Often a person may study a watch with a furrowed brow and a serious – almost pained – expression on their face as they analyse every tiny detail and contemplate its design from an intellectual standpoint. But sometimes a watch comes along that, when viewed, elicits a childlike reaction that begins with a gasp, is followed by a smile, and concluded with a bewildered shake of the head and an incredulous laugh as the dumbstruck viewer tries to comprehend the artistry and expertise they are seeing. The latter is commonly the reaction when the watch in question is made by Greubel Forsey.

Now with more than two decades of adventure under their belt, Greubel Forsey continue to push the limits of fine watchmaking at their atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland. Showing at Dubai Watch Week this November are a quartet of special edition pieces from these masters of haute horology that prove yet again that Robert Greubel, a Frenchman, and Stephen Forsey, an Englishman, have not budged one inch from the mantra that guides their creative process: the art of invention.

First out of the gate is the GMT Balancier Convexe, which makes a hotly anticipated return in a case that has been completely redesigned. Now with enhanced ergonomics for supreme comfort on the wrist, the GMT Balancier Convexe remains the only GMT model in Greubel Forsey’s collection.

Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe

Inviting the wearer to perhaps reflect on their existence in the world, the watch presents our planet as a floating titanium sphere in an amphitheatre-like construction. The globe rotates in real time, completing one full revolution every 24 hours. This beautiful feature in blue and grey is surrounded by indicators displaying universal time, a second time zone, day/night, as well as a new integrated power reserve at 11 o’clock.

Made for an adventurous spirit, the new slimmer GMT Balancier Convexe is more wearable, ideal for those who find themselves skipping across time zones. The caseback shows a lacquered and hand matt-lapped disc engraved with global cities, plus UTC and daylight saving references. In an homage to Greubel Forsey’s home in Switzerland, La Chaux-de-Fonds (CHX-DE-FONDS) replaces Paris and sits between Athens and London. Now with 496 components (73 more than its predecessor) this 42.9mm masterpiece in a curved titanium case has a 72-hour power reserve and is limited to 22 pieces. Clarity and performance, the GMT Balancier Convexe is a companion to guide you through the world.

The caseback shows a lacquered and hand matt-lapped disc engraved with global cities, plus UTC and daylight saving references

The second piece at Dubai Watch Week is the Hand Made 2, a powerful testament to the artistry of Greubel Forsey’s team. Assembled entirely by hand by a single watchmaker, this symbiosis of modernity and tradition showcases the brand’s passion for hand watchmaking. All but five of its 270 components are handmade using traditional tools such as a precision lathe, a jig-borer, or a pantograph.

Greubel Forsey Handmade 2

A mesmerising dial in hand-frosted German silver allows the Grand Feu enamel dials for hours, small seconds and power reserve to take the limelight. A landmark achievement is the power reserve indicator, which is set on a handcrafted conical jewel, a stunning demonstration of Greubel Forsey’s watchmaking credentials. Celebrating craftsmanship, history and innovation, the Hand Made 2’s movement is a joyous dance of artistry and mechanics and offers a visual treat at any angle.

The power reserve indicator, which is set on a handcrafted conical jewel

Rare and exclusive, only two or three pieces are able to be made each year, which is unsurprising when one learns that it takes more than 5,000 hours to complete this 40.9mm marvel.

If you were to rank watchmaking tasks in terms of difficulty, frosting a titanium mainplate by hand would be near the top. This notoriously tricky feature is the centrepiece of the extraordinary Double Balancier Convexe Titanium. Limited to 88 pieces, it is a worthy addition to Greubel Forsey’s showcase at Dubai Watch Week.

Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe Titanium

Not only did watchmakers set themselves the challenge of a frosted titanium mainplate, but they also decided to hand polish the chamfers of the bridge of each balance wheel whose bevelling is also polished by hand, a task requiring delicacy and dexterity. Now in a new diameter of 42.5mm, the Double Balancier Convexe Titanium benefits from a completely redesigned, double-curved case in luminous grey that discreetly envelops the wrist. A statement of power, the neat and tidy watch still manages, however, to show its artistic side with a polished bezel featuring subtle satin finishes that enable a charming play of light.

Completing the quartet of Greubel Forsey pieces is the Balancier Convexe S², a 41.5mm watch whose claim to fame is that it is now the smallest member of the Convexe family. Despite its diminutive stature, this watch exudes a grand charisma. Marking a new direction for the brand, the pioneering Balancier Convexe S² transmits a strong architectural identity that is contemporary, bold and urban. Catching the eye first is the highly ergonomic titanium case that curves around the wrist for optimum wearability. Central hands in luminescent white appear to almost rise out of the watch, while a trio of meticulously handcrafted finishes including grained, satin-brushed and mirror-polished allow the watch to play with light and depth. Amplifying the sense of depth is the openworked bridge that creates an opportunity to view the intricate mechanics of the Balancier Convexe S². Simultaneously elegant, innovative and luxurious, this piece is limited to 88 pieces and signals another impressive step in Greubel Forsey’s path to hand watchmaking perfection.

Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S²

Tech Specs: GMT Balancier Convexe

Movement: Patented hand-wound movement
Dial: Terrestrial globe in titanium, relief engraved continents, ocean blue treatment. Day-and-night UTC indicator in titanium, engraved and lacquered. GMT indicator in gold. Amphitheatre hour-ring with engraved and lacquered minute-circle. Small seconds indicator in gold
Case: Titanium with curved sapphire crystal. Three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped bezel, hand-polished with hand-finished straight graining. Transparent back with curved and high domed synthetic sapphire crystal
Strap: Hand-sewn textured rubber or rubber with text in relief. Titanium folding clasp, engraved GF logo. On demand: 3-row metal bracelet in titanium, folding clasp with integrated fine adjustment, engraved GF logo

Tech Specs: Double Balancier Convexe Titanium

Movement: Hand-wound movement with 2 patents and 371 parts, 72 hours power reserve. Two coaxial series-coupled fast-rotating barrels (1 turn in 3.2 hours), one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension
Dial: Three-dimensional, variable geometry hour-ring with engraved and lacquered minute-circle Three-dimensional, variable geometry hour indexes, polished, with Super-Luminova Power-reserve indicator, engraved and lacquered. Differential rotation and small seconds indicators in gold. Hours and minutes hands, curved profile, polished steel with Super-Luminova
Case: 42.5mm titanium with curved synthetic sapphire crystal. Three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped bezel, hand-polished with hand-finished straight graining

Tech Specs: Balancier Convexe S²

Movement: Hand-wound movement of 301 parts, 72 hours chronometric power reserve
Dial: Three-dimensional, variable geometry hour ring, polished, with engraved and lacquered minute circle. Three-dimensional, variable geometry hour indexes, polished, with Super-Luminova. Power-reserve indicator, engraved and lacquered. Gold small seconds dial with polished bevel
Case: Titanium with curved synthetic sapphire crystal, Three-dimensional, variable geometry-shaped bezel, hand-polished with hand-finished straight graining, profiled lugs, screwed fixing. Transparent back with high domed synthetic sapphire crystal, water resistant 100m, 41.5mm
Strap and clasp: Non-animal material, rubber with texture in relief, titanium clasp, engraved GF logo. On demand: 3-row metal bracelet in titanium, folding clasp, engraved GF logo