Smaller, finally
An independent brand that effortlessly blends the contemporary and the classical,
Greubel Forsey has charted its own unique path in the world of high-end sports watches, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous finishing. The brand understands its distinct appeal and position among watch enthusiasts, and foresees a bright future that has prompted plans for manufacturing expansion and a doubling of production volumes in the coming years.
Operating in an almost unparalleled market, Greubel Forsey faces only a handful of competitors, with Richard Mille being the most notable contender. To stay competitive with Richard Mille, the brand has been diligently creating sportier watches. This endeavor encompasses the introduction of more ergonomic cases, as well as movements that strike a delicate balance between simplicity and architectural complexity.
However, one persistent aspect of Greubel Forsey’s timepieces is their significant size. While the latest “Convexe” cases boast dramatic curves and exceptional ergonomics, they remain undeniably large, leaving some enthusiasts longing for a different experience. In response to the feedback and in line with their manufacturing expansion, Greubel Forsey has responded to its fans by unveiling smaller iterations of their beloved models: the Balancier Convexe S2 and the Double Balancier Convexe. These new releases measure a modest 41.5 mm and 42.5 mm in width, respectively, departing from the previous sizes of nearly 44 mm.
Balancier Convexe S2
One of the brand’s more straightforward offerings, the Balancier Convexe S2, is a time-only wristwatch without complications, making it relatively more affordable compared to Greubel Forsey’s usual timepieces that typically exceed half a million dollars in price.
Despite its simplicity, the Balancier Convexe S2 is far from ordinary. Every aspect, from the case to the movement and even the strap, has been conceived by the brand, resulting in a truly unique and original timepiece.
Balancier Convexe S2
The most intriguing aspect, as expected from a Greubel Forsey watch, lies within the movement. It is not a mere time-only movement but rather a showcase of mechanical mastery positioned prominently at the dial side. The standout feature is the inclined balance wheel, positioned at seven o’clock – a signature design characteristic of the brand. In addition, the exposed barrel, escapement, and keyless works add to the visual spectacle. Notably, these elements have been thoughtfully arranged to minimize visual clutter while employing architectural bridges and plates to create a structurally impressive and visually captivating composition. This distinctive approach sets the Balancier Convexe S2 apart from other time-only watches available in the market, offering a sense of architectural design and captivating depth.
Balancier Convexe S2
Now, the entry-level watch has undergone a subtle yet noticeable transformation. The new case measures a modest 41.5 mm in case band diameter and 44 mm including the bezel width, with a height of 14.8 mm. Despite these reduced dimensions, the Greubel Forsey watch still retains its distinctive allure, thanks to its striking case design and impressive depth of movement. The 41.5 mm x 44 mm case represents a significant improvement compared to the original size of 43.5 x 46.5 mm, which stood at a height of 15.7 mm.
Balancier Convexe S2
In order to achieve this size reduction, the brand has also made corresponding adjustments to the movement. The width of the movement has been changed from 37 mm to 38 mm, while the thickness has been reduced from 10.7 mm to 10.05 mm. These modifications allow the movement to fit snugly within the new smaller case, while ensuring a harmonious balance between the proportions of the case and movement.
Double Balancier Convexe
For hardcore fans of the brand who desire the best of Greubel Forsey, the most thrilling release would undoubtedly be the latest Double Balancier Convexe, now measuring a mere 42.5 mm at the case band and 44.44 mm including the bezel, as opposed to the previous size of 43.5 mm x 46.5 mm.
Double Balancier Convexe
Compared to the S2, the Double Balancier offers far greater complexity, resulting in a visually captivating front display. It features the brand’s signature twin balance wheels, both inclined at 30 degrees but in opposite directions, connected by a differential in the center. This differential effectively averages the beat rate error of the two balances, contributing to enhanced stability and accuracy in timekeeping. It’s worth noting that the balances are regular balances, not tourbillons, but they are undeniably captivating to behold.
Double Balancier Convexe
In fact, due to the added complexity, there are more exposed components to admire, offering a visual feast for the eyes. Greubel Forsey excels in meticulously finishing its components, leaving little room for dissatisfaction. From the bridge securing the balance to the smallest countersinks for the jewels, every component is meticulously decorated in a classical manner. This attention to detail may come as a surprise for such a contemporary watch, but it exemplifies what Greubel Forsey does best: being at the forefront of contemporary design while demonstrating the utmost mastery in artisanal finishing techniques.
Double Balancier Convexe
Similar to the S2, the movement within the Double Balancier has undergone a redesign to achieve a smaller size. It now measures 37.7 mm in width, compared to the previous 38.7 mm, while maintaining a thickness of 9.46 mm. Greubel Forsey in Singapore is exclusively available at
Sincere Haute Horlogerie. Or drop by the SHH boutique at MBS to discover the full collection.
