Greubel Forsey's Nano Foudroyante EWT
Image: Greubel Forsey
When reading about high-horology timepieces, one word you're likely to encounter often is 'special.' Every major timepiece manufacturer in this space tries to go above and beyond past achievements in an effort to remain relevant.
Commemorating its 20th anniversary, Greubel Forsey unveiled the 'special' Nano Foudroyante EWT. This timepiece is a technical marvel that sets a new standard in horology. It combines a foudroyante, a flying tourbillon, and a manual-winding flyback. If you're unfamiliar with the term foudroyante, it refers to a sub-dial that indicates fractions of a second. In this case, it divides a second into six segments.
The limited edition Nano Foudroyante EWT builds on the Nano Foudroyante before it. Combining a foudroyante with a flying tourbillon draws attention to the brand's expertise in horology in a way that'll catch the eye of discerning collectors.
Image: Greubel Forsey
Another interesting thing ( though more subtle) about the watch is that its chronograph sub-dials are so understated (relatively speaking) that you could almost overlook the fact that it is a chronograph.
The Nano Foudroyante
At the core of this masterpiece is the Nano Foudroyante mechanism, which operates on a nanojoule energy scale. It is a significant leap from conventional microjoule systems. This upgrade reduces the number of components and energy consumption.
Image: Greubel Forsey
Traditional foudroyante mechanisms require 30 microjoules per jump, while the Nano Foudroyante consumes only 16 nanojoules—a 1,800-fold improvement in efficiency. The result is a watch with impressive compactness and precision.
The materials efficiency realized from this allowed the watchmaker to pack all that functionality into a 10.49mm thick and 37.9mm wide case. Gruebel Forsey's press release hinted that the mechanism was just a proof of concept of a radical approach to watchmaking.
The Flying Tourbillon and Oriented Dial
The integrated flying tourbillon is a first for Greubel Forsey. It combines with an oriented reading axis, which remains perfectly aligned at 12 o'clock for optimal readability despite the tourbillon's continuous rotation.
Image: Greubel Forsey
Flip the watch on its face, and you'll be treated to the intricate details of the mechanisms that make it tick with beautiful engravings in full view. It's stated water resistance is 30 m, but it's doubtful that any owner will even dream of taking it that far below the surface.
Aesthetic and Material Excellence
The Nano Foudroyante EWT's visually stunning case with a brushed metal finish is crafted from titanium and white gold and perfectly complements a dial with a simple look despite the included complications. This is the first time Greubel Forsey has utilized tantalum, a material known for its durability.
Image: Greubel Forsey
Attention to detail extends to the strap and clasp, made from non-animal material with a white gold pin buckle engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo. The result is a watch that exudes elegance while emphasizing environmental responsibility. To emphasize the watch's commemorative goal, each one is engraved with "20th Anniversary" and "2004 -2024."
Limited to just 11 pieces, this exclusive timepiece underscores its importance in the realm of experimental watch technology (EWT). With its groundbreaking technical achievements and stunning design, the Nano Foudroyante EWT seems like a statement of Greubel Forsey's visionary approach to horology. Their next move will be eagerly anticipated.
