The Swan Song of a Wrist Sculpture: Greubel Forsey's Balancier Convexe S² in Ceramic
Greubel Forsey has always operated in a realm where haute horlogerie transcends mere timekeeping, venturing into the territory of wearable art and mechanical sculpture. Their Convexe collection, introduced in 2019, has been a particularly striking manifestation of this philosophy. The genius of the Convexe case lies in its double-curved architecture, meticulously designed not just to house a complex movement, but to embrace the natural contours of the wrist. It’s a design that makes the watch feel less like an object on your arm and more like an extension of it. Now, with the unveiling of the final editions of the Balancier Convexe S² in black and white ceramic, we're witnessing the poignant end of an era for this specific, highly recognizable design.
A Symphony of Form and Function
What makes the Balancier Convexe S² so captivating, in my opinion, is how it presents the mechanical heart of the watch. Instead of a traditional dial, the movement itself becomes the spectacle, an "urban landscape" as the brand aptly describes it. The introduction of the S² in 2021 amplified this by creating an even more openworked, multi-level display, drawing the eye towards the large, inclined balance wheel. This isn't just about showing off the gears; it's about orchestrating a visual ballet of precision engineering. Personally, I think the way Greubel Forsey layers these components, creating dramatic depth and revealing the intricate dance of the escapement, is nothing short of masterful. It transforms the act of telling time into an engaging, almost theatrical experience.
The latest ceramic iterations, measuring a comfortable 41.5mm, are particularly significant because they represent the final expressions of this movement. The choice of ceramic – either a stark white or a deep black with striking red gold accents – is a bold statement. In my view, the black ceramic edition, with its warm red gold highlights, offers a powerful contrast that emphasizes the watch's volume and visual depth. The white ceramic, on the other hand, plays with light and shadow, accentuating the purity of the Convexe case’s geometry. What many people don't realize is how challenging it is to work with ceramic in such complex case shapes, yet Greubel Forsey has clearly mastered it, delivering a material that is both incredibly durable and aesthetically sophisticated.
The Unseen Artistry
When you look at the Balancier Convexe S², the dial is, in essence, the entire movement. The hour ring sits high, almost floating, while below, the large, inclined balance wheel takes center stage. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; it's a functional one. The 30° inclined balance wheel is a signature Greubel Forsey innovation, designed to significantly improve chronometric stability by mitigating the effects of gravity. From my perspective, this dedication to improving accuracy, even in a watch that is so visually arresting, speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to true watchmaking excellence. The inclusion of a small seconds subdial and a sector-style power reserve indicator are seamlessly integrated into this layered architecture, adding practical functionality without detracting from the visual spectacle.
Beneath the surface, the hand-wound calibre GF09XV is a marvel of engineering. With 301 components, including a dedicated 68-part escapement platform, it's built for performance. The two fast-rotating coaxial barrels ensure a consistent power supply for its 72-hour power reserve, with one barrel featuring a slipping spring to prevent over-winding – a detail that I find particularly reassuring. The 12.6mm variable-inertia balance wheel, beating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, is meticulously crafted with six gold mean-time screws. What this really suggests is an obsessive attention to detail, a commitment to refining every single element for optimal performance and longevity. Even the parts that are rarely seen after assembly receive the same level of exquisite finishing, a testament to Greubel Forsey's uncompromising standards.
A Legacy in Motion
These final ceramic editions are limited to just 11 pieces per variation, and their production will permanently cease in 2026. This makes them not just timepieces, but collector's items and a definitive closing chapter for the Balancier Convexe S² movement. Personally, I think it’s a smart move for a brand like Greubel Forsey to know when to evolve and transition to new mechanical frontiers. The availability of these pieces on hand-sewn rubber straps, with optional titanium bracelets, ensures they are as comfortable to wear as they are breathtaking to behold. If you take a step back and think about it, these watches represent the culmination of years of innovation and refinement, presented in a form that is both avant-garde and deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. It’s a legacy that will undoubtedly be cherished by those fortunate enough to acquire one.
