Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain History and References

Origins of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain

Owners of the Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain are typically seasoned collectors who value inventive mechanics and understated sophistication. Many decide to sell when adjusting the focus of their collections.

Greubel Forsey was established in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey following years of collaboration at Renaud & Papi. From the outset the pair sought to revisit fundamental horological principles, particularly the tourbillon, which had been invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801 to compensate for positional errors caused by gravity in pocket watches. Rather than replicate existing solutions, Greubel and Forsey examined the geometry and rotational speeds that might yield greater practical benefit in a wristwatch.

The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain is a classical expression of this philosophy, developed after the manufacture's first tourbillon watches. Its defining feature is a tourbillon inclined at an angle to the main plane of the movement and completing one full rotation every 24 seconds. This combination was the result of extensive mathematical modelling and physical testing. The faster rotation rate compared with the traditional 60-second tourbillon averages out gravitational effects across more positions in a shorter time, while the inclination further reduces the duration spent in any single detrimental orientation.

The watch was presented in a relatively compact case for its complexity, underlining the founders' intention to create a piece that could be worn rather than merely admired on a stand. Its dial-side display gives the inclined tourbillon a prominent place, together with the hours, minutes and the other indications. This layout allows the wearer to observe the mechanism's operation continuously, turning the act of telling the time into an appreciation of mechanical sculpture.

How Generations and References Differ

Over its production life the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain has been made in very small numbers, with case material and dial finish varying between examples. The movement architecture is broadly consistent, with hand finishing and engraving that reward close comparison between examples. Whatever the case metal or dial treatment, the inclined tourbillon that turns once every 24 seconds remains the technical heart of the watch.

The power reserve is integrated with the dial as a practical indication of remaining energy. The power-reserve indication and numeral style are best read from the individual watch, as presentation can vary without a simple early-to-late rule. The hour and minute hands are finely finished, and their exact shape is best judged from the watch in hand rather than from a supposed sequence of updates. These details help describe a watch, though they rarely date it to a narrow window of the model's timeline.

The gear train and barrel arrangement follow the same broad idea across examples, with finishing rather than redesign as the usual point of difference. Viewed from the rear, the mainplate finishing and the tourbillon supports are individual points of interest rather than a fixed sequence of patterns. Caseband engravings, including any edition number, are worth recording for each watch. These details help describe an individual example, alongside case material, dial and overall condition.

Identifying Your Exact Version

Accurate identification begins with the case material and the exact engraving on the caseband. The brand engraving and any limited-edition number should be photographed as they appear, including their placement on the case. The balance of polished and brushed surfaces on the bezel and lugs is a useful condition detail, though not a simple marker of a later series.

Next examine the dial furniture. The style of the hour markers, any small-seconds display and the power-reserve indicator are all worth recording in clear photographs. The specialist checks the case, caseback, engravings and movement. Taking well-lit, high-resolution photographs from straight above, at a 45-degree angle, from the side, and of the movement ensures that every distinguishing element can be assessed without ambiguity.

What an Assessor Examines in Person

Upon receiving a Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain, the assessor first evaluates the case for any evidence of previous polishing or resizing of the lugs. The integrity of the original brushing on the case surfaces is noted, as is the condition of the crown. Even minor deviations from factory finish can indicate the watch's history of wear.

The dial and hands receive close scrutiny under controlled lighting. The assessor checks for consistency in the alignment of every printed or applied element, and the absence of any dust or marks beneath the crystal. The tourbillon's rotation is timed to confirm it completes a cycle in approximately 24 seconds, and its inclination is verified using precision instruments.

From the rear the movement is examined for the quality of all hand-finishing, including the straight graining on the bridges, the mirror polishing on screw heads and the evenness of any engraving. The power reserve is tested across its full range to ensure consistent delivery of energy to the regulating organ. Completeness of the watch is considered by noting whether the original strap, buckle and any accompanying documentation are present, although none of these are prerequisites for an offer. The cumulative observations allow the assessor to position the watch accurately within its reference family and overall condition spectrum.

Storage, Care and Preparation for Sale

Proper storage protects the delicate components of a watch built around a finely poised inclined tourbillon. Keep the piece in a dedicated watch box or winder that maintains a stable temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity. Avoid proximity to strong magnetic sources such as speakers, mobile phones or certain household appliances that could disturb the regulating system.

When the time comes to sell, present the watch exactly as it has been worn and stored. There is no requirement to have it cleaned, polished, serviced or adjusted beforehand. Any such work risks altering surfaces or removing evidence of natural ageing that forms part of the watch's story. The assessor prefers to see the authentic state so that an accurate and fair evaluation can be formed.

For transportation to our premises, EncoreLuxe arranges fully insured collection from any UK address or provides prepaid, tracked shipping materials designed specifically for watches of this calibre. The packaging includes foam inserts that immobilise the piece and prevent movement during transit, eliminating the risk of damage to the tourbillon or crystal. Owners may choose whichever method best suits their schedule.

The Broader History of Greubel Forsey

Before founding their own manufacture, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey spent more than a decade honing their skills in some of the most respected ateliers in Switzerland. Their shared interest in pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking led them to experiment with multi-axis tourbillons and inclined oscillators. The 2004 launch of the Double Tourbillon 30° established their reputation for combining intellectual rigour with exceptional finishing.

The 24 Secondes project built upon this foundation by questioning whether the classical one-minute tourbillon remained the optimal solution for modern wristwatches. Through years of calculation and prototype testing the pair determined that a 24-second rotation at an inclined angle offered a measurable improvement in timekeeping consistency during daily wear. This invention was granted patents and became a cornerstone of the brand's identity.

Greubel Forsey has remained deliberately small-scale, producing only a very limited number of watches each year in their purpose-built facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Movement surfaces are finished by hand to a standard well beyond ordinary series production. The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain occupies a distinct place in this timeline as a classical interpretation of their fast-rotating inclined tourbillon, alongside the brand's other 24 Secondes watches.

Common Considerations When Selling

Collectors frequently sell a Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain when they wish to acquire a newer invention from the same maker or to diversify into other areas of independent watchmaking. The specific reference, material combination and overall preservation state naturally shape the level of interest the watch generates among specialists. Gold cases, including warmer red-gold examples, appeal to different tastes, while condition and completeness shape interest just as strongly.

Documentation such as the original warranty card, service records or correspondence from Greubel Forsey can provide useful context but is not essential to begin discussions. The most critical factor remains the quality and completeness of photographic evidence. Images should capture every surface in neutral lighting, including close-ups of the tourbillon cage, bridge engraving, and any signs of honest wear.

Understanding where a particular example sits within the model's evolution helps owners set realistic expectations. Examples from different points in the model's life each have their own appeal, and material, dial and condition matter more than any assumed sequence of refinements. Each has its place in the history of modern haute horlogerie.

Selling Your Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain to EncoreLuxe

The valuation process for your Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain starts with the online form positioned directly beneath the main image on this page. Upload a comprehensive set of photographs showing the dial at different angles, the case from front, side and rear, the movement, close-ups of all engravings, the tourbillon in motion if possible, and any accessories that accompany the watch. Our team of specialists reviews these images around the clock and typically returns an initial indication within minutes.

If the photographs align with an offer that interests you, we coordinate either a complimentary fully insured collection from your home or office anywhere in the United Kingdom, or we send prepaid shipping materials for you to use at your convenience. Once the watch reaches our secure premises it undergoes a thorough inspection that verifies the reference, generation, material authenticity and mechanical condition against the details supplied. This step ensures complete transparency for both parties.

When the assessment matches expectations we arrange immediate payment by bank transfer on the same business day. The entire procedure is designed to minimise disruption and to treat both the owner and the watch with respect. Should any aspect of the physical inspection lead to a revised view and you prefer not to continue, the watch is returned to you promptly using the same level of insurance and care, entirely at our expense. No fees are charged at any stage, and there is never any obligation to accept an offer.

What owners often ask

How can I tell which generation of Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain I own? Compare the case material, dial, hand style, caseback engravings and bridge finishing in clear photographs, and avoid forcing the watch into an assumed generation. Clear photographs of every surface allow specialists to assess the watch carefully, including details that written descriptions often miss.

Is servicing required before selling my Greubel Forsey watch? No. We assess the watch in its current condition. Sending it as it is preserves originality and gives the most accurate picture of how it has been kept.

Are the original box and papers necessary to receive an offer? They are appreciated when available but not required. High-quality photographs of the watch itself provide the essential information for valuation.

How long does it usually take to receive an offer? Our specialists review submissions 24 hours a day and normally respond within minutes of receiving clear photographs through the valuation form.

What happens if the in-person inspection changes the offer? We explain any differences fully. If you decide not to proceed we return the watch fully insured at our cost with no fees or obligation.

Does EncoreLuxe arrange collection from anywhere in the UK? Yes. We offer free insured collection from any address in the United Kingdom or provide prepaid shipping materials tailored for delicate timepieces.