Approximately a year ago I wrote an in-depth article entitled ‘If Money Was No Object’. The editorial featured exquisite timepieces by Patek Philippe, Hautlence, 4N, Cabestan and Franck Muller. Ultimately these were just a small selection of marvellous watches available at the time of publication. If I were to write a sequel (or sequels) I would have an endless array of fantastic timepieces to choose from. Fundamentally the article contemplates the fantasy of being rich beyond our wildest dreams. Whether wealth is acquired from a lottery win, inheritance, fame, business etc; what would the beneficiary buy? Obvious preferences would be an architect-designed house, planes, boats, fast cars, artwork and jewellery. I would also include High Horology in this wish list.
Since I founded Total Watch Reviews I have been privileged to review some absolutely spectacular timepieces. Luxury Swiss brand Greubel Forsey has produced two of the most exclusive I have ever featured. Within a decade they have become one of the most renowned watchmakers in the industry. This is an incredible achievement because they are competing against established companies like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger Le Coultre. It was due to the exceptional generosity of Julian Farren Price in Sydney that I was allowed access to the GMT and Double Tourbillon Technique.
A few weeks ago I spoke to Julian about the imminent arrival of another even more exclusive masterpiece from Greubel Forsey. The timepiece was unveiled at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) and is called Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain. By coincidence I featured this wonderful watch in an article I wrote for Esquire Magazine (Middle East) and can honestly say the images don’t do the actual watch justice. Dimensionally the timepiece is a similar size to both the GMT and Double Tourbillon Technique measuring 43.5mm x 16mm. These classical proportions will undoubtedly appeal to serious collectors. Even though I only had a limited time to wear this phenomenal watch I found it sat very comfortably on the wrist. Realistically this timepiece would only be reserved for extra special occasions and not for daily usage.
Visually the Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain is one of the most luxurious timepieces I have ever set eyes on. What makes this watch so extraordinary is the lavish gem-set cobalt blue dial, bezel and lugs. Greubel Forsey has adorned this watch with 272 flawless baguette diamonds (clarity IF, colour D-E). Due to the rarity of these precious diamonds the company will only be able to manufacture two of these unbelievable watches a year. Other meticulous details include a retrograde power reserve, small seconds counter and exposed patented tourbillon carriage (located at 7 o’clock). Overall the composition is astounding and the attention to detail is unsurpassed.
Beneath the extravagant 18-karat white gold and diamond-encrusted façade lies a highly accomplished twin-barrel manual winding movement. The Calibre GF01c comprises 40-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each of the 267 components (which includes 88 parts for the tourbillon carriage) has been assembled and hand-decorated by the world’s finest craftsmen. This intricate mechanism is also visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain features hours, minutes, small seconds and retrograde 72-power reserve indication. The watch is also water-resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
Presently there is only one Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain in existence although Greubel Forsey are currently producing a second one. This sublime watch is priced at: $1,010,000 and is available to buy from J Farren Price in Sydney (http://www.jfarrenprice.com.au/).
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.greubelforsey.com
