I have to confess that THE watch which really took my breath away at the Basel/SIHH Fair 07…THE watch which I was truly looking forward to holding in my hands…And fortunately, arrived sooner than I anticipated (it arrived a few days after Christmas)…was Greubel Forsey’s Invention Piece No.1
This piece was my choice for the star piece of 2007…and it certainly made me less sore from not being able to obtain their (and Harry Winston’s) OPUS VI the year before. Trust me when I say that this watch will invoke the passion within a watch lover/collector as it encapsulates the beauty of a tourbillon, coupled together with the functionality and practicality of what it was originally intended to be.
With all the tourbillons floating out there at the moment, it certainly takes something special to make a tourbillion which stands out for the discerning watch lovers of today. Even when a tourbillon does catch one’s eye, there is always the danger (and disappointment) in discovering that the movement has been done by a 3rd party. Leading to the possibility that this movement might be reused again in another watch/brand. Which has occurred in the past to independent brands which are out there to make an instance impact within the shortest possible time.
I am happy to say that this will not be the case with Greubel Forsey, although I did convey my concerns to Stephen when Richemont acquired 20 percent of their company. I was assured of their continued independence and the exclusivity of their movements which they have or will place in their watches.
Anyway, back to this magnificent piece. The tourbillon is simply mesmerising, with it being the very first thing you see when you look at this watch. There is absolutely no chance one can get away from the hypnotizing whirl of the tourbillon, especially when the hour and minute hands surround it…but in such an inconspicuous way.
The finishing on this watch is as what I have come to expect, after receiving my Double Tourbillon back in April. It was second to none. Probably the only other brand which is at the same level is Lange & Sohne. This sort of finishing shouldn’t even be legal for such a young independent company, especially when you consider that they only employ a handful of watchmakers at present.
The amount of attention given to the finishing is astonishing. Especially when you turn over the piece and admire the words engraved on its back case. Now, if only I could get Greubel Forsey to fork out my expenses so that I could travel to France or Switzerland to learn French so that I could read the engravings. But I guess, them sending me the translation would be the cheaper option.
The other point which I have to make is the glass which they used to encase this watch. It is probably one of the best anti-reflective glass which I have seen…ever. Just to prove my point, I used my Sony digital camera and placed it probably about half an inch from the glass, and I could still take a reflection free close-up of the watch. (Photo below as an example) Now, that is what I call a non-reflective glass!
Although the box was a little bit simpler in design compared with the Double Tourbillon, the magnifying eye piece provided is simply superb. I haven’t received my box yet because it was just simply too heavy to be lugging around, but when I do, I will provide some quick pics of it.
After my long rant, I guess you should know my reaction about this piece by now. GREUBEL FORSEY ROCKS!!!
- Kee Yew