Greubel Forsey Bids Farewell to the Balancier Convexe S² with Final Ceramic Editions

In a refined pairing of white and black, the concluding models honour one of the watchmaker’s most distinctive technical achievements.

The Convexe collection has emerged as one of Greubel Forsey's most distinguished representations of its watchmaking philosophy within the contemporary catalogue. Unveiled in 2019, the Convexe case featured a double-curved design, intended to conform to the natural contour of the wrist while showcasing the movement as a sculptural entity. The Balancier Convexe S² debuted in 2021, featuring a highly openworked design characterised by the company as a “urban landscape,” comprising many tiers, suspended bridges, and striking depth that exposes the prominent, slanted balance wheel.

In 2023, the brand introduced the 41.5mm S² in titanium and carbon, preserving the concept while enhancing the aesthetics and finish. The narrative of the S² now culminates in its concluding chapter. The brand presents two final iterations of the Balancier Convexe S²: one in black ceramic with red gold accents and the other in white ceramic, representing the most unique manifestations of the calibre prior to its permanent discontinuation in 2026. The double curvature Convexe case has a diameter of 41.5mm and maintains the distinctive profile characteristic of the line. The case has curved sapphire crystals on either side, a three-dimensional bezel with adjustable geometry, and contoured lugs secured with visible screws. The watch rests nicely on the wrist, despite its intricate design. The black ceramic and 5N red gold edition emphasises contrast, volume, and visual depth. The dark ceramic central case encases the movement architecture, while the red gold bezel and caseback impart warmth and a sense of heft. The white ceramic variant showcases the movement's architecture through light and shadow, enhancing the purity of the Convexe shape.

Like other Greubel Forsey inventions, the dial fundamentally embodies the movement, structured over numerous tiers and intended to showcase mechanical functionality rather than obscure it. The hour ring is situated prominently beneath the sapphire crystal, while the lower section of the watch unveils the substantial inclined balance. The refined steel hands, imbued with Super-LumiNova, are situated on a suspended arch-shaped bridge, a hallmark of the S² design. The substantial inclined balance wheel in the lower segment of the watch serves as the chronometric core and the design's focal point. Further features comprise the tiny seconds, located adjacent to the balance wheel on a gold subdial, and a sector-style power reserve indicator incorporated into the movement's stratified design.

The timepiece is driven by the hand-wound Greubel Forsey calibre GF09XV, which consists of 301 components, with a 68-part escapement platform for the brand’s distinctive 30° inclined balance wheel mechanism, aimed at enhancing chronometric stability by minimising positional inaccuracies. Energy is provided by two rapidly revolving coaxial barrels, completing one rotation every 3.2 hours, and offering a 72-hour chronometric power reserve. One of the barrels features a sliding spring to avert excessive stress. The exclusive variable-inertia balance wheel, with a diameter of 12.6mm and equipped with six gold mean-time screws, oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and includes a balancing spring with a Phillips terminal curve and Geneva-style stud.

The titanium bridges and mainplates are frosted and meticulously hand-finished, featuring polished bevels and countersinks. The multi-level suspended-arch bridge is characterised by a straight grain and a polished surface, whereas the reverse side of the movement displays frosted bridges with polished edges and a gold plate inscribed with the limitation number. Areas seldom seen post-assembly are accorded equivalent attention. Both final editions are presented on a hand-stitched, textured rubber strap, available in black or white, contingent upon the version, and secured with a folding clasp crafted from titanium or a combination of titanium and 5N red gold. A three-row titanium bracelet featuring integrated fine adjustment is available upon request.

These two ceramic models represent the concluding production series of the Balancier Convexe S² movement, with a limitation of just 11 pieces per edition. The production of the movement will definitively conclude in 2026, when Greubel Forsey systematically shifts to a new generation of timepieces and technical innovations. The price is available upon request. For additional information, please visit greubelforsey.com.