Hello, today I would like to talk about one of my favorite brands in the realm of Haute Horlogerie. It is the brand Greubel Forsey. And what better way to introduce the brand than by presenting the Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2. Before discussing this model in detail, I would like to first introduce this brand, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the founders of Greubel Forsey, are considered today as the “Authentic Reinventors of Precision Micromechanical Engineering.” Before earning this recognition, they both started working at Renaud & Papi, before working independently in 1999. In 2001, they founded Complitime SA, a company specializing in the creation of complicated movement mechanisms for high-end watch brands.
It wasn’t until 2004 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, that the Greubel Forsey brand was born. They introduced the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° (DT30) at BaselWorld the same year. In a perpetual quest for excellence since its inception, Greubel Forsey designs and produces timepieces dedicated to pushing the limits of precision and watchmaking art with the creation of complicated movements, like this Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 introduced in Dubai in 2021. Let’s take a look at the watch.
What are the features of the Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2?
Case
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 features a curved titanium case. Indeed, the case and the bezel present an interesting curvature, which is reflected in the shape of the sapphire crystal. This intriguing blend of shapes gives the watch extremely conservative proportions from certain angles and very avant-garde ones from others. It measures 46.5 mm in diameter and 15.7 mm in thickness. Don’t be misled by its size: it wears very comfortably, fitting the curve of the wrist, as it is devoid of lugs.
Dial
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 boasts a highly contrasting dial, readable thanks to an intense black or gray background that spans the bridge between 5 and 9 o’clock. Indeed, this last third of the dial is inclined at 30°, a plane that includes the balance wheel and the small seconds hand. At the top, however, the hour track is as high as possible relative to the sapphire crystal. Enhanced with luminescent white, the hour and minute hands have never appeared so high. The double “arched bridge” with suspended wheels reveals the patented mechanics of the movement.
Here, the brand deploys a wide range of finishes to magnify the slightest chromatic variation, from frosted plates to straight-grained and mirror-polished surfaces. The edges are sharp and the matte, hand-grained finish clearly highlights the bridge and the indexes.
Movement
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 houses a manually wound movement that stands out in contrast and power. Indeed, this piece contains a true horological-urban scenography, very architectural with fine lines. Beating at 3Hz, this caliber, offering a 72-hour power reserve, displays the hours, minutes, small seconds, and a power reserve. Additionally, it has the particularity of featuring an inclined balance wheel at 30°, canceling the effect of gravity on the watch’s performance.
Strap
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 comes with a rubber strap with a textile style and an Alcantara interior. Alternatively, it is possible to have an entirely titanium bracelet with a deployant clasp featuring a micro-adjustment system.
How much does the Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2?
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 is a limited edition of 88 pieces to be produced between 2023 and 2026. It is offered starting at EUR 259,500 (Including 20% VAT).
Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2: the Holy Grail of sports watches?
The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 stands out for its strong, modern, innovative, and architectural identities. It isolates the most powerful elements of the original Balancier S, accentuates, and modernizes them. The Balancier S² affirms its place in today’s and tomorrow’s Haute Horlogerie as a timepiece that sacrifices nothing to the excellence of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship. Its portability makes it a watch designed for daily use, perfectly suitable whether you are on a golf course with the fabric-effect strap or at a business dinner with the superb titanium bracelet. I would like to thank Arije Paris for providing me with this watch. My best regards to Anto for his kindness and professionalism.
Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Greubel Forsey
- Model: Balancier Convexe S2
- Case Material: Titanium
- Dial: Openworked
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Power Reserve Indicator, 30° Inclined Greubel Forsey Balance Wheel System
- Movement: Manual Winding, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz), 42 jewels, 307 components
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire Glass
- Case Dimension: 46.5 mm (Diameter) × 15.7 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Rubber
- Availibility: Limited Edition of 88 pieces
- Retail Price: EUR 259,500 (Includind 20 % VAT)
What do you think of this Greubel Forsey? Holy Grail of Watchmaking? Give me your thoughts in the comments.
For more information about Greubel Forsey, click here.
The Review
Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2
From The Time Production - Please note that the ratings provided here solely reflect my subjective opinions. These assessments are based entirely on my personal experiences and interactions with each watch. As such, they may differ from the opinions of other enthusiasts or experts in the field. My aim is to offer personal insights that might help you understand how each timepiece might feel in everyday use.
