Greubel Forsey has unveiled the Tourbillon Cardan as its 8th Fundamental Invention, showcasing the culmination of extensive innovation and craftsmanship in watchmaking. This revolutionary timepiece embodies a new era of chronometric precision through three fundamental pillars: a rapid rotating tourbillon, a revolving 30° inclined plane, and two constantly tilting rings. Unlike traditional tourbillons, the Tourbillon Cardan boasts a high-speed mechanism with a revolution of 16 seconds, and it incorporates a large balance wheel, optimized for high inertia and reduced sensitivity to shocks and variations.
The exquisite design features a tourbillon not held by a fixed upper bridge, giving it a flying appearance, and is complemented by two arched cardan rings, creating an open and airy aesthetic that allows for admiration of its kinematics. Every component is meticulously hand-finished, embodying unique finishes that accentuate the timepiece’s elegance, such as frosted nickel silver movement plates and a titanium mainplate with polished flanks.
The Tourbillon Cardan, encapsulated in a 45.5 mm titanium case, chosen for its modernity and lightness, exemplifies a blend of tradition and innovation. A high domed sapphire crystal envelops the tourbillon and cardan system, revealing a majestic view of the balance wheel and the choreography of the tilting rings. Ensuring exclusivity and meticulous attention to detail, Greubel Forsey plans to produce a maximum of 55 pieces of this exceptional calibre over the next five years, with an annual release of only 11 pieces. Thus, the Tourbillon Cardan stands as a testament to Greubel Forsey’s continuous pursuit of redefining the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking.