Greubel Forsey: Comparing Two Masterpieces
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Greubel Forsey: Comparing Two Masterpieces

By sham1 · Apr 2, 2021 · 51 replies
sham1
WPS member · Independents forum
51 replies10232 views4 photos
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In this insightful article, sham1, a seasoned collector, takes us on a personal journey comparing two of Greubel Forsey's most 'wearable' timepieces: the Signature 1 and the Balancier Contemporain. His candid assessment, focusing on ergonomics and real-world appeal, provides invaluable perspective for anyone considering these avant-garde independent watchmaking marvels. sham1 also provocatively positions these against the highly anticipated Roger W. Smith Series 1, inviting a fascinating discussion on collecting philosophy.

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Earlier today, I decided to head down to my local AD as I knew they had two of the most wearable and most affordable Greubel Forsey watches ever made. The Signature 1 in stainless steel measures 41.4mm in diameter and 11.7mm in height while the more recent Balancier Contemporain in white gold measures 39.6mm in diameter and 12.2mm in height.  Both watches are limited to 33 pieces.  I am emphasizing the dimensions here because for me and my dainty wrist, all the other watches in the Greubel Forsey range are simply to admire as they would wear too large for me and possibly for many of you too.

I was more excited actually to try on the Balancier Contemporain but was pleasantly surprised that the Signature 1 appealed to me a lot more.  I think the contrast of the dial and the hands and its relative simplicity made the watch in my opinion feel more special and reading the time a lot more legible. When a watch costs north of USD150k, I think basic things like legibility becomes almost a must have! smile  I also felt that the dimensions of the Signature 1 was more balanced and the weight of the stainless steel more agreeable to me than the Balancier's white gold case.  Many like to feel the heft of their watches. I prefer not to feel the watch as it is an extension of my wrist.  Oddly enough the dial of the Balancier Contemporain looked a lot better in photos than it did in reality. It just did not feel special enough in my opinion.  Yes these watches are exceedingly well made but a watch at any price range, let alone this one, needs to provide a feel good factor to its wearer.

In less than 13 months time, I shall be taking delivery of the long awaited Roger Smith Series 1.  I asked myself today if I would opt for either of these Greubel Forsey watches if I had to choose the Series 1 over them and I must confess, the Smith would triumph.  However, I would be very happy to own a Signature 1 with the Series 1 (notice the uncanny similarity in the model name!) as that would almost be the ideal two watch collection!  But who am I to kid anyone?  A two watch collection??  I have three at present and am ambitiously planning to stop at five.  

Thank you for reading and sorry that the photos are not at the same level as that taken by MJ23, Mike H and Forevsta.  smile




The Signature 1




41.4mm seldom looked so good on my wrist!




The Balancier Contemporain




The Series 1


Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
NO
NoH
Apr 2, 2021

But that Series 1 😍😍😍😍 is just amazing! All the best, Niall

SH
sham1
Apr 2, 2021

Yes I agree. Classic will still be attractive for many years to come. Boring maybe for some but attractive!

RN
rnaden
Apr 2, 2021

But between these two and the Series 1, completely in agreement that the Series 1 would triumph. Somehow, that classic and the immaculate detail on both the dial and the movement makes it a very special, and even outstanding one.

LI
LiftAngle51
Apr 2, 2021

When a watch have lose it’s primair function tell the time, and become a art object it is for me also thinking the essence such a watch can fill in. Owning such a watch i know it. On the wrist is feels like art instead of a wearable watch. When collecting watches i know to think about legibility, but when a great watch have hands which blend into the dial, the questions of buying come. But the attraction wins, so at the end the watch will be mine. The question is already on, when i study the Bau

PI
piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)
Apr 2, 2021

I like to read what other watch-lovers think and feel when they try a new watch on and the resulting feelings and feedback. That Roger Smith is hard to compete with, I'd say it belongs more to the Voutilainen and Dufour league IMHO, just because of the different dial design. You can't go wrong with a GF, but if you want to daily wear your beloved watch, it must fit properly, and GF are usually nice beats 🀩 The signature is by far one of the most wearable, though is likely not one of their famous

SH
sham1
Apr 2, 2021

You are such a diplomat and I would dead broke by now if I had bought everything you like on my wrist!!

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