Greubel Forsey provokes a sensation unveiling its very first carbon creation. For the occasion, the Double Balancier Convexe takes on new dimensions with a smaller diameter of 42.5mm. This totally unexpected timepiece shares the Atelier’s boldness combining structural complexity with the style of a highly technical material.
Greubel Forsey delivers a new generation of carbon timepieces. The material becomes part of the Atelier’s collections, offering collectors enhanced lightness and resistance.
Recognised and appreciated by collectors, the convexe case fully benefits from this design choice. On the case back, its form perfectly meets the curve of the wrist. On the dial, a three-dimensional, curved profile allows the movement to fully express itself. Since carbon fibres are never combined twice in the same way, the design of each piece will also be unique, reinforcing the exclusivity of the timepiece.
Pressing carbon to its limits
It was no mean feat to produce the convexe carbon case. The carbon case, as developed by Greubel Forsey, requires pressure 8 times greater than average (16 tonnes applied to a convexe case, compared to an industry standard 2 tonnes). This mechanical effort makes it possible to obtain a much denser carbon for an almost identical weight, to be enjoyed by the collector.
Style at the service of performance
For Greubel Forsey, this specific technique opens up the possibility of executing fine watchmaking finishing by hand that affirm the Atelier’s identity and status. This is how you’ll come to find finishes, from satin to matt and relief engraving on the Double Balancier Convexe, all complementing the natural work of the carbon fibres that Greubel Forsey has taken care to match with the converging lines on the convexe case. This is carbon deployed at its best, both flexible and solid, with fibres between 1 and 5 microns thick, perfectly defined and mastered.
One case, two versions
The timepiece has a considerably more modern feel, perfectly in line with the direction of the signature brand. This is also the reasoning behind the reduced diameter of 42.5mm on the Double Balancier Convexe.
Greubel Forsey demonstrates the power of these new carbon timepieces from the outset by offering its collectors two versions with strong assertive character. The first features a dominant iridescent green finish, with numerous rich blue hues to the main bridge incorporating the power reserve display, as well as the mainplate and the hour ring. This is complemented by a rubber strap in the same tone, creating a fresh feel and reinforcing the signature brand’s contemporary commitment.
The second version brings black to the fore, asserting the timepiece’s elegant simplicity. The carbon fibre weaves a homogeneous, decidedly contemporary configuration. By contrast, the salient feature that stands out most is the hand-finished movement, with its mirror polishing, sharp internal angles, straight and circular-grained surfaces, and curved hands with luminescent tips. In both the green and black versions, the Double Balancier’s calibre exudes technicality and precision.
The majestic Double Balancier
A truly unique expression of this sixth Fundamental Invention, while the invention itself has never stopped evolving. Its prototype mechanism was patented in 2007. It was first proposed as part of an EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) project, in which the two regulating organs were superimposed and inclined at 20°. A second calibre of just six timepieces followed close behind, with the two regulating organs positioned on three-dimensional planes and inclined, this time at 35°.
In 2016, Greubel Forsey presented the invention in its current form: the two balance wheels are arranged side by side, inclined at 30°, and linked by a constant spherical differential visible between 6 and 7 o’clock. In each 4-minute period, it halves the margin of error and meets the performance, precision and reliability requirements that Greubel Forsey sets for all its timepieces.
In this unprecedented compact version with a diameter of 42.5mm, only 22 pieces will be produced in each variation of the Double Balancier Convexe carbon, with the first available from August 2023.
GREUBEL FORSEY
Greubel Forsey has been constantly striving for excellence since being founded in 2004, and is active at the very top of high-end watchmaking, designing and producing timepieces renowned for their exceptional quality. Located in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland), the Atelier Manufacture brings together remarkable expertise, exceptional innovation and rare craftsmanship excellence. Greubel Forsey has made the “Art of Invention” its guiding principle: since its creation, the brand has imagined, patented and created 7 major inventions that have radically changed the world of fine watchmaking. All Greubel Forsey timepieces adhere to 5 principles: invention and innovation; handmade and hand-finished; performance and reliability; architecture and design; rarity and exclusivity. Thanks to a fully mastered design and manufacturing process combined with its uncompromising pursuit of excellence, the brand has established itself in just a few years as one of the finest names in technical and contemporary fine watchmaking. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, Greubel Forsey is totally independent and has embarked on a fundamental transformation from an inventive workshop to a fully-fledged watch brand.