Cover Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture
Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture
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The Swiss watchmaker introduces a convex, conical frustum case that takes its timepiece into avant-garde territory
“Innovation” is one of the many words you’ll find gracing the bezel of Greubel Forsey’s new Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture, and it’s clear from the first look how it served as a guiding principle of the watch design. As clear as sapphire crystal, in fact.
For starters, in the name of comfort, Greubel Forsey has introduced a convex titanium case that follows the curve of the wrist. The Swiss watchmaker already has a line of timepieces with similarly cambered cases—aptly dubbed the Convexe collection—but now it takes its craft technique to another level by making the diameter of the caseback (47.05mm) wider than the bezel’s (45mm).
The result? A unique case in the shape of conical frustum (in other words, a cone with its top sliced off).
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That means that, much like any architectural masterpiece, Greubel Forsey’s new creation invites us to behold it from all angles. And one can easily do so thanks to the sapphire crystal ring around the caseband, which illuminates the complex movement encased within the watch.
It is through this window that you can truly marvel at the most defining feature of any Tourbillon 24 Secondes timepiece. Positioned at six o’clock is Greubel Forsey’s fascinating tourbillon, a speedy mechanism that rotates once every 24 seconds on a 25° inclination—all for the sake of precise time-telling. And you can rely on that precision even underwater, given that the watch’s titanium case is water-resistant for up to 50 metres.
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Practicality aside, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture doesn’t skimp on style either. Its movement is constructed with a frosted maniplate, contrasted by elegant titanium bridges that are polished by hand.
Just as much care and attention were given to the barrel cover at the 10 o’clock, marked by its lacquered, engraved and perforated finishes. Hidden underneath it are three stacked series-coupled barrels, which provide 90 hours of power reserve when the watch is fully wound.
Circling the interior bezel, Greubel Forsey has also listed the values that inspired its new timepiece in relief-engraved lettering, like Passion, Technique, Science, and the aforementioned Innovation.
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With a curious case that demands to be examined, it’s not surprising that the rest of the timepiece keeps things simple. The watch strap, attached via polished, three-dimensional lugs, is crafted from rubber as part of Greubel Forsey’s commitment to using only plant-based straps.
Only 65 pieces of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture will be produced: 11 pieces will be offered this year, and another 18 will be released each year after that until 2025. The watch’s rarity and technical ingenuity will surely warrant its half-a-million-dollar price tag (approximately SG$700,035) to collectors.
Pameyla Cambe is the Assistant Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She handles the Fashion section of the website, where she reports on trends, the hottest fashion launches and what your favourite Asian celebrities are wearing.
