Greubel Forsey Double Balance Convex Watch

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A Super Timepiece Designed for Wear: The Greubel Forsey Double Balance Convex Watch

Before diving in, I must first state that I have never seen a Greubel Forsey watch in person. This is a blind spot for me in the world of watchmaking. However, to be fair, Greubel Forsey watches are quite different. If you attend enough watch parties and work in the industry long enough, you'll encounter all sorts of strange and wonderful things. I've handled extremely rare antique watches, ultra-high-end independent watchmakers, and many breathtaking timepieces that I wouldn't have imagined I'd have the chance to see a few years ago. But Greubel Forsey is an exception. For most of the brand's history (dating back to 2004), its annual production has been limited to fewer than 100 pieces. The brand's new CEO, Antonio Calce, expects production to double by 2022 and eventually reach 500 pieces per year in the coming years. While this would significantly increase Greubel's production, output would still be extremely low; you'd never see one wearing one in a supermarket. Even brands like FP Journe, with an annual production of only around 800 pieces, occasionally appear at local watch enthusiast gatherings in my state—yes, New Hampshire. How many "wine and watch" gatherings would I have to attend before seeing someone wearing a double balance wheel watch? I think I'd have to be very, very old.

Despite their relative scarcity (perhaps precisely because of this), these watches deeply captivate me. Greubel Forsey is renowned for two things: its innovative and avant-garde complications that push the boundaries of modern watchmaking while maintaining a steadfast commitment to traditional chronographs; and its exquisite hand-finishing craftsmanship. It's often said that the beauty of Greubel Forsey's finishing must be seen to be truly appreciated, and I wholeheartedly believe it. Once I have the opportunity to handle one, I'll gladly share my experience to verify or refute this claim. Unlike the meticulous finishing of the case or movement (primarily an aesthetic pursuit), the watchmaking craftsmanship showcased in Greubel Forsey watches doesn't necessarily require firsthand observation to appreciate. Understanding the fundamental principles of movement operation is sufficient to grasp the exquisite craftsmanship and uniqueness of Greubel Forsey's creations. Therefore, I will focus on this topic using the new Double Balance Convex watch as an example.

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The double balance wheel is perhaps Greubel Forsey's signature invention, utilizing two balance wheels tilted at specific angles to fundamentally counteract the effects of gravity on the watch movement. If this sounds somewhat like the principle of a tourbillon, it is because they are. Greubel Forsey claims that by preventing the watch's regulating mechanism from being at extreme angles, such as being on the same plane, they are able to improve the watch's average timekeeping accuracy in different positions. After extensive research and a near-dedicated exploration of this bespoke watchmaking challenge, Greubel Forsey determined that a precise 30-degree tilt angle was appropriate, at least for this timepiece (other angles, whether steeper or gentler, may be suitable depending on the watch size).

This watch features a double balance wheel design, intended to balance the movement's average rate of motion during its 72-hour power reserve. Because both balance wheels are tilted, their accuracy is more consistent throughout the watch's operation. The two balance wheels are separated by a differential mechanism, which effectively distributes the energy of the two mainspring barrels evenly between them, allowing each balance wheel to complete a full rotation every four minutes.

Every Greubel Forsey watch treats watchmaking with extreme rigor, but this sometimes makes it less than ideal for everyday casual wear. Greubel Forsey watches are typically large and thick, serving more as a showcase of the brand's innovative technology than a practical timekeeping instrument. However, the new Double Balancier Convexe watch breaks this convention, easily handling the task of cleaning a lasagna dial even without pre-soaking. This watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, features a bracelet, and is crafted from titanium, so I can confidently say that its 43.5mm case will make it feel even more compact. While it's not a sports watch, imagine wearing it for everyday activities, rather than attending a monthly James Bond-style supervillain party or striking a pose in front of a Cirrus salesperson – there's a certain charm to it.

This leads me to a sincere request: please fill this gap in my watch review portfolio. Are there any Greubel Forsey owners among Worn & Wound readers? I'd love to personally handle and review your watch. I'll take good care of it. And this won't be your typical Greubel Forsey review. I'll wear it for something truly meaningful, like going to a Taco Bell drive-thru for a spicy potato taco. Maybe I'll even wear it bowling. And I'm pretty sure I'll wear it to the bank while queuing, and maybe even while waiting for my engine to be changed. The possibilities are endless, so if you can help me realize my dream of reviewing watches, please contact me.

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