Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT

As 2024 marks Greubel Forsey’s 20th anniversary, the revered watchmaker unveils its 10th Fundamental Invention: the Nano Foudroyante EWT. This groundbreaking creation showcases the brand’s continuous drive to innovate, combining nanomechanics with advanced horological principles. The result is a watch like no other, featuring the first-ever perpetual Nano Foudroyante paired with Greubel Forsey’s inaugural flying tourbillon and manual-wind flyback movement, all presented in an elegant 37.9mm case. Limited to just 11 pieces, this anniversary release epitomises experimental horology at its finest.

Since its founding in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the brand has consistently introduced innovations that push the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking. The introduction of their first Fundamental Invention over two decades ago set the stage for a succession of developments characterised by their detailed research and complex engineering. This unwavering commitment now manifests in the Nano Foudroyante EWT, showcasing a revolutionary approach that builds upon the atelier’s heritage while aiming for future horizons.

Nanomechanics represents a leap in miniaturisation, controlling energy at a scale not previously utilised in mechanical movements. In traditional terms, mechanical components require substantial energy, but Greubel Forsey’s inventive system operates at the nanojoule level. This drastic shift enables significant reductions in energy consumption and mechanical complexity, laying the foundation for a new era in horological design.

The foudroyante complication divides a second into smaller segments, typically demanding high energy. In the Nano Foudroyante, Greubel Forsey has re-engineered the complication to use just 16 nanojoules per jump, as opposed to the 30 microjoules in conventional models. This advancement cuts energy needs by 1,800 times and reduces the mechanism’s volume by 90%. By sourcing energy directly from the movement and minimising the number of components, the watch’s design is compact and efficient. The movement, with 428 meticulously crafted components, fits into a 31mm diameter within the 37.9mm case, the smallest case Greubel Forsey has ever produced.

Staying true to their passion, Greubel Forsey integrates the Nano Foudroyante within a flying tourbillon, marking their first foray into this complex feature. Enhancing its functionality, the dial for the Nano Foudroyante is fixed to align at twelve o’clock for optimal readability despite the rotating tourbillon. These elements, combined with a manual-winding flyback movement featuring column-wheel control, solidify Greubel Forsey’s status as a leader in high-complication watchmaking.

For this anniversary piece, Greubel Forsey introduces tantalum, a material never before used by the brand. The watch’s case is crafted from white gold, while the bezel and caseback are made of tantalum. Known for its grey-blue hue and challenging properties—it has a melting point exceeding 3000°C—tantalum provides a distinctive aesthetic and demands unparalleled craftsmanship. This use of tantalum highlights Greubel Forsey’s ongoing pursuit of material innovation and technical precision.

Beyond the movement’s technical complexity, the watch embodies Greubel Forsey’s dedication to craftsmanship through its detailed design. The case’s white gold surfaces feature hand-satin finishing and relief engravings on a hand-hammered background, adding texture and depth. The architecture of the movement is displayed around a column wheel, emphasising a 3D monobloc construction viewable through the open caseback. The limited edition Nano Foudroyante EWT bears engravings reading “2004 – 2024” and “20th Anniversary,” a tribute to the brand’s milestone.