I am still waiting for Greubel Forsey to release an automatic watch. Until then, I’ll have to be satisfied with the Double Tourbillon Technique’s 120 hours of power reserve. With a handy dial-mounted power reserve indicator, you at least know when to wind it. See what types of fancy convenience features you get when spending this much money on a timepiece? If you are a movement lover, then you pretty much don’t watch a dial in the same way as others. Despite the open architecture of this timepiece, Greubel Forsey offers a peripheral ring in sapphire crystal with hour indicators on it. You even get luminant on the hands for the ultimate in peace of mind knowing that you don’t need to sacrifice too much when toting around your portable wealth statement.
Sadly, for Greubel Forsey, they cannot really claim to be a producer of ‘stealth wealth’ watches. It is abundantly clear to most onlookers that a timepiece of this pedigree is valuable. Though, if there were to be a more subtle version of a model in a less than subtle brand, it would probably be this specific Double Tourbillon Technique Black model. Not only is it the first titanium watch from Greubel Forsey, but it is also the first of their timepieces to come on a rubber strap. It isn’t a normal rubber strap really. Stitched and feeling cushy, it looks and feels like leather to be honest. So consider this to be as sporty a Greubel Forsey timepiece as you are going to see.
It is hard not to love the Double Tourbillon Technique Black watch on the wrist. Feeling fresh on the wrist, the complexity of the movement is safely tucked away in the watch as your fingers move over the softness that is the case. Which is good because the many sharp angles of the movement looks as though they would be painful to touch. Not painful to look at however. The movement offers clear hour and minute hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, power reserve indicator, and alternative seconds dial which is part of the lower four minute tourbillon.
As is suggested in the “Double Tourbillon” part of the name, the watch has two tourbillons, but you need to look close to see them. One of the tourbillons is hiding inside of the other one. So you have an outer four minute tourbillon with a one minute tourbillon living inside of it. No, that doesn’t make the watch any more accurate, but it is certainly tough to pull off. That’s why we pay the big bucks – because little complicated machines on our wrist make our days somewhat brighter. The chaps at Greubel Forsey are further among the few people in the world that can even put stuff like this together.
Back in January at SIHH 2013 I saw a lot of watches, but I have to say, that practical or not, the new chromed skin of the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Black made it my show favorite. I love the ironic sport theme of the piece, as well as the beautiful movement and king-worthy effort put into its construction. It also has a rare balanced feel that some Greubel Forsey pieces lack, looking as though one half of the dial is clean while the other half is full of open gears. Pretty much everything is right here for the horologically inclined. So if you can seemingly muster up the resources to order one, it won’t let you down. It is after all, less expensive than the gold models. Price for the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Black watch is $545,000. greubelforsey.com
