Important Watches I

Important Watches I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2268. Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École” | A brand new limited edition white gold semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch, Circa 2016 |  Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour 及 Michel Boulanger | Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École” | 全新限量版白金半鏤空陀飛輪腕錶,約2016年製 .

Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour and Michel Boulanger

Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École” | A brand new limited edition white gold semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch, Circa 2016 | Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour 及 Michel Boulanger | Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École” | 全新限量版白金半鏤空陀飛輪腕錶,約2016年製

Auction Closed

April 26, 10:38 AM GMT

Estimate

4,000,000 - 8,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour and Michel Boulanger

Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École”

A brand new limited edition white gold semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch, Circa 2016

Greubel Forsey, Philippe Dufour 及 Michel Boulanger

Le Garde Temps- Naissance d'Une Montre Project, "Montre École” 

全新限量版白金半鏤空陀飛輪腕錶,約2016年製


Dial: semi-skeletonised

Calibre: mechanical, 25 jewels

Movement number: 09/11

Case: 18k white gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by 4 screws

Case number: limited edition 09/11

Closure: brown Greubel Forsey leather strap and 18k white gold buckle

Size: 45 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Greubel Forsey Certificate of Authenticity, loupe, instruction manual and presentation box

附帶證書、放大鏡、說明書及盒子

With the rapid success of technology and mass production since the 1970s, many new equipment and computers were invented to ease the process of watchmaking. While most watches assembled have shown a higher level of precision than any watches that have ever been made, classic watchmaking techniques have started to fade and has brought great impacts to the traditional values of Swiss watchmaking. It is unfortunate to say, using machines to replicate every gear in the movement is simply incomparable with the heartfelt passion of getting things right completely by hand, where the signs of accomplishment in the process are truly unrivaled. Not to mention the amount of dedication, appreciation and emotions which are encompassed in the intricate craftsmanship after years of research and trial and error.


Worrying that rapid mechanisation was abolishing artisanal craftsmanship from the watch industry, in 2009, the trio of Stephen Forsey, Robert Greubel and Philippe Dufour have joined forces to lead a project named Le Garde Temps – Naissance d’une Montre (French for Guarding Time – Birth of a Watch). The former 2 are famous for unique, highly complicated creations under the name Greubel Forsey whilst were the last batch of watchmakers who learned their books the traditional way, before computers took over nearly all of the manufacturing processes. Philippe Dufour is undoubtedly one of the living legends who works completely alone by hand to create some of the world’s most gorgeously finished timepieces.


While it was not easy to find the perfect candidate, a young talented French watchmaking teacher Michel Boulanger was chosen to translate the ideas of traditional watchmaking. With the mentorship of the trio and thanks to Michel’s interest and technical skills in horological heritage, he is the perfect bridge between the knowledge and artistry of past masters and the next generation.


A simple watch would be an understatement as Michel Boulanger built the tourbillon ‘Naissance d'une Montre’ watch from scratch using only hand-operated tools, without the help of technology. Carrying the characteristics of both styles, the highly asymmetric dial is reminiscent of Greubel Forsey, whilst the clean, round case and movement decorations were inspired by the beautifully proportioned cases we have been seeing from Philippe Dufour. Through 6 years of grueling research, the present collection crafted by Michel Boulanger was launched in SIHH 2015.


Sets out a mission to preserve the traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques, the end product embodies all of their own personal values of dedication, commitment and passion. The current watch underlies the gold standard of how a mechanical watch should be born, proudly showcases a variety of design elements and finishing skills, like a time capsule for future generation watchmakers.