Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New and More Compact Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe, in Blue
The complex GMT watch decreases in size but increases in ergonomics and functionality.
Greubel Forsey introduced its impressive three-dimensional GMT complication in 2011. Equipped with a rotating globe and an inclined 24-second tourbillon regulator, the complications were housed in imposing cases with a protrusion to accommodate the globe and a windowpane on the flank to admire its rotations. Ten years later, the brand introduced another GMT model in a more manageable Convexe case without a tourbillon regulator. Instead, the GMT featured an inclined balance wheel and a more central display of the rotating planet. Presented during Geneva Watch Week, the latest blue GMT Balancier Convexe shrinks slightly in size and features a power reserve indicator on the dial.
The redesigned GMT watch with enhanced ergonomics was introduced last year at Dubai Watch Week in a darker colour scheme. The titanium case diameter has been reduced from 43.5mm to 42.9mm, and the bezel, which is wider at the centre of the case, has been reduced from 46.5mm to 44.9mm. The case remains a prominent 15.1mm thick (17.6mm including the domed sapphire crystals). Beautifully finished with hand-polished and straight-grained surfaces, the curved bezel follows the convex curve of the case and sapphire crystal to dramatic effect. Echoing the blue colour scheme, the titanium crown features blue rubber grips. The engraved rectangular pusher on the case is used to adjust the GMT indicator in one-hour jumps, simultaneously rotating the globe.
While the specs of the case might still strike many as large, the curved profile and lugless design mean it sits flush on the wrist – as you can see, it doesn’t feel overly large, even on Brice’s 16.5cm wrist. Considering that the watch now features a power reserve indicator on the dial, which requires an additional 73 components, the case size was reduced by diminishing the overhang of the flared bezel and the internal seals, resulting in a lower depth rating of 50 metres.
On deck, the blue oceans featured on the revolving terrestrial globe with its relief-engraved continents now flood the surfaces of the bridges, decorated with a finely grained frosted texture which diffuses the light. Described as an amphitheatre, the deep well frames the titanium globe that completes a 24-hour rotation in real time. The 24-hour chapter ring framing the globe can give you an approximate or intuitive indication of the time around the world, including day and night indications, while the gold GMT or second time zone is indicated on the 12-hour sub-dial at 9 o’clock. To consult universal time, the caseback is engraved with 24 reference cities aligned on a 24-hour scale, with an inner ring to indicate daylight saving time (DST).
No less spectacular than a tourbillon, the balance wheel is angled across the lower part of the dial from 6 to 8 o’clock. Beating at 3Hz, it is positioned at a 30-degree incline and appears to be suspended mid-air. A signature in-house innovation, the inclination is designed to improve chronometric performance. Secured by a mirror-polished steel bridge, the 59-part balance wheel has a large diameter of 12.6mm. The red arrow-shaped hands for the hours and minutes have a luminescent insert, while the second time zone relies on a solid red arrow, and the gold small seconds indicator, perched at 5 o’clock, is indicated by a blued steel hand.
Given the globe’s prominent presence, there is little room to accommodate additional functions without cluttering the view. However, the power reserve indicator has been ingeniously inserted in the limited space to the left of the globe with an elongated hand at 11 o’clock pointing to a 72-hour scale. To shine more light on the dial, the walls of the internal titanium flange are mirror-polished. The 496-part, patented, manual-winding movement relies on two series-coupled fast-rotating barrels to ensure a 72-hour power reserve for the multiple functions showcased on the dial.
The GMT Balancier Convexe is paired with a blue-textured rubber strap and a titanium folding clasp (it can also be ordered on a titanium bracelet). It is a limited edition of 22 pieces and retails for CHF 380,000. More information at greubelforsey.com.
