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G reubel Forsey are at the forefront of innovation in the world of independent watchmaking. Founded in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the brand has relentlessly pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking by blending avant-garde design with highly complex mechanisms. Renowned for groundbreaking complications, like the signature Greubel Forsey inclined tourbillons and an emphasis on three-dimensional movement architecture, the brand is synonymous with technical ingenuity and artistic expression.
The constant pursuit of movement and design innovation by Greubel Forsay has resulted in an ever increasing following of discerning enthusiasts eager to build their collection. On hand to support in this endeavor, Sotheby's have brought a range of exceptional Greubel Forsay watches to market.
This Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour and Michel Boulanger Le Garde Temps Naissance d'Une Montre Project "Montre École” sold for 6,930,000 HKD in April 2022.
Concerned about the potential of rapid mechanisation abolishing artisanal craftsmanship from the watch industry, in 2009, the trio of Stephen Forsey, Robert Greubel and Philippe Dufour joined forces to lead a project named Le Garde Temps – Naissance d’une Montre (French for Guarding Time – Birth of a Watch).
While it was not easy to find the perfect candidate, the young talented French watchmaking teacher Michel Boulanger was chosen to translate the ideas of traditional watchmaking. With the mentorship of the trio and Michel’s interest and technical skills in horological heritage, he was the perfect bridge between the knowledge and artistry of past masters and the next generation.
Michel Boulanger built this Gruebel Forsey tourbillon ‘Naissance d'une Montre’ watch from scratch using only hand-operated tools, without the help of technology. Carrying the characteristics of both styles, the highly asymmetric dial is reminiscent of Greubel Forsey, whilst the clean, round case and movement decorations were inspired by the beautifully proportioned cases we have been seeing from Philippe Dufour. After 6 years of extensive research, the collection was launched in 2015 at Salon international de la haute horlogerie (SIHH).
Set out on a mission to preserve traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques, the end product embodied their personal values of dedication, commitment and passion. This Gruebel Forsey watch underlined the gold standard of how a mechanical watch should be born, proudly showcasing a variety of design elements and finishing skills like a time capsule for the future generation of fine watchmakers.
This Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Seconde Contemporain Serti sold for 378,000 CHF in May 2022 during Sotheby's Important Watches sales.
The Greubel Forsey example was a watch entirely developed to showcase the 24 second tourbillon by providing a three-dimensional vision in a circular case.
A transparent, synthetic sapphire tourbillon bridge offered a captivating and hypnotic impression of the regulator floating in mid-air, underlining only one of the many highly creative elements found throughout the Greubel Forsey watch.
The movement was constructed in titanium and the royal blue finish of the plates and bridges elevated the visuals to another level. Its intense blue finish was achieved through a special oxidation process that played with light, providing the watch with an unparalleled energy. This Greubel Forsey watch was part of a very limited series set with diamonds. In total, the case and dial boasted 272 baguette diamonds with a total weight of 9.71 carats.
The round 43.50mm diameter case housed a movement of 267 components, 88 of which were for the tourbillon cage alone. The hour and minute ring was in synthetic sapphire, reinforcing the three-dimensional aspect, while the small seconds sub-dial and power reserve indicator were in gold. The case band was decorated with the finely engraved philosophy of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.
At time of consignment, Greubel Forsey agreed to issue a Service Rights Certificate to the buyer of this lot. This certificate entitled the new owner to visit an official retailer of Greubel Forsey for a complete servicing, as well as full update of the owner book and validation of the two-year owner warranty. The new owner was eligible to have the leather strap changed and fitted for their usage.
This Greubel Forsey GMT sold for 2,159,000 HKD in October 2023 at Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.
In 2011, Greubel Forsey released the GMT collection, existing as an outstanding demonstration of their innovative craft. It was a beautiful synergy of a 25° inclined tourbillon and the GMT complication.
This Greubel Forsey watch featured an elusive rose gold dial and an adaption of their signature semi-skeletonised design to showcase the mesmerising tourbillon. Most striking however, was the spectacular three-dimensional globe viewable from both the front and side aperture - a creation that, befitting the watch's roots in overcoming gravity, simulated the earth’s rotation. The reverse of the timepiece was equally as striking, featuring a world time display with over 24 cities.
This Gruebel Forsey watch, encased in platinum with a pink gold dial, was a limited edition of 22.
Sotheby's was honoured to work in cooperation with Greubel Forsey, offering the new owner a complete and complimentary service of the watch from an official Greubel Forsey retailer once the sale was finalized. Similar to the previous example shown, this included the update of the owners book and renewal of the two-year owners warranty. In addition, the leather strap was able to be replaced and fitted for their usage.
This Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné sold for 1,143,000 HKD in July 2023.
The Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné was a remarkable showcase of the brand's commitment to technical innovation and exquisite craftsmanship.
Crafted in platinum, the watch featured a 24-second inclined tourbillon, designed to optimize chronometric performance by reducing the effects of gravity from all wrist positions. Powered by the manual-winding Calibre GF01, it boasted 36 jewels and an impressive 72-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws. With a grey dial, signature Greubel Forsey finishing, and a platinum double-folding clasp paired with a black alligator strap, this 2010 masterpiece was a rare and distinguished addition to the world of haute horology.
Again, Sotheby's was honoured to work in cooperation with Greubel Forsey, offering the same level of service and collector benefits as the previous two examples.
This Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° sold for 139,700 USD in June 2023.
The Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Vision was the result of a four year development and research timeline.
This impressive and imposing Greubel Forsey watch featured a patented double tourbillon mechanism which incorporated two tourbillon carriages separated by a 30-degree angle. This innovation was created in order to optimize performance and oscillation of the balance wheel. Apart from enhancing the chronometric performance, the choice of 30 degrees for the angle between the two turning carriages added a visually striking depth to this Greubel Forsey watch. This example again benefitted from Sotheby's collaborating with Greubel Forsey to provide servicing and the range of collector benefits.
Greubel Forsey embodies the ethos of independent watchmaking and contemporary haute horlogerie. The brands merges cutting-edge innovation with exquisite artistry to create watches that are increasingly celebrated by the community of fine watchmaking collectors.
At Sotheby’s our experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary watches to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of a rare watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Trust our worldwide network of leading Greubel Forsey specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
