Shopping Cart

Greubel Forsey unveils its 10th fundamental invention

NOVEMBER 01 2024    |    Novelties

To celebrate the 20th anniversary (2004-2024), Greubel Forsey presents its 10th Fundamental Invention: the Nano Foudroyante EWT. The mechanism’s energy is managed at the nanojoule scale, significantly reducing the number of components and the overall dimensions. The result is a 37.9mm timepiece that combines the world’s first perpetual Nano Foudroyante with Greubel Forsey’s first flying tourbillon and manual wind flyback. This timepiece, set in a white gold and tantalum case, will be limited to just 11 pieces.

 

Legacy of innovation
The first Fundamental Invention by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey was launched in 2004, marking the Atelier’s commitment to research and invention. For over 20 years, this focus has been at the heart of all Greubel Forsey’s Fundamental Inventions and timepieces. Today, Greubel Forsey’s research is even more fundamental, aiming to completely rethink the approach to the conception of a timepiece. This endeavor demonstrates a major technological leap, comparable to the transition from tower clocks to wristwatches.

Originally, horological instruments were large and public. Over time, they became transportable (table clocks, marine chronometers), then portable with pocket watches, and finally wearable with wristwatches. This evolution reaches its peak today with nanomechanics—a revolution Greubel Forsey is pioneering. Thus, Greubel Forsey intro-duces its 10th invention: the Nano Foudroyante. This new Fundamental Invention is the most technologically disruptive—not only for Greubel Forsey but also for the universe of mechanical watchmaking.

 

Nanomechanics: a new horizon
What is nanomechanics? It is a realm beyond the miniaturization of components to the nanometric scale. When we talk about nanomechanics, we’re talking about controlling energy on a nanojoule scale within a mechanical movement. This revolution in energy management within a caliber allows for a drastic reduction in both energy consumption and the number of components.

 

A revolutionized mechanism
To demonstrate the feasibility of nanomechanics, Greubel Forsey has reinvented the foudroyante second. Its hand completes one revolution per second, dividing it into segments according to the movement’s frequency. In this Nano Foudroyante, each oscillation of the 3Hz balance wheel produces two beats, totaling six beats per second, allowing the hand to divide the second into six distinct segments. This is an energy-intensive complication by nature. However, by managing energy on a nanojoule scale, Greubel Forsey has radically rethought its design and construction. Compared to a traditional foudroyante that consumes 30μJ (microjoules) per jump, the Nano Foudroyante operates with only 16nJ (nanojoules) per jump, reducing energy consumption by a factor of 1,800. The mechanism’s volume is therefore reduced by 90%. Here, the focus is not just on measuring fractions of a second but as a proof of concept for a completely new approach to watchmaking, which is why this Nano Foudroyante was chosen to be a perpetual display.

It eliminates the entire gear train required in a traditional foudroyante to divide the second, as the information is sourced directly, distributing and managing the energy from the movement through a minimal number of low-inertia wheels. Fewer components mean less volume: this Nano Foudroyante EWT is very compact, with 428 components, and the movement measures no more than 31mm in diameter within a 37.9mm case (the smallest ever built by Greubel Forsey).

 

Horology at its peak
There’s more: true to Greubel Forsey’s passion for the tourbillon, this Nano Foudroyante is integrated within a flying tourbillon—the first ever made by Greubel Forsey. Finally, an additional innovation: although this flying tourbillon rotates constantly, the Nano Foudroyante’s dial remains permanently aligned towards twelve o’clock for optimal readability. Together with the flyback, these three features complete Greubel Forsey's 10th Fundamental Invention: a Nano Foudroyante, set within a flying tourbillon, with an oriented reading axis.

This is just the foundation and not the end result: this 10th Invention is powered by a manual-winding flyback movement. This complication presented by Greubel Forsey, includes column-wheel control within the strong architectural design and exceptional finishing, a signature of Greubel Forsey.

 

A limited edition masterpiece
The timepiece will be made in a limited edition of just 11 pieces in this inaugural, refined version, emphasizing its disruptive technical character and highlighting the personality of a timepiece brilliantly conceived in the EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) laboratory.

The white gold case offers an additional surprise, with a bezel and back crafted from tantalum—a first for Greubel Forsey, who have never used this material before. Known for its gray-blue sheen and complexity in machining and finishing (with a melting point above 3000°C), tantalum requires rare expertise. The Atelier also preserves its essential aesthetic signatures, including polished relief engravings of “Nano Foudroyante” and “Greubel Forsey” on a hand-hammered background, hand-satin-finished white gold, and a highly architectural movement. This masterpiece displays the movement around its column wheel with rare 3D monobloc geometry, visible through the back.

The timepiece is engraved with “2004 – 2024” and “20th Anniversary” to mark this milestone.

 

Nano Foudroyante EWT

Technical Specifications

 

                                       

Hand-wound movement with 2 patents
Flying tourbillon with Nano Foudroyante, hours and minutes, small seconds, 60-second tourbillon rotation, 60-minute counter, Flyback function
11 pieces Limited edition
 
MOVEMENT
NUMBER OF PARTS
Movement: 428 parts
Tourbillon cage: 142 parts
 
NUMBER OF JEWELS
42
Olived-domed jewels in gold chatons
 
CHRONOMETRIC POWER RESERVE
One full day, with chronograph engaged
 
FREQUENCY
21’600 vibrations/hour
 
TOURBILLON
Flying Tourbillon with embedded Nano Foudroyante mechanism
Foudroyante dial, constant vertical indication
Titanium cage bridges, circlar-grained, polished bevelling, straight-grained flands with engraved GF logo
 
EXTERIOR
CASE
Tantalum and white gold with high domed synthetic sapphire crystal
Tantalum hand-polished bezel, transparent tantalum back
White gold caseband with hand-finished straight-graining
 
CASE DIMENSIONS
Diameter: 37,90mm
Height: 10,49mm
 
WATER RESISTANCE OF THE CASE
Water-resistant 3atm - 30m - 100ft
(standard NIHS 92-20/SN ISO 22810:2010)
 
DIAL SIDE
Multi-level in gold, rhodium-coloured, engraved and black lacquered hour-ring and minute-circle with a visual opening for the tourbillon
Small seconds and chronograph minutes counter in gold, polished bevel
Water resistance: 50m/5atm/160ft
Crown for winding and time-setting at 3 o’clock
Foudroyante, frosted, fractions of seconds engraved and black lacquered
 
STRAP AND CLASP
Non-animal material, hand-sewn
White gold pin buckle, hand-engraved GF logo

 

 

                                           


Related Articles

APRIL 09 2025    |    Novelties

Moritz Grossmann Unveils Exclusive ART EDITION Max Frintrop Collection

Moritz Grossmann, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and precision in watchmaking, proudly announces the launch of the ART EDITION Max Frintrop. This exclusive collection features sixteen unique timepieces, each showcasing a dial crafted from the top layers of renowned German painter Max Frintrop’s studio floor.

A Fusion of Art and Horology
The ART EDITION Max Frintrop marks the first collaboration between Moritz Grossmann and a contemporary artist. Each dial in this collection captures years of artistic expression, resulting in a mesmerizing display of abstract beauty. The intricate layers of paint, preserved from Frintrop’s studio floor, create a unique and captivating design for each watch.

Craftsmanship and Innovation
At the heart of each timepiece is the calibre 100.1 movement, a testament to Moritz Grossmann’s commitment to quality and precision. Components made from untreated German silver, a hand-engraved 2/3 plate, and the distinctive Grossmann balance are just a few of the features that highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of these watches.

Exclusive Design and Limited Availability
Each watch is engraved with “Unique Piece” on the case back and is available in rose gold or stainless-steel cases. Complemented by different-colored Kudu leather straps, these timepieces are as stylish as they are unique. Max Frintrop’s signature is discreetly engraved on the glass back, adding a personal touch to each piece.

A Philosophical Exploration of Time
This collaboration explores the concept of time through both art and watchmaking. Christine Hutter, CEO of Moritz Grossmann, explains, “The heart of a watch is the balance. It can be seen as philosophical proof that a watch is not just a timepiece, but also a constant reminder that our understanding of time is both fleeting and infinite.”

 

View More
APRIL 01 2025    |    Watches and Wonders 2025

Armin Strom Introduces The One Week Skeleton

The Armin Strom One Week Titanium Skeleton, an openworked masterpiece now fully skeletonized to reveal the intricate heart of its mechanics, combines striking design with precision engineering. Encased in lightweight titanium grade 5, it balances strength with comfort, providing a feeling of lightness that makes it easy to wear all week long.

The Armin Strom One Week Titanium Skeleton is a showcase of skeletonization, a technique that is rooted in Mr. Armin Strom’s philosophy and heritage. He sought to enhance depth and three-dimensionality while avoiding see-through to maintain elegance.

The 2023 One Week was already openworked by nature, but this version goes even further, removing more material to highlight the movement’s complexity. Few watches combine openworking and skeletonization at this level. The small seconds dial is skeletonized, revealing the power reserve level and the escapement wheel for a 3D mechanical animation. The mainplate and the barrels are also skeletonized enhancing aesthetics. Thanks to this skeletonization, the power reserve indicator is highlighted as well as the cone mechanism, reminiscent of ancient pocket watches. A major highlight is the case back, offering a mesmerizing view of the entire mechanism.

With a 7-day power reserve, this watch keeps time accurate for an entire week without needing winding. The hand-finished details reflect the level of craftsmanship behind its design. Limited to 100 pieces, the One Week Titanium Skeleton offers a refined, functional timepiece that blends robustness and comfort in a minimalist package.
 

View More
JUNE 23 2026    |    Novelties

Arnold & Son Unveils the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Steel "Colours of the Moon"

Arnold & Son has unveiled its new "Perpetual Moon 41.5 Steel Colours of the Moon" collection, a series of highly exclusive, limited-edition timepieces inspired by the changing celestial hues of Earth's natural satellite. Detailed in the official release document, "ENG_A&S PM 41.5 Steel Colours of the Moon.doc", the collection features three distinct versions—the Blue Moon, Golden Moon, and Red Moon—each celebrating a unique atmospheric or seasonal phenomenon that alters the Moon's appearance and has fascinated civilisations throughout history.

Reinterpreting the iconic Perpetual Moon collection, these new models introduce a 41.5 mm stainless-steel case that balances horological exclusivity with everyday versatility. In a watchmaking first, Arnold & Son has applied a pioneering Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) treatment directly onto precious mother-of-pearl. This innovative process creates deep, shifting reflections across the dials and moon-phase skies, showcasing the natural organic layers of the material with patterns that recall the flowing grain of Damascus steel.

The astronomical precision of the moon phase is enhanced by Super-LumiNova hidden beneath the colored mother-of-pearl moon disc, accompanied by hand-painted luminescent constellations of Cassiopeia and Ursa Major—a poetic tribute to historical mariners who relied on them for navigation. Bringing this celestial mechanics to life is the in-house A&S1512 manual-winding calibre. This movement provides a generous 90-hour power reserve and displays meticulous luxury finishes, including radiating Côtes de Genève and a secondary moon-phase indicator, all visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

Each of the three references is paired with a matching hand-stitched alligator leather strap and secured with a stainless-steel pin buckle. To maintain their extreme exclusivity, production is strictly limited to just 18 pieces per version.

 

View Watch Gallery
Angelus Instrument de Mesures

Angelus Instrument de Mesures

Angelus Instrument de Mesures

Angelus Instrument de Mesures
View More
MARCH 17 2026    |    Novelties

Reinventing the Rhythm of Time: Dominique Renaud Presents the Pulse60

Haute Horlogerie Dominique Renaud (HHDR) marks its official debut with the launch of the Pulse60, unveiled in preview at the Time To Watches fair in Geneva (April 14–19, 2026). This first creation of the new Dominique Renaud brand introduces a radical approach to low‑frequency mechanical watchmaking and expresses the purest form of Renaud’s watchmaking philosophy.

A Vision Rooted in First Principles
Dominique Renaud, co‑founder of the legendary Renaud & Papi manufacture and creator of numerous landmark complications, returns with a renewed focus on foundational movement principles. Guided by the maxim “form ever follows function,” his work embraces clarity, purity and a minimalist, self‑evident aesthetic.
The establishment of HHDR in Tolochenaz brings together a team of watchmakers, designers and engineers in a collaborative, idea‑driven environment. HHDR is conceived as a living laboratory — a place where experimentation, shared expertise and long‑term exploration shape new forms of contemporary horology.

Pulse60 — A New Mechanical Language
At the heart of the Pulse60 is the newly developed BUA2024 movement, which embraces an ultra‑low 1 Hz frequency — just one oscillation per second, echoing the natural rhythm of the human heart. This approach reduces escapement shocks and disturbances, transforming time measurement into a slower, more embodied rhythm.


To master this low frequency, the movement features a monumental 20 mm high‑inertia balance wheel, inspired by marine chronometers. Its large moment of inertia stabilizes the rate by absorbing minute variations in energy and motion.

Dominique Renaud has also completely reimagined the regulating organ, allowing amplitude greater than 360° without knocking, with a theoretical range reaching approximately 700°. This unprecedented freedom greatly improves static rate stability by allowing the balance to follow its own natural dynamics over a longer portion of its oscillation.

 

A Design That Expresses Its Mechanics
The Pulse60’s innovative mechanics are reflected in its seamless, fluid architecture:

- A domed crystal with no bezel
- Lug‑less construction and integrated strap
- Three‑part case structure
- Diamond‑cut or guilloché dial details
- A patented offset regulation system placed outside the balance wheel, offering a completely unobstructed view of the slow‑beating 1 Hz oscillator

The display includes an hour‑minute dial at 12 o’clock, a natural dead half‑second at 9 o’clock, and a torque indicator at 3 o’clock. The caseback reveals a minimalist composition of circular and linear forms, framing the openworked escapement line and double‑roller assembly.

View Watch Gallery  
  Image 2 Image 3  Image 4  Image 5    
View More
ENDLESS DISCOVERY IN YOUR INBOX
Join our mailing list to receive insider updates on our latest collections, invites to private events, and other personalized offerings.