Greubel Forsey is already busy preparing for the 20th anniversary it'll mark next year.
The watchmaker has announced it'll be investing 20 million Swiss francs to expand its manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Its area will more than double from 2000 square meters to 5460 square meters.
As a result, the watchmaker plans to increase its annual production volume to 500 watches — roughly twice the amount manufactured last year. Two years ago, the company's CEO Antonio Calce explained that the brand would be developing two areas: highly exclusive complicated models, and more affordable watches priced between 200,000 and 350,000 Swiss francs.
Judging by the watchmaker’s latest ambitious plans, the strategy must have been a success. Models which fall under what Greubel Forsey considers the affordable watch category will include Balancier Convexe S² (entry-level for this brand) and the Double Balancier Convexe, presented in an updated format for summer 2023.
The company decided that these watches would remain impressive, even if their cases would be made significantly smaller. After all, not everyone can wear a watch with a bezel measuring 46 mm in diameter.
The resulting Balancier Convexe S² has been presented in a case measuring 41.5 mm, while the case for the Double Balancier Convexe measures 42.5 mm. Given that Greubel Forsey’s movements are developed for specific models with set specifications, new case measurements mean the watch engine also needs to be reworked.
Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2
Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe
The proportions and shape of the cases remain unchanged. The watches use recognizable elements of the curved Convexe case: an ideal frame to display the multifaceted movement, accentuated in the lower half of the dial.
This is precisely where the most interesting details can be found: the Balancier Convexe S² has a balance wheel inclined at a 30° angle, while the Double Balancier Convexe has no less than two balance wheels inclined at a 30° angle, connected by a spherical constant differential that completes one full rotation every four minutes.
Both models use titanium cases, and both are available as a limited edition of 88 pieces. Two versions of the Balancier Convexe S² will be released: a blue-dial and a gray-dial version.