In creating the Balancier Contemporain, Greubel Forsey imagined providing a particularly compact showcase for its exclusive balance-wheel system. Creating such a moderately-sized new movement and dial imposed the challenge of maintaining well-balanced forms and pleasing proportions, along with clear legibility and cutting-edge performance. Available in a 33-piece limited edition in white gold, this highly original creation is distinguished by its 39.6 mm case diameter, a first from Greubel Forsey which generally makes much larger timepieces. The challenge here was not only to house the large balance wheel within a limited space, but above all to achieve optimal proportions and an attractive three-dimensional construction, as well as safeguarding the emblematic aesthetic codes of the timepieces built within the atelier.

Its rhodium-colored gold dial has been exquisitely finished with the multi-layer construction that only Greubel Forsey knows how to execute flawlessly. Featuring a black lacquered hour-ring and a minute-circle, the blued hands add the perfect amount of color to make things even pop more. The visual opening for the balance wheel at six o’clock takes the center stage. Running seconds at 9 and an arch 72-hour power reserve indicator between 11 and 12 o’clock complete the front of the timepiece with all indications hand-engraved.

The case in white gold features domed sapphire crystals on front and back, a hand-polished bezel and a caseband with hand-finished straight graining. Watch is delivered on a black alligator strap with white gold pin buckle.

Sticker Price CHF 195,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $200,000 USD. For more info on Greubel Forsey click here.