Greubel Forsey & The 5 Different Versions of the GMT

Today's video is another exclusive as we get to show you the five existing variations of one of our all time favourite watch: the Greubel Forsey GMT.

The first model introduced in 2011 came in a white gold execution with an anthracite dial. Then came a platinum version with a black dial, followed by the 5N red gold version, again with an anthracite dial.

The next version came in a black titanium case with blackened base plate and bridges, in addition to the black dial of course. The coating used is ADL and this acronym stands for amorphous diamond-like carbon, which will improve the protection of the watch as it is much harder than titanium. 

And finally, the latest version introduced recently is a hybrid version with platinum case and 5n red gold base plate and bridges and black dial. This is the only limited edition of the series (limited to 22 timepieces), as the other ones are limited by the production capabilities of Greubel Forsey.  

The five versions of the GMT

The five versions of the GMT

This watch’s movement is made out of 436 components and you will find the brand's signature 25° inclined tourbillon at 5 o’clock. This is the Tourbillon 24 Secondes regulator made out of 87 components weighing only 0.36 grams and rotates on itself in 24 seconds. This movement beats at 21’600 vibrations per hour and the energy is provided by 2 barrels giving this timepiece a power reserve of 72 hours.

In terms of design, this movement is encased in a 43.5mm wide and 16mm thick asymmetrical case, asymmetry being something quite dear to Greubel Forsey. 

The tourbillon is found at 5 o’clock, at 3 o’clock the power reserve indicator, at 2:30 a small second counter and the hour and minute dial is just so slightly off-centered to the right of the 12 o’clock mark. At 10 o’clock you will see the second time zone indicator and to activate this GMT function, you have a simple pusher at 10 o’clock.

The 3D titanium globe rotates on itself in an anticlockwise move, in order to mimic the earth’s actual rotation and is comparable to a world time indicator, but so much more classy!!!

 So the fun little story is that for Greubel Forsey, the most difficult part in developing the GMT was actually the globe itself, which is made out of titanium. It took these detail fanatics more than a year to come up with the globe they were looking for and it for sure looks absolutely stunning. There is also a little trick with this small side window on the case, as it used as a day-night indicator, the window providing the light as if it was actually the sun, thus the dayside of the earth.

On the back of the watch, you will find a disk with the 24 different time zones and this one and the globe are simultaneously synchronised with the time you display and adjust on the front of the watch. 

 

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PRIMETIME – Watchmaking in the News – October 2016

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Me, Myself & My Watches – Episode 7