Greubel Forsey, who recently released updated (and smaller) iterations of the Convexe S2 and the Double Balancier Convexe (entailing the reduction of both the curved shape of the case and the movement), was simultaneously working on more than one version of these new models.

Meet the new Balancier Convexe S2 Carbon and the Double Balancier Convexe Carbon, a material which has not been historically associated with the brand but which, within the context of its direction in recent years towards ‘sportier’ watches, shows that the brand once known for ultra high end finished dress watches, has not just been changing its positioning and image, but also opening up opportunities for those with the means and desire, to have have multiple Greubel Forsey watches for quite different uses and occasions.

For the technical details, hit the link at the top to read the article about the launch models.

The Balancier Convexe S2 Carbon is of course in the reduced 41.5mm size and the Double Balancier Convexe Carbon, 42.5 mm. The use of carbon means the watches are lighter even than titanium (the heft of Greubel Forsey watches being historically one of their most significant points), as well as being more modern, informal, and wearable for more wrists.

As was the case for the Balancier Convexe S2 and Double Balancier Convexe in titanium, to create these new curved cases in carbon was not straightforward. The carbon fibre they have used is created using a compression-molding process involving pressure levels of 16 tonnes, which makes for a denser case. The layers of carbon measure between 1 and 5 microns.

The crowns on the models have a matte finishing, with the engraving in relief, the latter consistent across the Convexe range. Both have the familiar high level of finishing associated with the brand, featuring hand-frosting on the bridges, hand-polished bevelling, straight-graining, and black-polished steel.

The Double Balancier Convexe Carbon’s multi-level, titanium centre plate comes in two dial variants – either blackened or green. The two co-axial mainspring barrels are also a matching black or green. Only twenty-two pieces of each dial variant will be produced. Coming on a black textured rubber strap with a titanium and carbon folding clasp, it has an RRP of CHF 345,000 (excluding taxes).

The new Balancier Convexe S2 Carbon’s case features a combination of matte and grained finishing on the bezel and lugs and crown. Its multi-layered dial displays central hours and minutes, a 72-hour power reserve indicator, and small seconds. Visible on the dial is the top of the two co-axial mainspring barrels, gear train and bridge for the hour-minute hands, and 30°-inclined balance wheel. For this new iteration, Greubel Forsey has covered the dial plate with a thin layer of carbon fibre.

The 303-part movement has a 72 hour power reserve has three large hand-decorated bridges on the movement side, with grained bridges and main plate. The cover of the twin barrels features a black treatment.

The new Balancier Convexe S2 will also be produced in two limited editions of twenty-two pieces each, with the small seconds sub dial either blue or black, textured rubber strap, and a titanium and carbon buckle. The Balancier Convexe S2 Carbon has an RRP of CHF 255,000 (excluding taxes).

Both the new Balancier Convexe S2 and Double Balancier carbon models will be only available between 2023 and 2026.

Last year’s buy-back of the 20 per cent of the brand that had been previously held by the Richemont Group by main shareholder Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey and CEO Antonio Calce is obviously the most important underlying factor in where the brand is headed, but these new watches form a continuation of the brand’s ten-year plan which was announced two years ago. With plans for expanded production, new movements and a wider range of complications, by the end of that plan, Greubel Forsey may well be quite a different horological beast to the one to which many had been accustomed.

[Photo credit: Greubel Forsey]

Categories: Greubel Forsey, Limited Editions, Watch Profile, watches