
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.
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.




But that Series 1 ππππ is just amazing! All the best, Niall
Yes I agree. Classic will still be attractive for many years to come. Boring maybe for some but attractive!
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.
When a watch have lose itβs 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
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 π€© The signature is by far one of the most wearable, though is likely not one of their famous
You are such a diplomat and I would dead broke by now if I had bought everything you like on my wrist!!
This thread is active on the Independents forum with 51 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →