Greubel Forsey

• manual winding nickel lever movement with twin barrels, 42 jewels, some jewels carried in gold chatons, 25° inclined tourbillon achieving a 24 seconds revolution • white gold dial with engraved inscription relating the creation of the watch, 24-hour display dial with red indicator for hour and blue for minutes, eccentric fan-form power reserve at 2 o'clock, constant second at 5 o'clock, eccentric aperture for visible inclined tourbillon at 7-8 o'clock • brushed and polished 18k white gold case, sapphire crystal aperture, lateral window with convex sapphire crystal to the band at 7-8 o'clock, case back secured by six screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Greubel Forsey folding buckle

Manual winding movement and tourbillon in working order when cataloging. Dial is very nice and clean, in excellent condition. Case with light surface scratches mostly near upper right lug, light signs of wear. Overall appears in excellent condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a Greubel Forsey Certificate, instruction manual, magnifying glass and a presentation box.

The ethos behind the Invention Piece 3 is to pay tribute to Greubel Forsey’s third invention: the Tourbillon 24 Seconds Incliné. Combining horological complexity with sensational design, this masterpiece demonstrates the brand’s ability to seamlessly combine art, science and mechanics to form their unique creations.

The movement of this watch incorporates Greubel Forsey’s “Tourbillon 24 Secondes Incliné,” an invention that is mesmerizing to view in action. The tourbillon is inclined at a 25° angle and performs a 24-second revolution; remarkably fast when compared to more traditional one-minute tourbillons. The “Tourbillon 24 Seconds Incliné” works to minimize the effects of gravity on the watch; the use of extremely low-density alloys such as Avional and titanium, which are employed in the aeronautical industries, enables the tourbillon carriage to overcome the stresses imposed by the high rotation velocity. The tourbillon cage alone comprises 87 parts and yet weighs just 0.39g. The time is displayed on a large 24-hour ring with concentric minute display. Four visible gold plates are inscribed with a message from Robert Greubel and Steven Forsey revealing the complex process involved in the creation of the watch.

The superior hand finishing of Greubel Forsey’s movements is renowned and it is therefore no surprise to learn that a quarter of the team at the firm’s atelier is purely devoted to this work. The architecturally inspired case, with its asymmetrical design, is perfectly balanced by the opposing niches that contain the tourbillon carriage and power reserve sector. With an additional curved sapphire crystal set to the side of the case, it is possible to fully appreciate the tourbillon carriage in action as it gives the impression of being almost magically detached from the gear train. 

The Invention Piece 3 was produced in a single collection comprising three unique editions of 11 watches each in white gold, pink gold and platinum.