GREUBEL FORSEY – DOUBLE BALANCIER a Differentiel Constant White Gold Unique Edition

GREUBEL FORSEY – DOUBLE BALANCIER 35° à Différentiel Constant White Gold Unique Edition NEW

Greubel Forsey exclusively presents the first Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant – the result of painstaking years of research – at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2016 (SIHH).

Redefining the limits of Chronometry

This new mechanism pushes the limits of timekeeping. Two inclined balance wheels optimise performance in stable positions, while the Differentiel Spherique Constant provides more steady amplitude.

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“Augmented” architecture

Aesthetically, this Timepiece is both understated and yet complex. The eye-catching wide aperture with powerful three-dimensional aspects, extensively reveals the heart of the mechanism. We dive into an architectural world built on many levels, a miniature futuristic city constructed between the balance wheels whose inclination is almost dizzying

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The result of long-term research

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey began to research multiple regulators in 1999 as part of their
EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) platform. The first prototype to feature a fixed oscillator, the Double Balancier Incliné, was presented at Baselworld in 2009, as the sixth Greubel Forsey invention.

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The two inclined balance wheels – initially positioned one above the other – now occupy distinct and separate three-dimensional spaces. This new configuration is responsible for improved chronometric performance, while the Differentiel Spherique Constant cuts the margin of error in half.

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Excellent craftsmanship

Once again, this Timepiece stands out by virtue of the extreme attention paid to its finishing. These include the three-dimensional, geometric lugs and the raised, polished engraving on a hand-punched background.

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This unique edition is comprised of 33 pieces in white gold, which will be followed by other, non-limited versions.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: Double Balancier 30° / Unique Edition to 33 exemplaires
 Unique edition (for white gold version) 33 pieces in white gold

GF04

Hand-wound patented Calibre GF04 movement • Patents pending
Two balance wheels inclined at a 30° angle • hour and minute display • small second display •
4-minute constant differential rotation indicator • power-reserve indicator

Movement
Movement dimensions
• Diameter : 36.40 mm
• Thickness : 8.15 mm
Number of parts
• Complete movement : 285 parts
• Escapement platforms : 2 x 71 parts
• Constant differential : 30 parts
Number of jewels • 50
• Olived-domed jewels in gold chatons
Chronometric power reserve • 72 hours
Barrels
• Two series-coupled fast rotating barrels (1 turn in 3.2 hours), one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension
Balance wheels
• Variable-inertia with gold mean-time screws
(10 mm diameter)
Frequency • 21’600 vibrations/hour
Balance springs
• Phillips terminal curve
• Geneva-style stud
Main plates
• Nickel silver, frosted and spotted, with straight-grained flanks,
polished bevelling and counter-sinks, grey PVD treatment
Bridges
• Nickel silver, spotted, with straight-grained flanks, polished bevelling and countersinks, grey PVD treatment
• Flat black polished steel differential bridges
• Flat black polished gold centre bridge, with straight-grained flanks, polished bevelling and countersinks
• 2 engraved gold plates
(1 x Greubel Forsey, 1 x individual number)
Escapement platforms
• Inclined at a 30° angle
• Nickel silver, straight graining, hand-polished bevelling and countersinks, nickel-palladium
treatment
• Polished steel pillars
• Flat black polished and barrel polished
steel balance bridges
Gearing
• Involute circle profile
• Inclined gear with profiled teeth on fourth wheel
Displays
• Hours and minutes
• Small seconds
• 4-minute differential rotation
• 72-hour power reserve on a sector
Exterior
Case
• In white gold with convex synthetic sapphire crystal
• Transparent back with synthetic sapphire crystal
• Three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped lugs
• Raised polished engraving “Double Balancier” and “Greubel Forsey” on a hand-punched
background
• Gold security screws
• Hand-polished bezel, caseband with hand-finished straight graining
• Hand-engraved individual number
Case dimensions
• Diameter : 43.00 mm
• Thickness : 13.38 mm
Water resistance of the case
• Water-resistant 3 atm - 30 m - 100 ft
(standard NIHS 92-20/SN ISO 22810:2010)
Crown
• In white gold with engraved and black lacquered GF logo
Dial
• Multi-level in gold, silvered with engraved and “oven fired” enamelled indexes
(émail grand feu champlevé)
• Differential rotation and small second indicators in gold
Hands
• Hour and minute in polished gold, with Super-LumiNova
• Small second, 4-minute and power-reserve in polished blued steel
Strap and clasp
• Hand-sewn alligator
• White gold folding clasp, hand-engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo

Year: 2016

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Press release
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For further information: 
Communication Department 
press@greubelforsey.com – +41 79 194 2884
Eplatures-Grise -16 P.O. Box 670 2301
La Chaux-de-Fonds- Switzerland
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AUDEMARS PIGUET – Royal Oak Concept SUPERSONNERIE

AUDEMARS PIGUET – ROYAL OAK Concept SUPERSONNERIE Titanium Chronograph NEW


In 2015, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak Concept RD#1 – the most sonically considered concept watch of modern times, propelling acoustic performance in chiming watches to unparalleled levels. Eight years in the making, with the watchmaker as key sound producer, that concept timepiece presented dynamic innovations that defied practical restrictions, such as waterproofing.

Now, just 12 months later, that concept has become reality. In 2016, Audemars Piguet presents an outstanding new wristwatch: the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, a minute repeater of superior acoustic intensity with a supremely clear, sustained tone. Three new pioneering chiming sound developments have become technological achievements, patented innovations. Presented in a super-light titanium case, this exclusive production timepiece is precision-made to awaken sound. It brings unprecedented acoustic performance, exceptionally refined sound quality and the clear, harmonic tone of traditional pocket-watches to a contemporary minute repeater wristwatch.

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Since the Manufacture was founded, generations of watchmakers have progressed complex mechanisms created in Le Brassus into future-forward technologies through every decade of the 20th and 21st centuries.

That tradition continues through pioneering chiming watches sound study programme, started in 2006, in collaboration with the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). Today, sound-measurement facilities are installed at the Manufacture, where various amplification methods, such as an anechoic chamber and microphone recordings, assist a dedicated team of watchmakers, artisans, technicians and academics in creating chiming technologies for the future. Restrictions of necessary technology, such as waterproofing, which diffuses sound, are being overcome; acoustic performance is scientifically augmented.

The outcome of the study programme is a new method for pre-preparing the steel used to create the gong structure, to achieve a unique minute repeater sound. A scientific system of performance targets was devised according to material cross-section, length and rigidity. Today, these pre-defined targets anticipate the final performance of the steel used by the watchmaker to make the gongs, assisting him to hone the right pitch, tone, and harmony. The result is a shortened, precision-mastered tuning process and a unique sound.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie presents a newly developed case construction that prevents sound absorption, boosting amplification. In traditional minute repeater technology, the gongs are fixed to the mainplate. In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie they are attached to a new device, a material spread beneath the movement that acts as a soundboard. Now, the gongs transmit vibrations directly to the soundboard – not to the mainplate. The technology functions like the upper body of a guitar. With the vibration-to-air system improved, sound quality, tone and amplification are richer.

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The striking regulator – the device that sets the pace of the striking sequence of hours, quarters and minutes – is redesigned. The anchor system is more flexible and becomes a shock absorber so that unwanted shock noise – created on action – is eliminated. Noise is almost imperceptible; poor frequencies are diminished and the pure, clear sound created by the watchmaker is freed. The result: a brighter, cleaner tone.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie is not simply a striking watch; it is devised as a musical instrument. In an acoustic guitar, the strings are pulled tightly over the bridge. When plucked, the strings vibrate at a certain frequency and produce a beautiful, tonal sound. This sound is then carried into the body of the guitar – the soundboard – via the bridge. As it travels around the body of the instrument, the sound is amplified. No longer controlled by the player, the sound is freed.

In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie:

• The gongs behave like guitar strings
• The hammers are the guitar player’s fingers
• The gong stud is the guitar bridge
• The internal soundboard spread beneath the movement is the body of the guitar
• The sound is amplified, the tone improved

In traditional chiming systems, when there is no quarter chiming sequence – for example, at 10.08 – there is a long silence between the hour and minute chiming sequences. In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, time spent waiting for the gongs to strike is reduced by up to 50 per cent. Furthermore, a security function prevents the user altering the time display while the striking mechanism is active. Timing is improved.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie looks as good as it sounds: a visionary timepiece with a gleaming, futuristic character. The case is architecturally constructed in super-light titanium, while the blackened mainplate is the backdrop for the steel of the high-tech regulator. Not only does the open-worked dial reveal the visionary technology within, it illuminates the true essence of this extraordinary timepiece: the movement. Decorated by hand, it is bevelled, polished, engraved and finished to perfection by the artists of Le Brassus.



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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model:  Royal Oak Concept SUPERSONNERIE

Reference: 26577TI.OO.D002CA.01

MOVEMENT
Hand-wound Manufacture Caliber 2937
Minute repeater, Tourbillon, Chronograph  
Total diameter: 29.90 mm (13 ¼ lignes)
Total thickness: 8.28 mm
Number of jewels: 43
Number of parts: 478
Minimal guaranteed power reserve:   42 h
Frequency of balance wheel:  3 Hz (= 21,600 vibrations/hour)
FUNCTIONS
Minute repeater on two gongs
Tourbillon
Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand
30-minute counter
Hours
Minutes 
CASE
Titanium case, glare-proofed sapphire crystal,
Titanium bezel, black ceramic screw-locked crown,
Black ceramic and titanium push-pieces, titanium push-piece guards
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness:  16.50 mm
Water-resistant to 20 meters
DIAL
Black dial, open-worked, satin-brushed, black counters,
White gold hands with luminescent coating,
Black inner bezel
STRAP
Black rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp

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Audemars Piguet (Marketing) SA
Route de France 16 - Case postale 16
1348 Le Brassus - Switzerland
Phone : + 41 21 642 39 00
Fax : + 41 21 642 34 02
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