Greubel Forsey closes the chapter on the Balancier Convexe S² with two final editions in white ceramic and black ceramic with red gold
When the news first broke that Stephen Forsey would be leaving the brand he’d co-founded, it felt like the end of an era. The master watchmaker, after all, was one half of the philosophy, technical direction, and identity behind Greubel Forsey for more than two decades.
And as the industry is still in the midst of bidding adieu to one chapter of the brand, Greubel Forsey (yes, the brand is keeping its name) is now saying goodbye to yet another beloved aspect of its heritage: the Balancier Convexe S².
Introduced in 2019, the Convexe case showcased the brand’s creative and rigorous approach to watchmaking. With its double-curved construction designed to follow the natural shape of the wrist, the Convexe case offered a fresh perspective on how a watch should wear and present its mechanics.
The Balancier Convexe S², released in 2021, brought this concept to life, boasting an exquisite and visually arresting openworked architecture that almost appears to bend gravity. Described by the brand as an “urban landscape,” the hand-finished movement reveals multiple levels of bridges, suspended structures, and dramatic depth, all organised around the large inclined balance wheel that dominates the lower half of the watch.
And while Greubel Forsey is closing the chapter on the Balancier Convexe S² calibre, it’s doing so with a flourish. Unveiling two 41.5mm, limited-to-11 editions in white ceramic and black ceramic with red gold, the brand is giving the Balancier Convexe S² a fitting send-off.
Playing with contrast, the black ceramic and red gold version accentuates the visual effect of the openworked architecture. The black ceramic case forms a natural frame around the movement, making the various levels of bridges and wheels appear more pronounced, while the red gold bezel and caseback add both visual warmth and a sense of gravitas.
More than that, the monochromatic look of the matte ceramic case and black-treated calibre is elegantly punctuated by polished red gold, creating a layered visual effect that emphasises the depth of the openworked movement.
The white ceramic version, meanwhile, offers a purer expression. Without the strong contrast of black ceramic and gold, the all-white composition allows the architecture of the movement to take centre stage. Free from any distractions, the exquisite hand-finishing of its various bridges, wheels, and details are more visible at a glance.
Both watches are powered by the Balancier Convexe S² calibre and feature Greubel Forsey’s signature 30-degree inclined balance wheel, designed to improve chronometric stability by reducing positional errors. Two fast-rotating coaxial barrels deliver a chronometric power reserve of approximately 72 hours, while the hours and minutes are displayed on a suspended arch bridge beneath the curved sapphire crystal, with small seconds and a sector-style power reserve integrated directly into the movement’s layered architecture.
With these final editions, the Balancier Convexe S² bows out much the same way it arrived: architectural, technical, and uncompromising in its execution.
