What if the future of watchmaking lies not in traditional gears and springs, but in the invisible power of nanomechanics? Greubel Forsey’s latest creation, the Nano Foudroyante EWT (Experimental Watch Technology), transforms this vision into reality, redefining what a mechanical timepiece can achieve.
Greubel Forsey, founded in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, has established itself as a pioneer in haute horlogerie. Renowned for its focus on invention and craftsmanship, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking through its series of Fundamental Inventions. Its latest innovation, the Nano Foudroyante EWT, celebrates the company’s 20th anniversary and exemplifies its ethos of combining technical advancement with horological artistry.
Released in October, the Nano Foudroyante EWT marks Greubel Forsey’s 10th Fundamental Invention. Limited to just 11 pieces, this 37.9 mm timepiece incorporates several groundbreaking elements:
A Nano Foudroyante Technology: A perpetual complication that divides each second into six segments with unparalleled efficiency. This mechanism reduces energy consumption by a factor of 1,800 compared to traditional designs.
A Flying Tourbillon: A first for Greubel Forsey, this feature improves accuracy while ensuring the dial remains aligned at the 12 o’clock position for optimal readability.
A Compact Construction: The watch houses 428 components within a 31 mm movement, making it the smallest movement ever created by the brand.
Material Innovation: Featuring a tantalum bezel and back case paired with a white gold case, this is the first time the brand has worked with this challenging material, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Nano Foudroyante EWT
Nanomechanics refers to the control of energy on a nanojoule scale within mechanical systems, enabling unprecedented efficiency and miniaturization. By applying this principle, Greubel Forsey has eliminated the need for traditional gear trains in the Nano Foudroyante, reducing its size and energy consumption dramatically.
Nano Foudroyante EWT
Greubel Forsey’s innovation-centric philosophy aligns it with brands like MB&F and Urwerk, which also prioritize experimental designs. However, while MB&F emphasizes whimsical creativity and Urwerk focuses on futuristic time displays, Greubel Forsey is distinguished by its commitment to fundamental advancements in horology. Similarly, Philippe Dufour, another Swiss indie legend, shares Greubel Forsey’s devotion to technical mastery, though Dufour’s work leans toward traditional craftsmanship rather than groundbreaking inventions.
Nano Foudroyante EWT
In the past two years, several remarkable Greubel Forsey timepieces have made their way through prestigious auction houses, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike:
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique
A platinum skeletonized double tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication, circa 2010. This timepiece was sold at Sotheby's "Important Watches" auction on June 9, 2023 (165’100 USD).
Greubel Forsey GMT
A limited edition platinum 25° inclined 24 seconds tourbillon, world time, and dual time zone wristwatch with power reserve indication and a three-dimensional globe, circa 2015. This watch was sold at Sotheby's "Important Watches I" auction on October 7, 2023 (2,159,000 HKD).
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30°
A cutting-edge and innovative white gold double tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve, number 7 of a limited edition of 11 pieces, circa 2014. This piece was sold at Phillips' "The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII" on May 14, 2023 (CHF304,800).
Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2
An extremely rare and magnificent platinum limited edition quadruple tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication. This timepiece was sold at Christie's "Important Watches: Featuring 'The Collectibles' Part 2" auction on October 27, 2024 (HKD 3,276,000).
Greubel Forsey Balancier
A very rare and highly impressive 18K white gold limited edition wristwatch with power reserve and lateral balance display, circa 2019. This watch was sold at Christie's "Important Watches" auction on June 10, 2024 (USD 126,000).
Greubel Forsey timepieces are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity, which is reflected in their performance on the secondary market. Platforms like Chrono24 and eBay feature a selection of these luxury watches, often commanding substantial prices.
On Chrono24, Greubel Forsey watches are listed with prices ranging from approximately $130,000 USD to “Prices on Request” levels, depending on the model and its features. For instance, the Balancier model in white gold is listed around $131,000 USD, while the GMT Earth model in white gold is priced at approximately $476,000 USD.
eBay also features Greubel Forsey timepieces, with listings such as the Balancier S Green Manual Wind Titanium Men's Watch priced at $179,950 USD.
The scarcity of its pieces, coupled with their technical complexity, ensures strong demand and robust resale prices.
Nano Foudroyante EWT
The Nano Foudroyante EWT represents a milestone in mechanical watchmaking and a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of horological history. Its groundbreaking nanomechanics and limited availability make it a compelling investment, particularly for those seeking innovative and technically advanced timepieces.
Author: Sergio Galanti.