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Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convex
Greubel Forsey’s asymmetrical GMT series impresses with its large, comfortable design and peculiar case protrusion. The new Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convex showcases the brand’s new movement while retaining the sportier intentions of titanium. Last year, Greubel Forsey made the brave and sustainable decision not to release any new models with animal leather straps. This helps make the new GMT a textbook example of juxtaposed styles, both otherworldly and cohesive. Between 2022 and 2024, production will be just 22 pieces per year. This speaks volumes for what is an absolutely futuristic timepiece while incorporating more hours of hand finishing than you might imagine. This combination makes any Greubel Forsey work such an interesting proposition.

Research and compare first impressions
Starting with the successful GMT Sport case, you’ll see the perfect blend of Greubel Forsey design cues in the GMT Balancier Convexe. This shape blew my mind last year. On paper, it looks huge, with 46.5mm bezels, 43.5mm mid-frame, and 17.4mm thickness. But it doesn’t have lugs in the usual sense, which makes it quite comfortable for its size. I’m not lying when I say it feels more like a 41mm watch, even though it is a pretty chunky watch. Last year in Geneva, the raised back, case shape and huge curved sapphire wrapped around my small to medium wrist with aplomb. The sporty feel of the red or blue textured rubber strap provides a pleasant contrast.

architectural dial theater
The dial, or lack thereof, reminds me of a Greubel Forsey artwork. While this is one of my favorite watches, the large circle at 1 o'clock frames the iconic GMT globe. The three-dimensional sculptural quality of our planet alone is enough to distract the senses, and it's packed with functionality. Not only does it offer a GMT function, it also offers a world time function and daylight saving time adjustment on the back. Competing with the globe and the poetic engraved text that surrounds it is the dramatically tilted scale at seven-thirty. The prima ballerina becomes the beating heart of the Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Conveexe, marking the first time we’ve seen it in a GMT watch. The hand-polished straight balance bridge and visible gears seem to float in space, which is mesmerizing.

Titanium style
Despite its considerable size, the watch appears to be very light thanks to its titanium case. Since handmade bracelets come with a sizable surcharge, you may be hesitant. Then again, if you have a girlfriend in your budget, the difference may not matter. Polished, chamfered and hand-brushed bracelets may just be the epitome of titanium bracelets, especially as a material that is notoriously difficult to work with. It also features a technologically angular case, with a convex sapphire crystal covering a city of watches.

concluding thoughts
Writing anything about Greubel Forsey is nothing short of a challenge when every detail is vying for my attention. The joy of finding the perfect screw or angle on a beautifully shaped bridge is even more evident in these photos by our photographer Bert. It’s as mesmerizing in real life as it is on screen, while for most people it belongs in another echelon of watchmaking.