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

FEBRUARY 24 2026    |    Novelties

Chronoswiss Unveils the SPACE TIMER GRAVITY — A New Exploration of Mechanical Cosmos

Chronoswiss expands its avant‑garde Space Timer collection with the new SPACE TIMER GRAVITY, a 44mm mechanical creation inspired by the invisible yet powerful force of gravity. Limited to 50 pieces, the watch transforms cosmic phenomena into a visually architectural dial experience.

A Dial Where Light, Matter, and Mechanics Interact
The dial features a partly hand‑guilloché surface finished with a colour‑shifting CVD coating that transitions between deep green and oceanic blue depending on light — evoking the sensation of viewing a planet from orbit. A striking moon at 9 o’clock is produced through sophisticated laser work based on an original NASA photograph, revealing cratered textures with exceptional depth.

Floating above the landscape are transparent ITR2 hour and date rings that appear suspended in orbit. Beneath them, the exposed gear train is framed by a baby‑blue bridge, echoing the hue of the seconds hand and adding contemporary contrast to the cosmic scene.

A Case Built for Orbit
The 44mm matte‑grey stainless‑steel case delivers a modern, technical presence while allowing the dial’s dynamic surfaces to take centre stage. It pairs with a light grey nubuck leather strap for a refined, futuristic aesthetic.

The Engine Behind the Cosmos
Inside beats the Chronoswiss Caliber C.308, an automatic movement operating at 4 Hz with a 42‑hour power reserve. Mechanics remain proudly visible, emphasising the interplay between the unseen forces of gravity and the precise regulation of time.

A Limited Universe
Limited to 50 pieces worldwide, each SPACE TIMER GRAVITY captures the dance of light across its shifting dial, making every piece uniquely personal.

View Watch Gallery  
Image 1  Image 2  Image 3  Image 4
View More
JUNE 25 2026    |    Novelties

Extending the Spectrum: Armin Strom Unveils the New Orbit Midnight Purple

The "Midnight Purple" story continues at Armin Strom with a bold new chapter. This distinctive colour, deeply rooted in the history of the independent manufacture and inherited from founder Armin Strom himself, now extends beyond the dial and into the movement itself. Expressed through the newly released Orbit Midnight Purple, the signature midnight purple fumé dial remains at the centre of the composition, paired for the first time with a frosted midnight purple mainplate beneath to strengthen the visual connection between display and mechanics.

Powering the watch is the manufacture Calibre ASS20, developed and produced entirely in-house around the world's first on-demand date display on a ceramic bezel. This innovative mechanism rethinks the relationship between wearer and complication by displaying the date only when requested. Activated by a pusher at 10 o'clock, the date hand moves from its neutral position to indicate the current date on the bezel and advances automatically at midnight. A second press returns it discreetly to 12 o'clock, leaving the dial free from unnecessary information.

Beyond its avant-garde functionality, the timepiece focuses heavily on exceptional visual details. Hand-polished steel hands and applied hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova®, complemented by signature numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock crafted from solid Super-LumiNova® blocks that create a striking visual presence after dark. Housed in a 43.4 mm stainless steel case framed by a black ceramic bezel, the timepiece is completed by a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet, delivering a cohesive fusion of modern sports-luxury and unique aesthetics.

Visible through the sapphire crystal and caseback, the movement highlights Armin Strom's dedication to transparent mechanics and haute horlogerie finishing. The purple mainplate creates a distinctive visual foundation, contrasting with rhodium-coated components and hand-finished finger bridges, while hand-polished bevels, perlage, and circular graining enrich every surface. To ensure both mechanical precision and finishing excellence, each watch is assembled twice. Limited to just 20 pieces worldwide, the Orbit Midnight Purple is one of the most recognisable and collectible expressions of the System 78 collection to date.

 

View Watch Gallery
Image 1

Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
 
View More
NOVEMBER 19 2025    |    Novelties

A Deeper Cut: Armin Strom One Week Skeleton Rose Gold

   

Armin Strom extends its golden era with the One Week Skeleton Rose Gold, a new interpretation of its architectural One Week design. This fully skeletonised masterpiece reveals the depths of its mechanics, paying tribute to Mr. Armin Strom’s pioneering artistry in skeletonisation—a craft at the heart of the brand’s philosophy and heritage.

For the first time, the in-house calibre appears in a solid 18K rose gold case, enriching the collection with a warmer character. Rose gold-coloured finger bridges, hands, and applied indexes mirror the tone of the case, while a sleek black textile strap provides a refined modern contrast. Measuring 41 mm in diameter, the case remains compact and ergonomic, while its skeletonised architecture gives the watch a distinctive presence—a harmonious balance of technical craftsmanship and precious metal elegance.

Seven Days of Precision
At its heart lies the hand-wound Calibre ARM21-S, a reinterpretation of Armin Strom’s first in-house calibre. Two mainspring barrels work in series to deliver a steady flow of energy for seven days, wound by two ratchet wheels visible on the dial side—a distinctive Armin Strom signature. Operating at 3.5 Hz, the calibre ensures consistent precision and stability in daily wear.

Inspired by historical pocket watches, the conical power reserve mechanism is complemented by a 3D power reserve indicator, displaying remaining energy with exceptional clarity. Central hours and minutes keep the display symmetrical, while a skeletonised small seconds at 9 o’clock adds an engaging sense of motion.

Transparency in Gold
Every component of the Calibre ARM21-S is decorated by hand, reflecting Armin Strom’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship. Hand-polished bevels, Geneva stripes, circular graining, and finely finished screw sinks demonstrate uncompromising attention to detail. Each One Week is assembled twice—a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to mechanical precision and aesthetic integrity.

Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, the One Week Skeleton Rose Gold continues Armin Strom’s modern gold chapter—a celebration of mechanical transparency, precision, and craft.

View Watch Gallery
Image 1  Image 2  Image 3 
View More
MAY 20 2026    |    Novelties

Celestial Contrast: Armin Strom Dual Time GMT Resonance Aventurine

Armin Strom presents a new interpretation of its Dual Time GMT Resonance, distinguished by a dial crafted from aventurine—a material that captures the richness and mystery of a star-filled sky. Formed through a meticulous process that blends centuries-old glassmaking with modern precision, aventurine reveals a surface alive with light. The result is a dial that evokes a night sky in motion, creating a refined contrast with the architectural symmetry of the resonance movement. This celestial texture is enhanced by the warm tones of the movement: the rose gold-coloured mainplate adds depth beneath the dial-side display, while rose gold-coloured hands and applied indexes introduce clarity and visual identity. Together, these elements create a balanced interplay between cool luminosity and warm mechanical presence. Housed in a 39 mm stainless steel case and paired with a dark grey alligator strap, the Aventurine edition offers a contemporary and restrained frame, allowing the dial's dimension and the movement's symmetry to take centre stage.

Resonance Across Time Zones
Powering the watch is the manual-winding manufacture calibre ARF22, entirely designed, developed and produced in-house. Its patented resonance clutch—a signature Armin Strom innovation—synchronises two independent regulating systems, allowing both balance wheels to oscillate in perfect harmony. This constant interaction elevates chronometric stability, transforming a rare physical phenomenon into a practical advantage. Each time zone features its own hours, minutes and day/night indicator, offering intuitive functionality for travellers. Operating at 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph) with a 42-hour power reserve, the ARF22 unites scientific ingenuity with everyday usability.

Finishing in Depth
Visible through sapphire crystals on both sides, the movement reveals Armin Strom's signature open-worked architecture and hand-finishing. The rose gold-coloured mainplate establishes a warm, luminous foundation on the dial side, while matching gear-train bridges on the reverse side echo this tone, creating a cohesive visual language. This harmony of colour and structure accentuates depth and contrast, reinforcing the three-dimensional expression of the calibre and the brand's commitment to the Science of Movement. On the dial side, the mirror-polished balance bridge, finished with hand-bevelled edges, stands out as a focal point, its steel surface catching the light in striking counterpoint to the warm rose gold-coloured mainplate beneath. Rhodium-coated and steel components introduce a refined metallic grey tone, balancing the overall composition. Additional hand-polished bevels, black-polished elements, circular graining and perlage enrich the composition, while the reverse side features Côtes de Genève, further emphasising the movement's refinement. As with all Armin Strom timepieces, each watch is assembled twice to ensure both mechanical precision and finishing excellence.

The new Dual Time GMT Resonance Aventurine is offered in a strictly limited edition of 15 pieces.

 

View Watch Gallery
Image 1

Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
Image 2
 
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
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.