Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the two inventor watchmakers behind the Greubel Forsey brand, present the Balancier S – a new timepiece showcasing a large, high precision and inclined balance wheel within a unique ovoid titanium case tailored for an active lifestyle. The Balancier S is Greubel Forsey’s new flagship in aesthetics and performance, innovation and craftsmanship.
Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have been creating innovative mechanisms since 2004. Invention and creativity being two fundamental strands woven into the DNA of the Greubel Forsey brand.
In their relentless quest for precision and performance, the duo have already challenged chronometry by reinventing the tourbillon mechanism with the Tourbillon 24 Secondes, Quadruple Tourbillon and the Double Tourbillon 30°. They have also explored new paths of case architecture and its integration with their movement constructions. Late 2019, Robert and Stephen pioneered a new chapter with the GMT Sport – the new case architecture with sculptural lines combining ergonomics, robustness and comfort.
Today, Greubel Forsey continues this approach by presenting a new interpretation of the unique case which displays its completely new movement. Circular from above, this case reveals the unique arched ovoid shape from other angles. It features integrated lugs and strap, and a satin-finished bezel engraved with Greubel Forsey’s key values. The new Balancier S achieves a slim profile, reinforcing its dynamic new momentum.
The rubber crown and caseband with rubber inserts assure excellent grip and protection of the timepiece. The oval, arched sapphire crystal follows the curvature of the case. The perfect osmosis between the case and the movement is emphasised, technically and visually, by a daring double suspended arched bridge holding an inclined gear train and curved central hour and minute hands. These striking elements integrate and extend over the inclined balance wheel, giving the timepiece its powerful identity, but also assuring its outstanding chronometric performance.
In the new hand-wound calibre, with several patents pending, the imposing Greubel Forsey balance wheel at 7 o’clock can be seen in an inclined construction for the very first time. It maximises the space offered by the arched case and sapphire crystal, while linking form and function. This new approach is based on their large balance wheel unveiled in 2016. Entirely developed and made within the Greubel Forsey Atelier, this balance wheel is distinguished by its oversized 12.6mm diameter, ensuring excellent timekeeping performance.
To allow fine timekeeping adjustment of the moment of inertia, the balance wheel rim is fitted with six gold regulating screws, inset to limit air friction. The 30° angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the movement proves to be an outstanding solution for limiting timing errors due to the effects of gravity on the regulating organ (balance wheel, spring and escapement) in stable positions. Combined with the large diameter of the balance wheel and the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, it provides this timepiece with excellent chronometric performance – it’s also prominently visible in action due to the unique movement architecture.
With two coaxial barrels mounted in series, the 308-component movement has a 72-hour chronometric power reserve, indicated on a sector at 2 o’clock using an open-worked red-tipped hand. The central hours and minutes display, with profiled and open-worked polished steel hands, is completed by a small seconds hand on the inclined plane of the escapement at 8 o’clock, accentuating the depth and relief of this new calibre. Following the Greubel Forsey creative spirit, technical and architectural innovation is accomplished with unconditional care and craftsmanship for all the components of the movement – whether these are visible through the sapphire crystal, the transparent caseback or hidden in the mechanical mysteries within.
This traditional artisanal know-how is mastered in the brand’s Atelier – frosting, polished bevels and countersinks, circular and straight graining highlight even the smallest surfaces. The use of titanium for the mainplate and bridges proved much more difficult for manual hand-finishing than steel or even nickel silver and further increases the technical and aesthetic challenge that this timepiece represents.
The sporty case is also made of titanium and water-resistant to 100 metres. It is a powerful case shape distinguished by its lightness and comfort on the wrist. Its robustness protects the movement, in particular its large balance wheel – tested in the Greubel Forsey EWT Laboratory. The flexible and resistant rubber strap reinforces the sporty dimension, with all the comfort of a titanium folding clasp.
With the Balancier S, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey take another step in their exploration of new technical and aesthetic horizons. Rarely has a timepiece with sport-orientated characteristics displayed such chronometric performance so visibly. Rarely has a watch with a sporting vocation presented such a degree of craftsmanship in movement and case. An exclusive alliance between creativity and performance, the Art of Invention, signed Greubel Forsey.
