Greubel Forsey and a tale of LUMINOX

Sep 24, 2013,03:38 AM
 

YES...surely you will not be comparing a tool watch with another watch, made to demonstrate what is now possible.

With computers.

CNC cutters.

Sophisticated programmes to aid calculations.

All and more.

But HANDWORK is unavoidable, even if one tried.

ie using hands free work to make a watch that is worthy of culture or any form of art or the best of what is possible.

I sat next to both Greubel and Forsey in 2011 as we three discussed the contestants of the GPHH.

They did not know me as well as Max or Vianney...but I did keep my word in 2006, when I told them I would buy the Invention 1.

This watch has EVERYTHING to do with the humble Luminox watch, because of passion.

Scott Cassel is passionate about the sea.

So passionate, that this expert in conservation had invited me, a total mad man of passion, to ride in his submersible.

Little did anyone know...but I chose a watch to accompany me.

I was wearing a SEIKO diver, but the REAL watch I wanted to bring, and did bring...was the Greubel Forsey invention piece 1.

Because I know, that this incredible machine..the Greubel Forsey, will NEVER ever ride in a submersible again.

Not in history.

I just had to combine these two passionate items together.

 



I had quite a few exotic choices, but the Invention Piece 1 is so precious, no one would dare take that into the deep open water!




Luminox had sponsored a submarine.

I admire them for that.

In fact, I bought a Luminox Scott Cassell to remind me of this trip.



But enough of the sea.

I am sure you are wondering why I have gone into classical looking watches.

Err...no.

I have simply taken out an old friend, the GF Invention 1 from 2007 for a ride.

In the course of that, I also saw my old friends...my old Patek 5059 was one.

But although made in the same era, Patek was not up to the level of the mighty GF yet.

Anyway, this was an entry level Patek to be fair.



My Greubel Forsey was worn and used VERY often.

Being in platinum, it showed no wear.




After 7 years, the watch looks brand new.

It still draws attention.

It is still possibly the best watch I own.



I actually bought the watch because of the engraving on the back!!!

How silly can a consumer be?





A RED croco strap is RIGHT.




See...




I can't recall if GF made this multiple tourbillon before JLC.



But I like the concentric arrangement of the GF's aesthetics better.




In 2007, I was also writing about Dufour.

And GF is the ONLY brand, besides DeBethune and Parmigiani that I felt was a bargain in 2007 even at that price.




The finish is comparable or even better than a Dufour's to my humble, under trained eyes..chuckles.

But I love big watches.



The weight alone is awesome...and my typical serial number.

Bought under an assumed identity.




A picture I once used as a desktop.




The GF was a watch that I made as an investment from day 1, second 1, minute 1.



I must say that as I sat with both Greubel and Forsey in 2011, this DB28 came close.




The beauty of the Mrc Newson is there, and it was not about watchmaking.

It could be an investment...I already enjoy it.




Below, I place the GFIP1 next to a few of my favorites!























A box of keepers!




GF is all about top end finish.

It is a shame that not many will be seen on wrists, let alone forums.




Now..this is VALUE for money!!!!!

After you think of the IP1.
































These are the current watches that I feel are simply investment grade.

No matter how silly it sounds.

I use them.

I wear them.

I have enjoyed them.

I hope to share my other watches too...and I also hope I am not offending anyone. These are simply too ostentatious.

Trust me, I buy SEIKOS and CASIOS.



More posts: DufourGreubel Forsey

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Wow!!

 
 By: Jeffss168 : September 24th, 2013-05:41
Ur collection is like treasure bro ! :)

Thamks Jeff, The most amazing...

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-06:50
Thamks Jeff, The most amazing thing is that I managed to build that stash over 30 years just by saving and spemding very carefully. I guess it came down to a fact that I always seemed to buy the LEAST loved watches, that became loved later.

Ronald, I must have been...

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-06:53
Ronald, I must have been crazy!! The inside was full of sharp corners!!! And I had to jump from one boat to the sub!!! But I think it will be the worlds first n only tourbillon to travel in a sub!

Nice photos Bernard

 
 By: andrewluff : September 24th, 2013-09:27
and I must admit the IP1 is one of my favourite GF's of all time. They have now become more and more complicated but this one just focuses on one thing, the stunning double tourbillon... beautiful! I like the red strap too, looks really cool. I know of a ... 

Wow..thanks for sharing about deep diving tourbs.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-17:38
I thought I was the only one daring enough to bring one into a sub. And to make things worse, I have never been in one. To be fair, Luminox spent a fortune...and what they and Scott do are incredibly unselfish. I had actually met Scott at a bar in 2011. W... 

Live life to the limit...

 
 By: andrewluff : September 25th, 2013-00:19
The way I see it, you are more precious than the watch... so if you are happy to risk yourself going down in a sub then the watch is irrelevant if something happens! If something breaks, the watch will be the last thing on your mind apart from maybe using... 

you are driven by your passions, Bernard. I would think with..

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 24th, 2013-12:57
A story per watch you could write a massive tome that would be desirable to own.

Thanks Ronald...I think only the late Rolf (Ulysse Nardin) deserves that.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-17:22
I think the world of this man. If I could live only half of what he has done. I could not even get enough time to come to comics con in the USA....sigh.

Bernard that sounds mighty humble. which comic con...

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 24th, 2013-18:53
The upcoming one in Manhattan I will be attending or the San Diego one?

If you come to san diego call me on your communicator!

 
 By: cazalea : September 24th, 2013-21:11
You know the frequency - - it has to be a multiple of 7200 ... Cazalea

I do show up in San Diego about once every other year, but not..

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 25th, 2013-04:40
at the time of the Comic-Con as I cannot get close housing and a 4 day pass anymore. Would you like some notice via a PM ahead of time?

I will like to see manhatten.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-23:18
Is that the "big" one?

Bernard, number two after the one in San Diego. If you are interested in..

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 25th, 2013-04:42
going to either I can provide advice and suggestions via PM or email.

It has to be next year...my kids ..I wish to bring them. 23 to 21 years.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 26th, 2013-18:20
I think they and I can find a common ground there.

You sure put your money

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : September 24th, 2013-14:03
where your mouth is ;) Thank you for sharing this rare and extraordinary watches You Lucky Man Cheers Damjan

Which is why I don't have much money left...

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-17:19
I think for this year alone..the Opus 3 knocked me out.

I'm flabbergasted and rendered speechless!

 
 By: fernando : September 24th, 2013-17:34
You're in a different league Bernard. What an amazing collection! Thanks for giving us an eye-opener and a humbling experience. :) Fernando

I placed this post because I noticed that GF IP pieces were not posted

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-17:41
and of course...other great watches, made for other types of work. Luminox. I would think that at both ends of price, these are about the very best made. I am now waiting for the Swiss Army 20,000 feet watch...it looks like a bubble.

Interview

 
 By: Spellbound : September 24th, 2013-17:53
Hey Bernard, I saw your interview in the Chinese ITIME magazine May 2013 issue. Interesting perspective. Dean ...  

oh..wowzah..that is a different culture. But interesting and very daring.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-23:21
I think the Chinese are superb at simply absorbing the luxury items...and they are fresh, not yet colored by old 1965 advertising.

After exposure to George Daniels and Dufour and Laurent Fleurier

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 24th, 2013-23:26
I never thought that this level of finish and detail can be carried on further...especially into a ultra complication. But...it happened: Not to forget, people like Scott who don't collect watches, are of the same breed...simply the best at what they do. ...  

The GF IP3 is a grail piece for me, which sadly I can't afford

 
 By: Hororgasm : September 25th, 2013-10:00
And I can't bear to sell any watches!! Wonderful post mate...and great to see you last week. Best, Horo

Finally!

 
 By: TOPLIMIT : September 26th, 2013-05:28
Your posts and pictures have never failed to fascinate me. This one is no exception. Seems like the long wait is well worth after all! :) And I agree with you- the red strap looks really awesome on the GF! P.S. Sorry, I didn't knew you were busy the other... 

hey..no problem. I usually go to ION on friday

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 26th, 2013-18:16
please drop by, send me an email first.

Not so soon though...

 
 By: TOPLIMIT : September 27th, 2013-05:48
Gotta prepare for my A Levels.... But see you soon after that! Regards, Robin

Absolutely stunning...

 
 By: RahulR : September 26th, 2013-10:08
Its always a pleasure to see your marvelous collection! I actually saw you and your Greubel Forsey & De Bethune at the time machine event in Paragon the other day! Didn't venture and say hi as I thought it be too forward. Kicking myself for not doing ... 

Next time..just come and talk to me.

 
 By: bernard cheong : September 26th, 2013-18:19
I am totally harmless to customers and strangers. Only journalists (some) find me to be a bad guy. It has probably much to do with my support for non brands.

Wow! Holy Smokes Doc!

 
 By: Nicko16 : September 28th, 2013-03:11
Very nice to see a worn GF! Would love to see it one day! Must catch up with you next time :)

Incredible!

 
 By: Maladrid : October 9th, 2013-16:48
Wonderful models and incredible photos! I'm surprised by that, thanks!