Details
Case material: 18k pink gold
Diameter: 45 mm.
Strap material: Black Greubel Forsey CROCODILE strap
Dial: Semi-skeletonised
Movement: Manual
Functions: 25 degree inclined 24 seconds tourbillon and power reserve
Buckle: 18k pink gold Greubel Forsey deployant clasp
With: Undated Greubel Forsey Owner's Book, small leather holder, loupe, presentation box numbered 07/33 and outer packaging
Certificate: Yes
Box: Yes
Remark: Limited edition of 33 pieces; Greubel Forsey will offer a free service of the movement up to 6 months following the purchase at Christie's and a 2 years Guarantee.
Note: The presentation box that accompanies this lot may not be the original “fitted box”. Please refer to paragraph A in the Conditions of Sale for further information. If you have any queries, please contact Watch Department at watcheshk@christies.com
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Lot Essay

We are delighted to present this Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain – Special Edition ‘Royal Blue Movement’. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first example of this model to be offered at international auction.

Bringing together the very highest level of advanced horology with stunning aesthetics, this masterpiece in 18k red gold was created as a version of Greubel Forsey's celebrated third invention, the ‘Tourbillon 24 Seconds’ mechanism.
What immediately captures the attention is the superb royal blue finish of the titanium movement, achieved using a special treatment developed by Greubel Forsey. The rich blue colour contrasts beautifully with the red gold of the case, serving to highlight the three‐dimensional qualities of the watch’s circular architecture. The spatial aspect of the watch is enhanced by the transparent synthetic sapphire crystal chapter ring with metalized hour indexes and large 12 numeral. The small seconds dial and power reserve indicator are in gold.

The amazing hand-wound movement rewards close inspection, developed as a completely new tourbillon system that is inclined at 25 degrees and makes one revolution in 24 seconds, the transparent synthetic sapphire Tourbillon bridge ingeniously gives the impression of the tourbillon regulator floating in mid-air. With a carriage weighing only 0.38 gams, the patented Tourbillon 24 Secondes uses a fast rotation speed and inclined angle to solve the problem of critical positions of the oscillator in relation to gravity. The 25˚ angle and the rapid rotation of the tourbillon cage significantly improve the chronometric performance of a system containing only one tourbillon, especially in stable positions. The titanium plate and bridges feature a royal blue oxide treatment and are hand finished with straight graining and spotting. The bridges are in nickel silver with nickel‐palladium finish with frosted and straight‐grained decoration with hand polished bevels. The caliber is powered by two coaxial series-coupled fast-rotating barrels, providing a power reserve of 72 hours, one of the barrels is equipped with a slipping spring to prevent excess tension on the mainsprings.

Produced in an edition of 33 pieces in 5N red gold and 33 pieces in platinum, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain boasts an impressive diameter of 44.5 mm., the round case has been specially designed and features on the band 3D engraved texts that record the philosophy and remarkable skills of the independent inventor watchmakers, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.

Offering an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exotic and exciting examples of contemporary independent haute horologerie, the present watch is the most impressive trophy for those who hold the endless pursuit of excellence in the highest regard. Furthermore, it is offered in pristine, like new condition with Certificate and box.


Greubel Forsey
Greubel Forsey is one of the greatest names in the exciting world of independent watch brands. Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s working relationship of over 20 years is founded on their shared technical creativity and quest for perfection. The two watchmakers are fabled for their exceptional and avant-garde horology, combining highly complicated mechanical functions with uncompromisingly provocative styling concepts.

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have become legends in the world of modern independent watchmaking. Working together since 1992, when they were developing complicated movements for Renaud & Papi, Greubel and Forsey decided to branch out on their own in 1999, setting up as the independents, CompliTime Greubel, la Neuveville and Bureau d’Etude et Prototype, le Locle, respectively. From this moment forward, they are focused on designing a new generation of tourbillons specifically developed to improve the timekeeping of the mechanical watch.

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