The Greubel Forsey Balancier 3, The Brand’s New Entry-Level Watch

Greubel Forsey consistently defies convention, ensuring that each of the brand’s timepieces is nothing short of intriguing. In 2019, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey ventured into the sports watch category with the GMT Sport – a distinctive creation that integrated a world-time indication with an inclined tourbillon, but mostly an entirely new convex case design. Following this groundbreaking release, the Balancier S emerged in 2020, offering a simpler model while maintaining shared aesthetics and unparalleled craftsmanship. This time-only piece set the stage for subsequent sports-oriented creations, exemplified by the Balancier S2 in 2021. The latest addition to this innovative collection is the Greubel Forsey Balancier 3, a new watch meticulously crafted following the brand’s distinctive design and finishing language, and said to be more accessible (or less unreasonable…)

The novel Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 is introduced in captivating black or blue variants, housed within a 50m water-resistant titanium Convexe case with a 41.5mm diameter. The slightly larger bezel extends the measurement to 43.6mm. Standing at 13.55mm in height (13.35mm without the crystals), the case impeccably follows the wrist’s natural curvature, evident on both the dial and back sides. The variable geometry bezel is embellished with a mix of polished and straight-grained finishes, and this finish also adorns the titanium crown with the Greubel Forsey logo. Departing from the traditional Greubel Forsey style, the lugs eschew screws.

The dial presents an iconic Greubel Forsey aesthetic, continuing the theme of variable geometry on the hour ring with the engraved and lacquered minute track and three-dimensional, Super-LumiNova-treated hour indices. The large (12.6mm), adjustable-mass (6 gold mean-time screws) balance wheel takes centre stage at 5 o’clock, and the fast-rotating barrels, turning in 3.2 hours, boasting circular-grained, black-treated decoration with relief-engraved text, take their positions at 1 and 10 o’clock. The curved hour and minute hands are gracefully held by a wide hand-polished bridge with a three-dimensional open-worked design, leading to the small-seconds display at 8 o’clock, showcasing a fixed red indicator and a rotating satin-finished, marked disc underneath. Signature Greubel Forsey finishes, including polished bevels and screws, accentuate the main and minor bridges.

The curved sapphire caseback unveils finely finished, large bridges adorned with typical Greubel Forsey details, including jewels in chatons, yet without the writings. Notably, the power reserve indication (72 hours) makes its caseback debut in this collection.

Available in blue or black the Balancier 3 is offered with matching straps crafted from non-animal material and rubber secured by a titanium folding clasp. An optional three-row titanium bracelet with a folding clasp and fine adjustment is also available. Positioned as a “more accessible timepiece,” the Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 (a limited edition of 88 pieces per colourway) is priced at CHF 160,000, reaffirming Greubel Forsey’s exceptional standing in the world of haute horlogerie. An entry-level to the brand that remains an unattainable dream for most watch enthusiasts. But that’s how Greubel Forsey has always been positioned.

For additional details, please visit greubelforsey.com.