A Collector’s Guide to Greubel Forsey
Tourbillon movements are a hallmark of several top independent luxury watch brands, so to say that Greubel Forsey is “known for their tourbillons” feels like an understatement. But Greubel Forsey isn’t just known for their double and even quadruple tourbillons. They’ve done exceptional work with inclined balance wheels, mechanical computers, grande sonneries, three-dimensional GMT functions, etc. And it helps that each watch is impeccably finished. The word is out about Greubel Forsey, and they have decidedly joined the ranks of ultra-elite independent watchmakers like FP Journe and Richard Mille. Here’s what you should know about them.
Greubel Forsey History
In 1999, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey began working independently after spending years at Renaud & Papi, one of the most renowned movement makers in the world and a supplier to Audemars Piguet. Even among such talented peers, Greubel and Forsey were clearly special watchmakers. In 2001, they founded Complitime SA, a company specializing in developing complicated watch movements.
The Greubel Forsey brand was launched at Baselworld 2004 with the introduction of their impressive Double Tourbillon 30° watch. It’s not just a double-axis tourbillon, but rather a tourbillon cage within another tourbillon cage. That same year, Greubel and Forsey (still as Complitime) began development of a mechanical planetarium for Richard Mille. Aside from a collab with Harry Winston in 2006, the duo has been focusing their inventive efforts on their own brand ever since.
The Experimental Watch Technology laboratory at Greubel Forsey was established in 2005. The EWT laboratory focuses on pioneering and testing new watchmaking technologies, and has given rise to several significant inventions like the Mechanical Computer, the Différentiel d’Égalité, and the Balancier (more on those later). Tourbillon watches have always remained hugely important to the brand, though, and Greubel Forsey didn’t even make a non-tourbillon watch until 2012! Each reference is typically only made for a couple years, so new models are often coming out.
Although Richemont (the company who owns Cartier and many other watch brands) owned a piece of Greubel Forsey from 2006-2022, the only three current owners are the two founders and the company’s CEO, Antonio Calce.
Greubel Forsey Watch Price
Most Greubel Forsey models go for somewhere between $150,000-$500,000 on the secondhand market. Greubel Forsey is one of the most expensive watch brands on the planet, and it starts to make sense when you consider that they made roughly the same number of watches in their first 20 years of operation (~3,000) as Patek Philippe makes every 20 days.
I have always found Greubel Forsey to be one of the top innovators when it comes to horology. Pound for pound, these are the best made watches in the industry.
Roman Sharf, CEO of Luxury Bazaar
Sapphire-case luxury watches are consistently among the most expensive watches in the world, so it comes as no surprise that sapphire-case Greubel Forsey watches can sell for over $400,000.
But a QP à Équation model, with a perpetual calendar and equation of time driven by an intuitive mechanical computer, has a fair market value more like $600,000-$900,000. A Handmade 1 model, which is 95% handmade and involves 6,000 hours of labor, might sell for even more, given the meager output of 2-3 per year.
A Grande Sonnerie, the brand’s most complicated piece, would almost certainly fetch seven figures. And the most expensive Greubel Forsey watch of all is likely the Art Piece 1, with a unique micro-sculpture and a value in the ballpark of $2 million. On the whole, the resale value of Greubel Forsey watches is usually fairly close to MSRP.
Design Language
Greubel Forsey watches often combine classic, precise design elements with an almost haphazard sort of asymmetry. Their wheelhouse seems to be watches around 43mm wide, although they’ve made watches as small as 39.6mm and as large as 48.2mm. Every single one has some sort of exposed movement element–whether it’s a visible tourbillon, an openworked dial, or an entirely dial-free design.
Greubel Forsey doesn’t mess around with tonneau cases, rectangular cases, or anything except round cases. Although in 2019, they unleashed a very interesting three-dimensional type of round case: their Convexe case. It involves some complex movement geometry to pull off. All Convexe models come with integrated rubber straps or bracelets, while their non-Convexe models have more traditional lugs and alligator leather straps.
Despite their visual distinctiveness, though, Greubel Forsey is probably better known for their hardcore complicated horological inventions than their designs. Let’s go over what the brand calls their “10 fundamental inventions” now.
Greubel Forsey’s 10 Major Inventions
| 1. Double Tourbillon 30° | A tourbillon within a tourbillon, with the inner cage inclined at 30° and rotating once per minute, improving timekeeping by averaging out positional errors. |
| 2. Quadruple Tourbillon | Two double tourbillons connected by a spherical differential. |
| 3. Tourbillon 24 Secondes | A tourbillon with a 25° inclined angle and rapid 24-second rotation to improve chronometric performance, especially in stable positions. |
| 4. Balancier Spiral Binôme | Using the same non-magnetic, temperature-resistant material for both the balance wheel and hairspring to improve their interaction. |
| 5. Différentiel d’Egalité | A spherical differential that receives and releases constant energy from the mainspring to the regulator, ensuring uniform power delivery. |
| 6. Double Balancier | The Double Balancier features two balance wheels inclined at different three-dimensional angles. These inclined fixed oscillators are less likely to be fully horizontal or vertical, positions that are more susceptible to rate variance. Plus, the oscillators are connected by a spherical differential that averages out their rate differences. |
| 7. Computeur Mécanique | A movement so complex it’s considered a “mechanical computer,” with coding wheels and programmed fingers to display functions like the equation of time and leap years. Despite its incredible intricacy, it’s actually far easier to set, both forwards and backwards, than a traditional perpetual calendar. |
| 8. Tourbillon Cardan | The Tourbillon Cardan features a unique structure with two mobile rings that continually tilt back and forth every 48 seconds. This construction is reminiscent of a gimbal but differs in that the tilt of the rings is controlled within a +30° to -30° range. The tourbillon itself is inclined at a fixed 30° angle and rotates very rapidly (every 16 seconds), |
| 9. Mechanical Nano | Utilizes micro-scale components to significantly improve the performance and power reserve of mechanical watches. |
| 10. Nano Foudroyante EWT | Drastically reducing component size significantly reduces energy consumption, enough to introduce a (traditionally energy-intensive) foudroyante second display. |
Popular Models
Before we go through the list of every Greubel Forsey release, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular ones.
Greubel Forsey GMT
The original Greubel Forsey GMT was a bit polarizing when it came out in 2011, with an asymmetrical design and a captivating spinning titanium globe that indicates the time all over the world. It’s one of five GMT models they’ve made so far. The GMT Earth came in 2018, with an upsized case and additional sapphire parts to make the globe more visible from all sides. In 2019, GF combined their quadruple tourbillon technology with their spherical worldtime function to make the GMT Quadruple Tourbillon.
The GMT Sport, also released in 2019, represented an important aesthetic shift for Greubel Forsey. The GMT Sport began the brand’s Convexe line, with its curved sapphire crystal surface and correspondingly angled movement parts. It was also their first titanium watch, and their first watch with an integrated bracelet–or any kind of bracelet, for that matter. They’ve been using titanium extensively ever since. Their newest GMT release is the GMT Balancier Convexe, which is similar to the GMT Sport but with a different dial layout and a slightly larger case.
Greubel Forsey GMT Specs
| Model: | GMT | GMT Earth | GMT Quadruple Tourbillon | GMT Sport | GMT Balancier Convexe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Released | 2011 | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Limited Edition | 188 pieces | 38 pieces | 18 pieces | 155 pieces | 66 pieces |
| Case Material | Platinum, white gold, red gold, or titanium | Platinum, titanium, white gold | Titanium or white gold | Titanium or red gold | Titanium |
| Case Diameter | 43.5mm | 45.5mm | 46.5mm | 42mm | 43.5mm |
| Case Thickness | 16.14mm | 18mm | 17.45mm | 17.8mm | 17.4mm |
| Water Resistance | 30m | 30m | 30m | 100m | 100m |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours | 72 hours | 72 hours | 72 hours | 72 hours |
| Movement Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, three-dimensional global worldtime, second time zone, power reserve indicator, 24-second tourbillon | Hours, minutes, small seconds, three-dimensional global worldtime, second time zone, power reserve indicator, 24-second tourbillon | Hours, minutes, small seconds, three-dimensional global worldtime, second time zone, power reserve indicator, quadruple tourbillon | Hours, minutes, small seconds, GMT, rotating globe, 24-second inclined tourbillon | Hours, minutes, small seconds, GMT, rotating globe, 30° inclined balance wheel |
| Approximate Market Price (June 2024) | $375,000 | $425,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 | $260,000 |
Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1
The Invention Piece 1 takes Greubel Forsey’s double tourbillon and gives it a whole new look. It was the first model to get the “architectural” hand structure later seen on the Invention Piece 3 and Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture. The “hands” are just rotating triangles with no stalks, somewhat resembling a carpenter’s tools. The hour and minute hands are both retrograde, and they surround the double tourbillon. The Invention Piece 1 has a very “deep dish” appearance due to its extra tall rehaut that allows for a nice three-dimensional view of the tourbillon structure. It’s much more visually interesting than a typical openworked dial.
Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1 Specs
| Year Debuted | 2008 |
| Case Material | Platinum, white gold, 5N red gold, titanium |
| Case Diameter | 43.50mm |
| Case Height | 16.64mm |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Movement Type | Manual-wind, 6 beats per second |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Movement Functions | Retrograde hours, retrograde minutes, small seconds, double tourbillon, power reserve display |
| Limited Edition | 33 pieces |
| Strap/Bracelet | Alligator leather |
| Approximate Market Price (June 2024) | $465,000 |
Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain
The Balancier Contemporain is different than a typical skeleton watch. Its staggered, overlapping movement design elements give the watch a lot of visual depth without feeling cluttered. Part of the reason this model gets so much attention is its wearable 39.6mm diameter–every other GF model is over 41mm. With no tourbillon or high complications, it’s the simplest Greubel Forsey watch of all. It’s also by far the thinnest (12.21mm) and it sells secondhand for just under $200,000.
Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain Specs
| Year Debuted | 2019 |
| Case Material | 5N red gold |
| Case Diameter | 39.6mm |
| Case Height | 12.21mm |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Movement Type | Manual-wind, 6 beats per second |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Movement Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator |
| Limited Edition | 69 pieces |
| Strap/Bracelet | Alligator leather |
| Approximate Market Price (June 2024) | $190,000 |
Timeline of Releases
For reference, we’ve put together a timeline of all Greubel Forsey releases.
| Year | Model | Width | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Double Tourbillon 30° | 43.5mm | The brand’s first watch, featuring a double tourbillon inclined at 30°. |
| 2006 | Opus 6 | 46mm | Collaboration with Harry Winston, featuring a double tourbillon and rotating disc displays. |
| 2007 | Invention Piece 1 | 44.5mm | Celebrates the Double Tourbillon 30° with retrograde hours and minutes. |
| 2007 | Tourbillon 24 Secondes | 43.5mm | Fast-rotating tourbillon completing one rotation every 24 seconds. |
| 2008 | Quadruple Tourbillon | 43.5mm | Two double tourbillons connected by a spherical differential. |
| 2009 | Invention Piece 2 | 43.5mm | Showcases the Quadruple Tourbillon in a distinctive layout. |
| 2009 | Double Tourbillon 30° Technique | 47.5mm | Double Tourbillon 30° variant with no dial, 5-day power reserve. |
| 2011 | GMT | 43.5mm | Features a rotating 3D globe for world time, with inclined Tourbillon 24 Secondes. |
| 2011 | Invention Piece 3 | 43.5mm | Variant of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes with unusual “architectural” hands. |
| 2013 | Double Balancier 35° | 43.5mm | First non-tourbillon model, two inclined balance wheels with differential. |
| 2013 | Art Piece 1 | 44mm | Features a micro-sculpture and built-in microscope. |
| 2013 | Double Tourbillon 30˚ Asymétrique | 43.5mm | Double tourbillon with the asymmetrical design language of the Tourbillon 24 Secondes. |
| 2015 | Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision | 43.5mm | GPHG Aiguille d’Or winner, and the brand’s most conservative design ever. |
| 2015 | QP à Équation | 43.5mm | Perpetual calendar and equation of time with Computeur Mécanique. |
| 2015 | Art Piece 2 Edition 1 | 44mm | Features a nano-sculpted message visible through a magnifying glass. |
| 2016 | Signature 1 | 41.4mm | Features a unique in-house balance wheel. |
| 2016 | Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant | 43mm | Two inclined balance wheels with constant force mechanism. |
| 2017 | Balancier | 43.5mm | Large, visible balance wheel emphasizing traditional chronometry. |
| 2017 | Grande Sonnerie | 43.5mm | First grande sonnerie watch, with Westminster chime and silent mode. |
| 2017 | Art Piece 2 Edition 2 | 44mm | Variation on the Art Piece 2. |
| 2018 | Différentiel d’Égalité | 44mm | Introduces a constant force mechanism for improved precision. |
| 2018 | GMT Earth | 45.5mm | Revised version of the GMT with sapphire around the spinning globe function for full visibility |
| 2019 | GMT Sport | 45mm | Titanium sports watch with curved case and sapphire crystal. |
| 2019 | Balancier Contemporain | 39.6mm | Smallest Greubel Forsey watch. |
| 2019 | GMT Quadruple Tourbillon | 46.5mm | Combines GMT and Quadruple Tourbillon complications. |
| 2019 | Hand Made 1 | 43.5mm | 95% handmade, involving 6,000 hours of labor. Only 2-3 are made per year. |
| 2019 | Art Piece Edition Historique | 44mm | Culmination of the Art Piece series. |
| 2020 | Balancier S | 45mm | Sporty Balancier with inclined balance wheel and improved water resistance. |
| 2020 | QP à Équation | 43.5mm | Updated version of the 2015 model, offered in red gold. |
| 2021 | Balancier S² | 46.5mm | Evolution of Balancier S with refined aesthetics. |
| 2021 | Double Balancier Convexe | 42.5mm | Two balance wheels inclined at 30° with spherical differential. |
| 2021 | QP à Équation Millésimé | 45mm | Evolution of QP à Équation with millennium indicator. |
| 2022 | Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture | 47mm | Showcases movement architecture with titanium bridges. |
| 2022 | GMT Balancier Convexe | 46.5mm | Combines GMT complication with Convexe case design. |
| 2023 | Balancier S³ | 43mm | Compact version of Balancier S². |
| 2023 | Double Balancier Convexe | 42.5mm | Refined Double Balancier with convex profile. |
| 2023 | Balancier Convexe S² | 41.5mm | Updated Balancier S² with Convexe case design. |
| 2024 | Balancier 3 | 41.5mm | Newest addition to the Balancier line. |
| 2024 | Nano Foudroyante EWT | 37.9mm | Smallest model yet, featuring a foudroyante seconds hand (meaning it rotates once per second) and miniaturized components aligning with their “Mechanical Nano” concepts |
How Many Watches Do They Make Per Year?
Greubel Forsey produced 260 watches in 2022, and that number has likely gone up. They told New York Times in 2021 that they plan to increase their output to 500 watches a year. This will be possible when their factory expansion is done in 2026. That will grow their manufacturing footprint from about 21,500 square feet to just under 59,000 square feet. I’m sure they’ll put all the space to good use.
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