The question “which is the most remarkable Greubel Forsey watch?” is almost impossible to answer, as each creation by the brand entails a high degree of creative development, rapturous innovation and superb execution, all in the interest of combining utmost precision with the most refined and original presentation. However, it is the most complex and elaborate timepieces that deserve the full attention and respect of enthusiasts and collectors. The new GMT Quadruple Tourbillon is a few steps ahead of its siblings, presenting itself as the latest and most impressive tour de force from Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.

So far, there has been only one version of the GMT Quadruple Tourbillon and now Greubel Forsey is presenting the second chapter of the GMT QT through a limited edition of 11 pieces in titanium.

The Quadruple Tourbillon is the Second Fundamental Invention of Greubel Forsey, a house passionate about precision like no one else. As we know, a tourbillon’s mission is to improve the accuracy of the watch through a device where the balance wheel and escapement are mounted on a rotating cage that compensates the effects of gravity on the mechanism. Obviously, the GMT Quadruple Tourbillon goes much further with the use of this Second Invention that, in plain terms, can be understood as the doubling of GF’s First Invention: the original Double Tourbillon 30.

In the Double Tourbillon 30, inside a cage that rotates in four minutes, an inner enclosure containing the balance wheel assembly and its balance spring is inclined at an angle of 30° with respect to the first cage and completes one revolution in 60 seconds. The combination of the 30° inclination with the two tourbillons’ different rotational speeds improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors. In the GMT Quadruple Tourbillon, we find two synchronized mechanisms of the Double Tourbillon 30. A spherical differential transmits the timing average of the two dual-tourbillon systems, improving the regulating organs’ overall performance.

And then there is Greubel Forsey’s beautiful GMT complication —first shown in 2011— starred by its small planet Earth made of titanium and allowing the simultaneous display of several different time zones. The small globe stands out with its new shades of blue, which go along well with the dial details and the straps in a similar hue. On the dial side, it offers a 24-hour ring around the globe for day/night indication. On the caseback, it displays the 24 major cities with their respective time zones, including the daylight saving time for some cities.

The new GMT Quadruple Tourbillon in titanium offers an alternative to the precious metals traditionally favored by high-end watchmaking. The cool, modern metal is stronger and lighter than steel and extremely resistant to corrosion and magnetic fields. But its toughness makes it difficult to work and detail by hand. The 46.5 mm case of the GMT Quadruple Tourbillon posed a significant challenge of machining and hand-finishing its components.

The watch is offered on a blue rubber strap, which adds to its versatility and sporty appeal. I guess, we can safely say that Greubel and Forsey’s innovation and creativity are inexhaustible.

Technical Specifications

Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, GF proprietary Second Invention caliber; quadruple tourbillon (dual tandem systems connected via a differential); 21,600 mph; 72-hour power reserve

Case: Titanium with asymmetrical synthetic sapphire crystal, 46.5mm diameter; transparent caseback, water resistance up to 30 meters

Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds. Second time zone/GMT in subsidiary dial; 24-zone universal time and day/night indication via rotating globe. 72-hour chronometric power reserve gauge.

Strap: Rubber or hand-sewn alligator leather

Limited Edition of 11 pieces