The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique is not strictly speaking a watch that symbolizes a new advanced technical feature from Greubel Forsey because it reinterprets one of their favorite topics, the Double Tourbillon 30°. However, it deserves a lot of attention because of it can be considered as a very different watch when compared with the other Double Tourbillon in the collection like the Technique, Historique, Vision, Secret or even the Invention Pièce 1.
I consider the Double Tourbillon Asymétrique as a kind of synthesis which successfully manages to combine the enchanting behaviour of the Double Tourbillon with the specific off-centered positioning of the Tourbillon 24 seconds. The idea is very attractive because the Tourbillon 24 seconds, which is already appreciated for its speed and its inclination seems to enter another dimension thanks to its particular location. So it seems logical that the Double Tourbillon can benefit from such an advantage but it is still necessary that this implementation meets our expectations and that the magic is created. After all, ideas that seem the most obvious are many times the most difficult to achieve.
The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique is not a simple transposition of the Double Tourbillon in the aesthetic context of the Tourbillon 24 seconds. If the watch is at the end so successful, it is thanks to several specific elements that, when combined, define its own character.
The first element is the more uncluttered style of the dial which contrasts sharply with the History and Technique. I found again in a way the simplicity of the Secret and Vision timepieces while having the touch of additional originality. This originality is perceived through the rotating indicator disc of the power reserve display and whose the aesthetic work is extremely successful in order to fit into the overall design of the dial. The red hand points matches the second hand while the decoration of the area dedicated to the power reserve display, symbolized by three arcs of different colors, creates a sort of equilibrium with respect to the curved lateral window diametrically opposite. The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique is obviously ... asymmetric but it remains balanced and this power reserve area, with its subtle prominence contributes to this achievement. I also like the small size of the sub-dial of the second hand freeing space around the area dedicated to ??the Double Tourbillon. The scale of the second hand around the sub-dial is a standard one while it is not the case with the Tourbillon 24 seconds, due to the size of the sub-dial. Thus, a double-bladed hand is required.
The second element is the size of the dial opening that allows to fully take advantage of the behaviour of the Double Tourbillon. This is obviously not a novelty as Greubel Forsey has the habit of such openings. Its broad outline reveals how large and spectacular is the Double Tourbillon without any overlapping second hand.
The third element is the use of a single arm Tourbillon bridge and despite its thickness, it makes me feel less visually present than the double arm bridge of the Tourbillon 24 seconds or the GMT.
The fourth element is the successful integration of the curved case side: it distorts a bit the lines of the case but it is not at all shocking because it does not cause an aesthetic break. It allows thanks to its lateral window to observe the Double Tourbillon in the vertical direction which makes sense due to the ballet of the two cages. The light released by this window also improves the visibility of the Tourbillon when it is observed in a traditional way, our eyes facing the dial.
The final element that completes the successful alchemy is the architecture of the movement bridges side. I must confess that I am very sensitive to this type of construction which offers a peripheral plate using bridges with concentric advanced shapes. Both barrels are clearly distinguishable like their impressive jewels. The performances of the movement are, unsurprisingly, in accordance with Greubel Forsey standards: a power reserve of 72 hours and a frequency of 3hz. The two fast rotating barrels are in series and one of them is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tensions.
I could talk during hours about the perfect finishings of the Double Tourbillon Asymétrique but despite their uniqueness, they are in the traditional criteria of Greubel Forsey. However, there is a specific point that attracted me as usual. It is the contrast between the style of the dial, deceptively simple, full of details, light feelings of depth, playing with different shades of gray and the movement aesthetics on the back of the watch which displays the nickel silver plates with fine graining and the massive barrels. I almost feel to be in front of two opposing worlds that finally come together: the delicacy of the dial and the powerful movement.
All these details, the perfect craftsmanship wouldn't make any sense if at the end, the Double Tourbillon is not enhanced by its unusual presentation and the off-centered location. By putting the watch on the wrist, I finally discovered what defines the great asset of this watch. All the usual magic of Double Tourbillon is maintained. Thanks to the 30 ° inclination of the inner Tourbillon, the speeds of the two cages (one revolution per minute for the inner cage, one every 4 minutes for external one) , the more than 10mm balance diameter, the show proposed of the Double Tourbillon is still mesmerizing. But it goes even further!
Indeed, the Double Tourbillon is not exactly the same as the other watches. The outer cage was inversed. It finds herself in the foreground making the play of the mechanics behind it particularly visible. With the close observation of the Double Tourbillon Asymétrique we can enjoy both the evolution of the regulating organ but also the proper rotation of the outer cage without disturbing the vision of the inner Tourbillon. I'm not sure to be clear but you can believe me: once you have this watch in front of you, you will understand what I mean! A real treat for the eyes as though the outer cage is slower, its speed is fast enough to be noticeable. This is undoubtedly the key feature of this watch because I really felt to be back on familiar ground with the other elements. The case diameter (43.5 mm) and thickness (16.13 mm) are very similar to the other Double Tourbillon ones and the pleasure of wearing a heavy watch remains. The size and weight of the watch will not fit any wrist but these features are part of Greubel Forsey style.
The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique is a watch that I really liked because Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey haven't just applied the recipe of the Tourbillon 24 seconds to the Double Tourbillon as evidenced by the inversion of the outer cage. The apparent simplicity of the dial also confirms the trend towards a more uncluttered stylistic approach... something I appreciate.
The Double Tourbillon Asymétrique, which was introduced in April 2013, is sold in a limited series of 11 pieces in white gold and of 11 pieces in red gold.
I would like to thank a lot Stephen Forsey for the time he spent with me.
Pros:
+ the refined dial
+ the always hypnotizing Double Tourbillon behaviour
+ the inversion of the outer cage
+ the movement lay-out
Cons:
- the size and the weight of the watch are not suitable to any wrist
- time could be a bit difficult to read with precision when the minute hand is overlapping the Double Tourbillon opening
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