Greubel Forsey, the Swiss watchmaker renowned for its intricate and innovative timepieces, proudly reaches its 20th anniversary (2004 – 2024). To celebrate this splendid milestone, the brand announces its 10th Fundamental Invention: The Nano Foudroyante EWT. Greubel Forsey has always focused on research and inventive timepieces since its first Fundamental Invention in 2004, and now with its 10th invention, the brand introduces nanomechanics in its timepieces, marking a significant leap in technology compared to its predecessors.

The History of Watchmaking: An Intriguing Evolution

The history of timepieces is one of fascination. Starting as large monumental structures back in the olden days, over time, timepieces have become smaller and more portable, now being wearable as a wristwatch. Greubel Forsey’s commitment to research has taken the timepiece into its next step of evolution with nanomechanics with the Nano Foudroyante EWT.

The Future of Watchmaking: Nanomechanics

Nanomechanics in watchmaking refers to controlling energy at a nanojoule scale. Working at such a minuscule level makes it possible to significantly reduce the energy consumption and the number of components within a mechanical movement. Greubel Forsey redeveloped the foudroyante second to demonstrate these nanomechanics. The Nano Foudroyante operates on a 3 Hz balance wheel, producing two beats with each oscillation which totals six beats per second. This divides the second into six distinct segments. The entire mechanism would typically consume a high amount of energy, but because the energy is managed on a nanojoule scale, the energy consumption was drastically reduced. From 30 microjoules per jump on a traditional foudroyante, the Nano Foudroyante EWT only consumes 16 microjoules per jump. 

By directly sourcing information and using a minimal number of low-inertia wheels, the Nano Foudroyante EWT is able to operate without an entire gear train – making it compact with significantly fewer components and lower in volume. The movement contains only 428 components with a diameter not exceeding 31 mm, fitted within a 37.9 mm case.

The Nano Foudroyante EWT is also the first from Greubel Forsey to incorporate a flying tourbillon. Even as the tourbillon rotates, the dial is fixed at a 12 o’clock orientation to optimise readability. Powered by a manual-winding flyback movement, the timepiece also features column-wheel control within a remarkable architectural design and exquisite finishing. 

Greubel Forsey’s Limited-edition Horological Work of Art

The inaugural, refined version of the timepiece will only be limited to 11 pieces, showcasing the groundbreaking nature and spirit of a timepiece created in the EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) laboratory. To commemorate the milestone, the watch is engraved with “2004 – 2024” and “20th Anniversary”.

The stunning white gold case is complemented by a tantalum bezel and case back – which is a first for Greubel Forsey who has never challenged this rare material before as it requires a high level of craftsmanship and expertise. The engravings of “Nano Foudroyante” and “Greubel Forsey” are placed on a hand-hammered background, with hand-satin-finished white gold and a highly architectural movement – maintaining the signature aesthetics of Greubel Forsey. The movement is visible through the case back, in all its delicate intricacy – and is showcased around its column wheel with a rare 3D monobloc geometry.

For more information, visit Greubel Forsey’s website.