwatch are the dial facing up and/or the crown pointing up or down, considering it is placed on a flat surface. In these positions, the beat error reaches the highest value. Greubel Forsey, on the other hand, tries to limit the amount of time each balance spends in these positions, even if the case is horizontal or vertical, by positioning both balances at a 30 ° inclination to the dial. Shortly, even if one of the balance wheels is in one of these three positions, the other will not be. Therefore, the beat error value of the movement will be minimum. Cool, right?
Finished and decorated referring to GF standards, this micro-mechanical wonder movement operates at a frequency of 21.600vph and offers 72 hours / 3 days power reserve when fully wound.
Limited to 33 pieces only, the model comes with a navy blue alligator leather strap and an 18K white gold folding clasp.
Greubel Forsey Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant is, simply, amazing. It also hosts a pair of significant concepts that only a true watch enthusiast will appreciate. While explaining that traditional watchmaking is not a static but an evolving concept with the perspective it brings to the technique of the work and engineering, the model also emphasizes that art and superior handcraft are at least as essential values as technology and innovation.
