Yes, it is the last time we will see the Balancier Contemporain, and this 33-piece limited edition is the send-off that it deserves!
Since its release in 2019, the Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain has set a new benchmark for the brand. It took the Balancier movement we know (and love) and placed it in a more modern, wearable 39.6mm case size. While Greubel Forsey’s Balancier models, like the Convex are super wearable, they were on the larger side for many fans of the brand, like the Double Balancier Convex at just under 43mm and 14.35mm thick. The Contemporain addressed this issue, and since then, has seen much success.
For this reason, we watch nerds are a little sad that this, the third Balancier Contemporain, will be Greubel Forsey’s last ever, but we are told, it will open a new era for the brand, which quietly excites us! But, before Greubel Forsey moves on to better things, it is giving the Balancier Contemporain a final and fitting farewell. This time, this limited edition piece will be offered in something we’ve not seen in the Balancier Contemporain before – steel.
For those who know about Greubel Forsey, the brand is known for making its watches in precious metals like white gold, or making them super light via the use of titanium, but rarely does Greubel Forsey craft in steel. For this reason, it makes the new Balancier Contemporain something of a rarity and, to be honest, a great move for the final hoorah for the calibre.
Why, steel I may hear you ask? Well, I’ll let Greubel Forsey answer that:
“…this stainless steel interpretation is a statement of purpose. It is the rarest and most exclusive case material in the Atelier’s repertoire. Its presence here is deliberate: to honour the legacy of the Balancier Contemporain with purity, restraint, and resolve.”
And this makes sense to us as it is something unexpected, which for a final edition, is perfect, especially when it is something as simple as steel.
On the dial, the Balancier Contemporain showcases the time with hours and minutes in the off-centre dial, the small seconds down at the 8 o’clock position and a 72-hour power reserve indicator that arcs between the bezel and the main dial. And down at the bottom, keeping the time beautifully is the balance wheel. Sounds simple, but it’s anything but. The devil is in the details with the Balancier Contemporain.
The dial is multi-layered and gold, which is textured and coloured. The hour ring is sun-brushed blue to provide a surface contrast, and the balance wheel is suspended above a black polished gold plate, which adds more depth and a reflection. The bridges are done in nickel silver, frosted and spotted with polished bevelling and countersinks, and a blue treatment as well. All the edges are hand polished, as is every angle and surface, which can be appreciated when you look a little closer.
The back shows the same level, (albeit not as a spectacular a sight) of meticulous finishing as well. The flat black polished gold plate with relief showcases engraved text. This shows the polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks with gold chatons that house the rubies. The central gold plate is engraved with the limited edition number and Gruebel Forsey’s insignia.
Powering the Balancier Contemporain are two series-coupled, fast-rotating barrels (1 turn in 3.2 hours), one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension. This provides the watch with 72 hours of power, and beating at 3Hz / 21,600 VpH. All up, the movement houses 256 hand-finished components that make the final edition of the Balancier Contemporain nothing short of a work of art.
Initial Thoughts
Unfortunately, this is a watch I will probably never own. The fact that this is limited to 33 pieces is one reason, but the other is that it is slightly out of my price range at 220,000 CHF (Approx A$421,000 at the time of writing). But that is ok, as there are plenty of things in life that many people can’t afford, especially in the watch world, but this doesn’t stop us from dreaming and appreciating them nonetheless.
And appreciate this piece I do. It is a stunning watch, like most other pieces Greubel Forsey creates, but this piece is somewhat subdued compared to others, even with the level of detail and finishing. It is also fresh, with the cobalt blue tones on the dial and strap cutting through the gold and steel. On the wrist, at least in photos, it looks great, and hopefully, when in Geneva later this year, we will have the chance to see it in person. Again, one can dream!
Reference: Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain
Specifications:
- Case Size: 39.6mm x 12.25mm thick
- Case Material: Brushed and polished stainless steel
- Dial: Multi-level in gold, sunburst blue finish hour-ring, with a visual opening for the balance wheel, and a minute-circle with deep blue finish.
- Dial Side Movement: Nickel silver, frosted and spotted with polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks, blue treatment. Flat black polished steel balance wheel bridge, polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks and flat black polished gold plate under the balance wheel.
- Movement: Balancier Contemporain Manual Wind Calibre. Flat black polished gold plate with relief engraved text, polished bevelling and countersinks, straight-grained flanks with apparent gold chatons. Central gold plate, «GF» engraved with the limitation number
- Movement Frequency: 21,600 VpH (4hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: 72hrs
- Water resistance: 3 bar (30 meters)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal
- Case back: Sapphire crystal case back
- Bracelet/Strap: Hand-sewn textured rubber strap with a stainless steel pin buckle, engraved GF logo