Skyline and waterfront: Both could be the inspiration for the two versions of the Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S² timepiece and the new Greubel Forsey’s Atelier Manufacture.
A major expansion of the Greubel Forsey Atelier Manufacture and an Investment in Excellence.
“With this expansion, the idea is not to deviate from our path, but rather to go even further in our quest for excellence, towards ever greater creativity and excellence in hand finishing,” Antonio Calce, CEO, Executive Board Member & Shareholder of Greubel Forsey.
The expansion of Greubel Forsey‘s Atelier Manufacture – from 2,000 to 5,460 m2– will enable the brand to develop new in-house skills and expertise, strengthen its research and development units and gradually increase production capacity. The new building will encompass the existing structure, dating from 2009, while retaining the architectural features specific to this site. Work is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2024, marking the brand’s 20th anniversary. The new Atelier Manufacture will be fully operational by 2026.
The underground level will include storage areas and an employee wellness room. The ground floor will house production, logistics, quality control and R&D areas. The 17th-century farmhouse, a symbol of Greubel Forsey’s traditional roots, will be transformed into a VIP area, a lounge, a museum, and a restoration workshop designed to pass on the brand’s skills and legacy.
The upper floors will be dedicated to assembly, hand finishing, clean rooms, laboratories, and product development with research and design offices and after-sales service, administration, and other related areas. With 260 timepieces (+100%) made in 2022 and all delivered to collectors and enthusiasts of fine watchmaking, it was an exceptional year for Greubel Forsey. More than just a year of transition, it was also a year of acceleration and transformation at every level. And 2023 will continue to reinforce this trend.
Introducing the Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S²: A Fusion of Innovation and Architectural Brilliance
Luxury watchmaking maison Greubel Forsey once again pushes the boundaries of horological excellence with the magnificent Balancier Convexe S², now available in a larger 41.5 mm diameter. This timepiece, offered in grey or blue, presents a veritable urban landscape that mesmerizes with its architectural allure and ultra-fine contrasting lines, all showcased within an unprecedented size.
The Balancier Convexe S² stays true to its heritage while offering refined and innovative perspectives. This exquisite calibre is presented in two captivating editions, each housed within a brand new 41.5 mm case.
At the pinnacle of the timepiece, the hour-ring sits at its highest point, almost touching the sapphire crystal. The luminescent white hour and minute hands appear to be suspended in mid-air, creating an illusion that one can almost reach out and touch time itself. The movement’s patented mechanics are revealed through the double openworked “arch bridge” with suspended wheels, showcasing a captivating architectural design. With bridges, elevations, levels, contrasts, and vanishing lines, the watch draws inspiration from contemporary metropolises, inviting Greubel Forsey collectors to explore the fascinating intersection between skyline and waterfront.
The Balancier Convexe S² offers two captivating versions, each inspired by its own distinctive urban landscape. The first version, reminiscent of urban architecture, features multiple shades of grey. Greubel Forsey utilizes a wide range of finishes to highlight the subtle chromatic variations, including frosted plates, straight-grained surfaces, and mirror-polished accents. A colored zone draws attention to the power reserve indicator, with an arrow pointing towards the impressive 72 hours of chronometric precision.
In the blue version, Greubel Forsey embraces a striking contrast. A light-colored mainplate sets the stage for a midnight-blue hour-ring, while elevated luminescent hour-markers command attention. The large balance and small seconds at 8 o’clock, revealed on an inclined surface, add a touch of softness to the composition while maintaining a captivating contrast.
The new 41.5 mm Balancier Convexe S² in titanium is a limited production of only 88 pieces per version, starting from 2023. This timepiece continues the legacy of the Balancier Convexe line while presenting a more refined and innovative perspective. The combination of craftsmanship, architectural inspiration, and meticulous attention to detail sets Greubel Forsey apart as a true pioneer in the world of haute horology.