Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain

Greubel Forsey has announced the definitive conclusion for one of its significant calibers with the release of the Balancier Contemporain in a final, limited edition. This release is not merely a new colorway or a minor update; it represents the absolute end of the line for a movement that carved a unique niche within the brand's portfolio. Limited to a scant 33 timepieces, this version is presented in a 39.6 mm stainless steel case, a material choice that adds a distinct character to its farewell tour. The entire production run is slated for construction and delivery exclusively in 2025, after which the Balancier Contemporain calibre will be officially and permanently retired from the manufacture's offerings.

The foundation of Greubel Forsey, established by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, was built upon a pursuit of mechanical perfection and horological innovation that often resulted in timepieces of considerable size and complexity. Their work has frequently centered on reinventing the tourbillon and pushing the boundaries of chronometric performance and hand-finishing. This relentless drive for advancement meant their creations were not only technically dense but also physically imposing, a testament to the intricate engineering housed within. The brand quickly became a benchmark for the highest echelons of watchmaking, where no detail was too small to be perfected and no surface left unadorned.



When the Balancier Contemporain first emerged, it represented a pivotal moment for the brand. It successfully distilled the core tenets of Greubel Forsey's watchmaking philosophy—complex architecture, a prominent regulating organ, and obsessive finishing—into a more compact and wearable format. This was a significant achievement, as it made the brand's unique approach accessible to collectors who preferred or required a smaller case diameter, without compromising the visual and technical impact that defines a Greubel Forsey timepiece. This final edition honors that original mission, preserving the proportions that made it a success.

Visually, the watch is a study in depth and contrast, built upon a multi-level gold dial. A high-domed sapphire crystal acts as a grand theatrical stage for the mechanics beneath. The primary time-telling functions are set against a rich, sunburst blue hour-ring, which immediately captures the eye. This is contrasted by Deep Blue indications for the minute track, small seconds, and power reserve, with all engraved markings filled with a crisp white lacquer for maximum legibility. The use of varied finishes and planes creates a sense of three-dimensionality that invites closer inspection, drawing the observer deeper into the watch's world.

The undisputed centerpiece of the dial is the large, in-house balance wheel. Measuring 12.60 mm in diameter, this critical component is not hidden away but is instead given a place of honor at the 7 o'clock position. It is suspended by a slender, impeccably finished bridge, hovering over a flat, black-polished gold plate. This plate acts as a perfect mirror, reflecting the mesmerizing oscillations of the balance wheel and creating a dynamic interplay of light and motion. The visual effect is one of a miniature mechanical sculpture, operating with precision and poise within its own dedicated space.

This final edition is housed in a 39.6 mm stainless steel case, a departure from the more common precious metals used by the manufacture. This choice of material lends the watch a modern, utilitarian feel that belies the complexity within. The case architecture is intricate, featuring a hand-polished bezel that frames the domed crystal. The caseband is finished with hand-applied straight-graining, providing a subtle textural contrast to the polished surfaces. The lugs, which secure the watch to the wrist, are not simple appendages but are three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped forms that are a signature of the brand's design language.



Turning the watch over reveals a transparent caseback, also fitted with a high-domed sapphire crystal, that offers a different but equally compelling view. The periphery of the caseback features raised, polished engravings of the words "Balancier" and "Greubel Forsey" set against a meticulously hand-punched background, creating a frosted texture. Gold security screws, a hallmark of high-end construction, secure the caseback in place.

The view through the caseback is dominated by a large, flat black-polished gold plate. Rather than showing more of the gear train, Greubel Forsey has used this space to engrave a manifesto of their core values. Words like "TECHNICITE," "PERFECTION," "SAVOIR-FAIRE," "INVENTEURS," and "ARCHITECTURE" are relief-engraved across the surface, each a reminder of the philosophy that guides the creation of every component. At the center of this textual tapestry is a smaller, raised gold plate, engraved with the "GF" logo and the individual limitation number of the timepiece, confirming its place within the exclusive 33-piece series.

The heart of the Balancier Contemporain is its hand-wound movement, a caliber composed of 256 individual parts. The movement's dimensions are 32.40 mm in diameter and 9.20 mm in thickness, a compact powerhouse of precision engineering. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), a steady beat that allows the large balance wheel to perform optimally. A stop balance function, activated by pulling the crown, allows for precise time-setting to the second.

Energy for the movement is provided by two series-coupled fast-rotating barrels. This configuration helps to deliver a more stable torque curve over the watch's impressive 72-hour power reserve, contributing to its chronometric stability. One of the barrels is equipped with a slipping spring to prevent any potential damage from excess tension when the watch is fully wound. The barrel cover itself is adorned with a relief engraving of the "Greubel Forsey" name, another example of decoration in an area most owners will never see.



The regulating organ is a testament to the brand's in-house capabilities. The variable-inertia balance wheel is of Greubel Forsey's own design and features six gold mean-time screws for fine adjustment by a watchmaker. This method of regulation is more stable and precise over time compared to a standard regulator index. The balance spring is fitted with a Phillips terminal curve and a Geneva-style stud, classical features that improve the concentric "breathing" of the spring and further enhance isochronism.

The finishing of the movement components is where Greubel Forsey truly distinguishes itself. The main plates and bridges are crafted from nickel silver (also known as German silver), a material that is beautiful but unforgiving to work with. These surfaces are frosted and spotted by hand, with meticulously polished beveling and countersinks. The flanks, or sides, of the bridges are straight-grained to create a uniform, matte texture.

The steel components receive an equally extraordinary level of attention. The balance wheel bridge, for example, is not merely polished but is given a flat black polish, or poli noir. This painstaking hand technique involves polishing a steel surface on a tin plate with diamond paste until it is so perfectly flat that it reflects no light, appearing completely black from most angles. At other angles, it becomes a perfect mirror. This is considered one of the most difficult and time-consuming finishing techniques in all of watchmaking.

Even the smallest details are lavished with care. The movement contains 33 jewels, many of which are olived-domed and set within solid gold chatons. The chatons themselves feature polished countersinks, adding another layer of visual complexity and demonstrating a commitment to traditional, high-quality watchmaking practices. This dedication extends to every single component, whether it is visible through the dial or caseback, or hidden deep within the mechanical layers of the movement.



The dial displays are arranged for clarity and balance. The hours and minutes are indicated by central, polished steel hands. A small seconds display is located between 8 and 9 o'clock, while a power-reserve indicator is positioned at the 2 o'clock position, allowing the wearer to see how much of the 72-hour reserve remains. All hands are executed in polished steel with hand-polished countersinks, maintaining the high standard of finishing seen throughout the timepiece.

This final edition of the Balancier Contemporain is secured to the wrist with a hand-sewn strap made of textured rubber. This modern strap choice provides a comfortable and durable counterpoint to the watch's otherwise classical mechanical nature. It is fastened with a stainless steel pin buckle, which is engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo.

While this timepiece marks the definitive conclusion for its specific caliber, Greubel Forsey presents it as the beginning of a new chapter. The brand has explicitly stated that this watch signals a renewed creative focus on small-diameter timepieces. It suggests an exploration into new forms of mechanical expression that can be delivered within more restrained proportions, building on the legacy that the Balancier Contemporain established.

The Balancier Contemporain is not just a final iteration; it is a statement piece that encapsulates the journey of this particular caliber. It is a bridge between the brand's established identity and its future direction, demonstrating that profound mechanical artistry can thrive in a more compact form.



The watch is a testament to the idea that even in a final act, there can be a powerful declaration of purpose. The combination of a rare stainless steel case, a vibrant and architecturally deep dial, and a movement finished to the highest possible standards makes this a fitting tribute to the Balancier Contemporain caliber.

As a highly exclusive offering, the Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain in stainless steel is strictly limited to 33 pieces worldwide. As noted, these timepieces will be constructed and delivered to their owners throughout 2025, making the wait a part of the acquisition experience. The price for this final chapter in the Balancier Contemporain story is set at CHF 220,000. It is a price reflective of the immense hand-craftsmanship, technical innovation, and exclusivity that define this ultimate expression of a landmark Greubel Forsey design.

Case: Stainless steel, 39.60mm diameter, 12.25mm height. High domed synthetic sapphire crystal on front and back. Water-resistant to 3atm (30m).

Movement: Hand-wound movement with 72-hour power reserve from two series-coupled fast rotating barrels. 256 parts, 33 jewels. Frequency of 21,600 vibrations/hour. Features an in-house 12.60mm variable-inertia balance wheel and stop balance function. Displays hours, minutes, small seconds, and power reserve.

Dial: Multi-level gold dial with a sunburst blue finish hour-ring. Minute-circle, small seconds, and power-reserve have a deep blue finish with engraved and white lacquer filled indications. Hands are polished steel.

Strap: Hand-sewn textured rubber with a stainless steel pin buckle.

Price: CHF 220,000

Notes: This is the final edition of the Balancier Contemporain calibre, limited to just 33 timepieces. The watches will be built and delivered exclusively in 2025, after which the calibre will be permanently retired.