Introducing: The Greubel Forsey Quantime Perptuel quation

January 19, 2015

Before discussing the new Greubel Forsey Quantime Perptuel quation, we must first cover the Computeur Mcanique C aka the 7th Greubel Forsey Invention. This tiny mechanical computer had many birth certificates in the form of patents to accompany it into the world of haute horology.? The Computeur Mcanique is a mechanical "brain" composed of 25 parts C many of which are rotating coaxial coded elements in an arrangement of moving sections. Each element is unique in its cyclical preprogramming and, thus, in its indication.The Computeur is fully integrated within the movement, and its elements are programmed to automatically display the seasons, equinoxes, solstices, the equation of time, the date, the day, the month and the four-digit year C perpetually. And while all this sounds complicated, its also all very simple to regulate without fear of damaging the mechanism via a single outlet: the crown. The equation of time is a complication that measures the difference between solar time (sundial time) and mean time (convenient 24-hour time). Solar time varies in length depending on the position of the earth on its elliptical orbit around the sun (e.g. A solar day is about 16 minutes longer in November, but about 14 minutes shorter in February). This indication is visible around the back, through two sapphire crystal discs that are concurrently spun by the Computeur. The QP quation comes in at 43.5 mm in a round white gold case, which isnt too wide a diameter given the number of indicators on its stunning anthracite dial. You have a myriad of information here. A power reserve at 2 oclock, the day, date and month at 5 oclock, a 24-hour discs at 7 oclock, a running seconds sub dial, and cutout at 10 oclock for peering into a 24-second tourbillon that is inclined at 25. ?The standard skeletonized arrow hands that are found on all the Greubel Forseys that youve seen (and on those that you havent seen) are a final modern touch on this loaded mechanical titan.Around the back, the entirely in-house made movement showcases a granular-finished mainplate (that also assimilates with the brushed case back [the details count]) with the equation of time display in the corner. A final window displays the 4-digit year. The balance moves at 21,600 bph and two fast-rotation superimpose barrels give us 72 hours of power reserve. Greubel Forsey is doing something important within its offerings. It is reengineering things. And thats a standard that exceeds complication. Greubel Forsey doesnt believe in dont fix it if it isnt broken. If the QP Equation Perpetuelle and the new Computeur Mecanique says anything about the manufacture, its that this team (of about 100 people that produce about 100 pieces a year) doesnt stand still. Even their Atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds resembles a ramp from which novelty lifts off.?For more information, visit Greubel Forsey online.