EARTH CENTRIC HOROLOGY

Greubel Forsey presents a new GMT timepiece. Introduces new firsts for the watchmaker

Greubel Forsey’s new GMT Balancier Convexe places the Earth back at the centre of its mechanical universe. It also features a new GMT calibre that will replace all previous GMT models and features, as well as a new orientation of the watchmaker’s signature inclined balance wheel, which makes it appear as if in orbit around the Earth. As with every Greubel Forsey timepiece, the new GMT’s aesthetic and architecture are matched only by its technical mastery.

The titanium sphere, with its elevated continents, seas and oceans, is one of Greubel Forsey’s most emblematic creations. It was the centrepiece of past masterpieces such as the GMT, GMT Earth, GMT Quadruple Tourbillon and GMT Sport - which also happen to be some of Greubel Forsey’s greatest commercial successes to date.

The Earth is showcased majestically, positioned at the very heart of an amphitheatre-like construction. Flush with the sapphire crystal, almost close enough to the surface to touch, it moves in a constant 24-hour rotation, just as the Earth rotates in real life. This amphitheatre is bordered by three rings which indicate two complementary times: hours and minutes local time, as well as universal time.

The 24 time zones displaying universal time are set against a black background if the time indicated is at night, and on a white background during the daytime.

Local time is indicated on the two outer rings: one for the hours on a grey satin-finished ring, and minutes on a thin black outer ring. Each time indication has its own hand with a red triangular tip filled with luminescent material. These hands move on two further rings, engraved with key words dear to the Atelier, to display GMT. Finally, an off-centre display at 10 o’clock indicates a second time zone with a blue gold hand.

For the caseback of the timepiece, Greubel Forsey opted to keep the disc with 24 time zones indicating the UTC time of the 24 reference cities, but with a rather appropriate modification: the UTC of Paris has been replaced by the city where Greubel Forsey has been established since its early days: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Greubel Forsey has created a brand new calibre to power its Terrestrial globe. This contemporary interpretation of the GMT complication is deeply rooted in the ethos of the brand as well as in Haute Horlogerie. The beating heart of any Greubel Forsey timepiece is the object of appreciation among collectors for their remarkable chronometric performance, and the new calibre is no exception.

The 30° inclined balance wheel, seemingly suspended in mid-air, is held by a beautiful flat black polished and barrel polished steel balance wheel bridge on polished steel pillars. To its right, the small seconds, displayed with a blue gold hand, completes the ensemble.

The titanium bridges, which serve as the aesthetic backdrop for this horological spectacle, are hand-finished with a steel brush and take on a frosted texture never before applied by Greubel Forsey. The delicate frosted surfaces catch the light and accentuate the globe. Finally, the inside of the case is polished so that it mirrors the escapement platform, the Terrestrial globe, and nearly every element visible on the dial side, thus adding incredible depth to this new construction.

The horological theatrics of the new GMT takes place within the watchmaker’s signature convex case. Made of titanium and with a diameter of 46.5mm around the bezel and 43.5mm around the caseband, it hugs the curve of the wearer’s wrist. The unusual shape required the innovation of a movement that follows an imperceptible slope of just a few degrees. The sapphire crystal and satin-finished bezel follow the same curved geometry, which extends onto either a titanium bracelet or a textured rubber strap.

Greubel Forsey will only make 66 GMT Balancier Convexe timepieces: 22 per year between 2022 and 2024.