Greubel Forsey Solid Dial Complications — WatchProSite Forum Digest

quattro · 2025-09-13T16:05:39Z

Explore the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Secret with a solid dial. A collector's take on hidden complications and GF's design philosophy.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

30 replies4360 views22 photos

Emmanuel (quattro) challenges conventional Greubel Forsey aesthetics by spotlighting a rare solid-dial reference, the Double Tourbillon 30° Secret. This article delves into Emmanuel's preference for a discreet dial that reserves the horological spectacle for the caseback, prompting a fascinating discussion among collectors about the brand's design philosophy and the allure of hidden complications. His exploration offers a fresh perspective on a brand renowned for its open architecture.

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Greubel Forsey is usually focused on displaying amazing complications and finishing on the dial side as well as on the back.

I wouldn't say that I love the dial of the Double Tourbillon 30° Secret shown below (I find it too utilitarian), but I like that it's solid (I'm not fond of open dials) and I love the movement displayed on the back.

The white gold case measures 43.5 x 15.84 mm. The dial is made of silvered-gold.

What do you think ?

Best, Emmanuel

Example made for Jean-Claude Biver (JCB)

The 30° Double Tourbillon

Inside a cage which rotates in four minutes, the interior cage containing the balance and spring assembly is inclined at an angle of 30˚ relative to the first cage and completes a revolution in sixty seconds.

The combination of the 30˚ inclination with the different rotational speeds of the two tourbillons improves timekeeping by averaging out positional errors due to gravity in all usual wristwatch positions and especially in stable positions.

Example no. 00/11

Example no. 07/11

Example no. 09/11

Press release

credit: Sjx (JCB), Greubel Forsey and MyWatchSite (Tourbillon), @garyg_1 (00/11), Christie's (07/11), @iso.chrono (09/11) & Episteme Vintage (Press release)

Key Points from the Discussion

The prominent text on the dial, 'Double Tourbillon 30 degrees' and 'Un Tour 4 min,' detracts from the dial's stark style, suggesting a visible tourbillon would be more aesthetically pleasing.
While the 43.5mm x 15.84mm dimensions are substantial, Greubel Forsey's 43mm case size has historically been a practical choice, accommodating most core complications while remaining reasonably wearable for many collectors.
The author's personal preference for solid dials over open-worked designs, where mechanical magic is reserved for the caseback, motivated the choice to highlight this unusual Greubel Forsey model.
The 'utilitarian' nature of the solid dial can serve as an intentional design choice, encouraging the wearer to flip the watch over to discover the intricate movement on the reverse.
Many collectors prefer Greubel Forsey's signature open-worked dials, arguing that hiding the brand's exquisite finishing and exciting mechanics diminishes their core appeal.
Despite the aesthetic debate, the watchmaking quality of Greubel Forsey remains absolutely first-class, with this specific Double Tourbillon model aligning more closely with the author's personal taste for less open designs.

The Discussion

Cozmopak

Sep 13, 2025

These are marvels

But they are very large

quattro

Sep 14, 2025

Yes, too big for my wrist, no doubt about that.

But a double 30° tourbillon takes some space! Best, Emmanuel

amanico

Sep 13, 2025

The front doesn't speak to me, but the back is breathtaking.

ChristianDK

Sep 13, 2025

I’m thinking the same.

I have great respect for this brand and their watches. They have a certain aesthetic and it’s not for my taste.

quattro

Sep 14, 2025

It's a brand I've never been attracted to, because I like solid dials and traditional aesthetic.

But their watchmaking is absolutely first class nonetheless. And this Double Tourbillon is closer to my style and taste than their usual watches. That's why I chose to highlight it. Best, Emmanuel

Ronald Held

Sep 14, 2025

I tend to agree (nt)

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