Greubel Forsey, one of the pioneers of high watchmaking, sets the climax in world time complication with GMT Earth, a model that pushes the limits of micro-mechanics.
Although Greubel Forsey is a brand that most of us know, it seems that we do not really know it closely. The reason for this is, of course, GF's exotic models and their jaw-dropping prices. In everyday life (even for a full-time watch editor), the chances of stumbling upon a watch aficionado wearing a GF are slim. If we add to the equation that the social(!)-mediatic aspects of the brand are extremely weak compared to the frequenter names of this bunch, what we have is a very rare brand.
The model that we have here is enough to summarize Greubel Forsey and its philosophy. I present you the Greubel Forsey GMT Earth, which holds all of the adjectives that express admiration, respect, and astonishment...
The model comes in a stunning case measuring 45.50mm in diameter and 16.18mm in height. Made of 18K white gold, these dimensions are, of course, not just to be large. The case, which is predominantly designed with matte surfaces, has engravings on its bezel, sides and between the lugs, almost like a background, consisting of words that are the signature of the brand and summarize GF philosophy. The second time zone feature of the watch can be adjusted with the rectangular button marked GMT. All remaining functions are controlled by the GF signed winding crown. Sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating cover the front and back of the case. Reminding people that it is a miniature work of art with the weight of 18K gold material as well as its elaborate craftsmanship, the case hosts a three-dimensional world figure that looks simply fascinating at 4 and 5 o'clock. The Earth figure, hand-lacquered on titanium, completes a full rotation in 24 hours, just like our world.
The dial of the model takes the definition of artwork to the top. The time is displayed by the hour and minute hands on the lower dial placed on the upper right half of the dial. The disk with hour markers is made of sapphire crystal. The miniature counter located at 3 o'clock of the sub-dial hosts the small seconds. Just below, is a pointer style indicator showing the movement's 3-day/72-hour power reserve. The right side of the lower half dial features the Tourbillon fixed with its graceful bridge designed in the shape of a crescent, and the left side includes an earth figure surrounded by a 24-hour scale. The GMT indicator is at 11 o'clock with an arrow-shaped red hand and a silver-colored 12-hour scale.
The Greubel Forsey GMT Earth has a back that's just as impressive (and functional) as its front. The fact that only GMT is mentioned in the name of the watch is one of the most obvious examples of humbleness, as the functions of the timepiece continue to inform its user on the rear side as well. On the back is a full world time disc with 24 cities that rotate like the world once a day and show the correct time in 24 different time zones. The position of the Sun with the Earth is also shown behind the case by representing the Sun with a stylized engraving on the wheel affixed under the Earth figure.
A hand-wound movement produced in-house gives life to all these features and admirable details. 60-jewels hand-wound movement operates at a frequency of 21.600vph and offers up to 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Designed with 36.40mm x 11.55mm dimensions, the movement hosts hours, minutes, GMT, world time, and a 24-hour rotating world figure.
Limited to only 33 pieces, the model comes with black rubber (shown in the photo) and black alligator strap alternatives. Both straps are accompanied by a GF signed folding clasp made of 18K white gold. The cost of owning this fascinating model is CHF 610,000.
