In keeping with the trend back towards smaller watches, Greubel Forsey has (slightly) shrunk the curved lines of the Balancier Convexe S2 and Double Balancier Convexe, with new versions versions of the Balancier Convexe S2 and the Double Balancier Convexe smaller by 2mm and 1mm, respectively. Both models were 43.5mm but the new Double Balancier Convexe is 42.5mm and the Balancier Convexe S², 41.5mm.

The standard watch is a round calibre in case shaped the same, which means that a smaller watch size just entails reducing the shape around the movement, since there’s often some space to spare, so to speak. With Greubel Forsey, scaling down means redesigning the whole thing – reassessing the construction of the two movements. The Convexe size reduction may appear insignificant in millimetre terms, especially compared to other watch reductions, but because it entailed a re-examining of the new movement, the process was far more complex.

The Balancier Convexe S2 is what counts for entry level for Greubel Forsey because it is time-only. The new titanium case measures 41.5 mm and 44 mm including the bezel width, with a thickness of 14.8mm, down from 15.7mm – a significant reduction.

In order to achieve this, they had to change the width of the movement from 37mm to 38 mm and reduce its thickness from 10.7 mm to 10.05 mm. These allow the movement to fit in the new smaller case dimensions and still retain the signature curvature of the case, curved sapphire crystals, and the absence of lugs.

On the dial side this new movement can be seen alongside the solid part of the dial – at angle for most of the upper part is a partly open-worked black frosted dial. Beneath it is an oversized balance wheel angled to 30 degrees.

Onto the new Double Balancier Convexe. The case now measures 42.5mm x 44.44mm, compared to the previous 43.5 mm x 46.5 mm.

With a significantly larger part of the dial open compared to the Balancier Convexe S², it has a pair of balance wheels inclined at 30 degrees in opposite directions, at 5 o’clock and eight thirty on the dial side. In the middle connecting them is a spherical differential. This differential averages the beat rate error of the two balances, to enhance stability and accuracy. The movement plates are frosted titanium, contrasting with the brass parts of the movement.

As mentioned, the movement in this new piece also had to be redesigned when making it smaller – the calibre now measures 37.7mm in width compared to the previous 38.7mm, with thickness maintained at 9.46mm.

The Balancier Convexe S2 is offered in either a blue or gray dial and the Double Balancier Convexe is offered with a silver dial. Both come on rubber textured straps with titanium clasps or an integrated titanium bracelet.

On the dial plate, both new models have engraved mainspring barrels, and a 72-hour power reserve indicator. They also both feature a running seconds sub dial (inclined on the Balancier Convexe S²), skeletonised and lumed hour/ minute hands, and lumed hour markers.

The new Balancier Convexe S2 and Double Balancier Convexe will only be made between 2023 and 2026, limited to 88 pieces for each. The Balancier Convexe S2 is priced at CHF 212,000 on the strap and CHF 252,000 on bracelet. The Double Balancier Convexe is CHF 305,000 on the strap and CHF 346,000 on the bracelet.

[Photo credit: Greubel Forsey]

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