Whilst we have ongoing relationships with brands such as Christopher Ward, Fears, and Bamford Watch Department, we are also gaining traction with some less ‘mainstream brands such as Vertex and the brand in question today, Greubel Forsey.
Gruebel Forsey has been around since 2004 and has been responsible for some of the most beautiful and innovative, but bonkers watches that are available today.
However, they manage to toe the line between bonkers and beautiful in a way that not many other brands can. This impressive feat is particularly apparent in their latest release, the Balancier Contemporain in Red Gold.
Whilst the Balancier Contemporain is a now stable member of the Gruebel Forsey line-up since its release in 2019, the watch was previously only available in white gold. I think the decision to go with the richness of red gold as opposed to yellow gold is a very nice touch. It is hard to describe red gold to someone who has not seen it, but it has a depth and a warmth that you just do not see from yellow. I feel that this is a perfect touch to a stunning watch. The contrast now offered between the deep red gold case and the silver dial is gorgeous, but then I am a total sucker for red and rose gold…
One thing that is certainly an important feature of the Balancier Contemporain is that when Gruebel Forsey decided to make this watch, they did not do what most watch designers do and take an existing movement and create a case to accommodate it, which would be considered the easy option. Instead what they did was created the case first, and then made a movement specifically to fit the case. Whilst this will may not seem like much to the average punter, this way of doing things shows an amazing level of commitment by the brand.
Whilst this watch, and the brand for that matter, may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is hard to argue with the technical prowess of this piece. Not only is it one of, if not the most ‘conservative’ Gruebel Forsey’s in their line-up, but it is also one of the most technically impressive.
This watch really is a home run, and I think it is important to highlight Gruebel Forsey as a brand. They are independent that stand for insane quality and innovation, which I think should put them firmly at the top of the conversation around high-end independents. Please go and check out the watch here and well as some of the other bonkers watches in their lineup.
