Greubel Forsey Closes a Chapter with the Final Balancier Contemporain

Paying powerful tribute to one of its most iconic calibres, Greubel Forsey introduced the final edition of the Balancier Contemporain today.

Limited to just 33 pieces and crafted in stainless steel, the least used material in the brand’s collection, this ultimate iteration marks the definitive conclusion of the model’s extraordinary legacy, honoring the past while heralding a bold new chapter for the Atelier.

It celebrates the technical mastery and artistic excellence that have defined the Balancier Contemporain, serving as a fitting farewell to a timepiece that has made a lasting impact on the world of haute horlogerie.

More than simply a final edition, this stainless steel interpretation of the Balancier Contemporain serves as a powerful and deliberate statement by Greubel Forsey.

In the world of fine watchmaking, stainless steel is typically viewed as a utilitarian material. Yet within the context of Greubel Forsey’s creations, where precious metals and exotic alloys often dominate, stainless steel is exceptionally rare. In fact, it has only been used twice before in the entire history of the Atelier.
 

This makes its presence in this edition all the more meaningful. It’s not a matter of practicality, but one of intent: stainless steel was chosen for its clarity, its honesty, and its purity – an ideal material with which to bring a pioneering calibre to its conclusion.

This edition does not merely close a technical chapter; it reflects the brand’s philosophy at its core. With its restrained yet deliberate aesthetic, the stainless steel case embodies Greubel Forsey’s devotion to thoughtful design and uncompromising craftsmanship. This is a farewell crafted with reverence for the calibre, for the artisans who built it, and for the collectors who have followed its journey.
 

The Balancier Contemporain in stainless steel is more than a final piece; it is a tribute to an icon, encapsulating the Maison’s values of excellence, discretion, and enduring mechanical integrity. It is a reminder that even in farewell, Greubel Forsey speaks with purpose, vision, and restraint.

Upon its introduction, the Balancier Contemporain revolutionized expectations, delivering the full Greubel Forsey experience within a remarkably compact 39.6mm case. This final edition preserves that breakthrough.

Beneath a high-domed sapphire crystal, the timepiece reveals a gold dial layered with textures, finishes, and architectural depth. The sunburst blue hour ring and contrasting minute circle enhance readability and elegance, while the exposed 12.6mm balance wheel becomes the visual and mechanical centerpiece.
 

The movement itself is composed of 256 individual components, all hand-finished to the brand’s exacting standards, with bridges made of nickel silver frosted, spotted, and beveled by hand. Meanwhile, the flat black-polished steel balance bridge – one of haute horlogerie’s most demanding finishes – offers both technical and visual sophistication.
 

Even hidden elements, such as the black-polished gold plate engraved with the Maison's values, receive the same obsessive level of detail, reinforcing Greubel Forsey’s belief that excellence must extend to every component, visible or not.

While this 33-piece limited edition represents the final chapter of the Balancier Contemporain calibre, it also marks the beginning of a new creative journey for Greubel Forsey. The brand is now focused on exploring the art of small-diameter timepieces, ushering in a new era of proportion, mechanical elegance, and uncompromised innovation.
 

Thus, the Balancier Contemporain in stainless steel stands not only as a farewell, but also as a forward-looking statement.

Priced at CHF 220'000.- (excluded tax), the final stainless steel edition of the Balancier Contemporain represents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Greubel Forsey’s storied legacy. With only 33 exclusive timepieces available, this is a rare chance to acquire a watch that marks both an end and a new beginning for the Atelier.
 

For more information, check out the Greubel Forsey website.