Within the opulent more-is-more world of haute horlogerie, most designs have a tendency towards theatrical intricacy reasonably than clear and streamlined presentation. Boutique model Greubel Forsey isn’t any stranger to this realm of ornately extravagant design, as even its (comparatively) less complicated three-hand fashions take a decidedly theatrical method to timekeeping. For its newest launch, nonetheless, the model seems to be to simplify its three-hand Balancier S sequence, leading to a surprisingly glossy and wearable tackle Greubel Forsey’s type of shock-and-awe watchmaking. The brand new restricted version Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 gives a cleaner tackle the marque’s distinctive inclined-balance idea, presenting a smoother total look with out sacrificing any of its visible drama.
Though a far cry from reserved at 46.5mm-wide, the lugless titanium case of the Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 is a smoother and extra refined tackle the model’s signature sporty case idea than its predecessor. The crux of this sleeker new execution is the bezel design. Reasonably than the ostentatiously engraved phrases of the unique Balancier S, the Balancier S2 opts for a extra conventional chamfered design with a mixture of polished and horizontally brushed finishes. Whereas that is visually less complicated in pictures, in apply this extra conventional function is something however easy. When seen from the facet, the complete case profile is arched upwards, together with the bezel and the sapphire crystal. This variable-geometry method results in a remarkably advanced shaping and ending course of, permitting the bezel to seem nearly flat when seen from above. The crystal is a extremely intricate piece in its personal proper, formed to an identical arched curve with out producing any visible distortion or magnification in pictures. The cutout case sides are additionally reworked from the unique Balancier S, changing the blacked-out central part with a robust horizontal brushed end for a extra refined look. Likewise, the gear toothed crown is barely reworked, with bigger tooth and a extra advanced brushed end. Greubel Forsey strikes the unique mannequin’s ring of engraved adjectives to the caseback, surrounding the sapphire show window. The show again itself stays unchanged, nonetheless, as does the sporty 100 meter water resistance score.
Just like the case, the dial of the Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 retains the final type of its predecessor however refines and simplifies the main points. Accessible in each matte anthracite grey and a lighter concrete grey variant, the principle dial floor abandons the flowing advanced curves of the case in favor of sharp and dramatic angled planes. The pie pan-style downturn of the 12 o’clock dial edge reinforces the sense of total depth in pictures, however the rapid visible spotlight of the design is the 30-degree angled aircraft reducing throughout the dial from 5 o’clock to 9 o’clock. Not solely does this sheer, architectural component imbue the design with a way of scale and drama, it additionally serves a practical function for the watch’s namesake canted steadiness wheel. By putting the skeletonized steadiness cock and outsized steadiness wheel at an angle to the remainder of the Balancier S2’s motion, Greubel Forsey counteracts the miniscule results of gravity on a stationary timepiece for larger accuracy. Exterior of the brand new dial colours, nonetheless, the key modifications for the Balancier S2 flip the dial design in a sleeker and extra cohesive route. Gone are the colourful purple accents the primary Balancier S used for its arrow-tipped skeleton handset and eight o’clock operating seconds subdial, changed by clear monochrome components. The two o’clock energy reserve indicator can be simplified, with a brand new gas gauge-style cutout design that leaves the dial with much more unfavorable area. The uncovered mainspring barrel at 11 o’clock additionally takes a streamlined new tack, changing the unique’s outsized Greubel Forsey signature with a stylized swept-back motif in black. Even the variable-geometry outer ring is reworked for a extra full look in pictures, including utilized rectangular indices to the silver minutes monitor.
Regardless of the aesthetic overhaul, the handwound manufacture motion within the Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 stays similar to its forebear. Whereas the steadiness wheel and skeletonized gear practice seen from the dial facet are open and organized for optimum visible affect, the view from the caseback is extra restricted. Nearly all of the motion seen in pictures is roofed by a sequence of frosted and polished titanium bridges, strategically lower to permit glimpses of the golden gears inside. By way of efficiency, a set of fast-rotating (finishing a rotation as soon as each 3.2 hours) twin coaxial mainspring barrels permits this motion to realize a sturdy 72 hour energy reserve at a 21,600 bph beat price. Greubel Forsey finishes the Balancier S2 with a pair of strap choices. The less complicated and sportier of the pair is the deep grey fabric-effect rubber strap, which flows seamlessly into the lugless case for a clear and cohesive look. The obtainable engraved three-link titanium bracelet is markedly extra dramatic against this, with matte blasted reduction sections throughout each the tops and sides of the hyperlinks that showcase Greubel Forsey’s ending prowess.
By transforming the unique Balancier S with a cleaner, extra cohesive bundle, the restricted version Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 creates a gorgeous, wearable haute horlogerie sports activities watch that loses none of its predecessor’s sense of spectacle. Solely 88 examples of the Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 will probably be made with the charcoal grey dial, whereas solely 64 fashions will probably be made with the concrete grey dial, resulting in a complete manufacturing run of 152 items. The Greubel Forsey Balancier S2 is out there now by way of licensed sellers at a beginning MSRP of 205,000 CHF. For extra particulars, please go to the model’s web site.
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