Greubel Forsey – The first decade

Founded in 2004, Greubel Forsey celebrates its 10th anniversary. Located in a hi-tech building in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Atelier employs almost 120 professionals producing around one hundred exceptional timepieces a year.

An impressive number of patented inventions and extraordinary creations – with multiple honours from highly prestigious awards – mark this fi rst decade. The signature, created by  Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, attracts a select circle of sophisticated connoisseurs. Eminent watchmaking professionals also acknowledge the excellence of their timepieces. All this in only ten years since its launch! They pay tribute to the special attention given to each and every detail as well as the artistic dimension, which is incessantly enriched as demonstrated in the Fresque film.

But not everything has been invented! Innovation, savoir-faire and craft smanship

The very first Greubel Forsey creation, the Double Tourbillon 30°, embodies the values of the company, i.e. invention, expertise and craftsmanship. By pushing back the limits of the tourbillon, the watchmakers created a link between the traditional and the contemporary. This invention, which was followed by numerous others, set the agenda for the first decade, i.e. exploring the little trodden path between science and art. In addition to technical research, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey push both the aesthetics of their timepieces beyond the limits; as well as the finish of the component parts whether they are visible or not. This truly speaks volumes about the quest for perfection that drives these creators!

Pushing back the boundaries... Six key inventions and over fifty registered patents

Technical innovation and a revolutionary architectural approach characterise all Greubel Forsey timepieces. The heart of the mechanism is systematically showcased thanks to its bold aesthetic design that is in complete harmony with the technical concept. This dual creative approach (technical and artistic) has enabled the duo to revitalise (to perfect and develop in a totally unprecedented manner) certain mechanisms such as the tourbillon, which had evolved very little since the end of the 18th century.

Powerful genetic markers. New watchmaking codes

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have continued alongside the inventions of primary mechanisms. They imagine and materialise new ways of displaying traditional complications as in the GMT timepiece. The architecture of their timepieces readily adapts to an asymmetrical form, while other designs are resolutely contemporary. Over the years, this aesthetic – even artistic – dimension has become an intrinsic element of their creations.

At the same time, Greubel Forsey has achieved a sound operational maturity. It now includes a futuristic workshop constructed from wood, concrete and glass. Designed to refl ect their ethos (tradition and modernity), this contemporary structure is directly linked to an historic Neuchâtel farmhouse built at the beginning of the 18th century. They participate in the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva (SIHH), where every year, some of the most eminent Swiss watchmaking brands gather. During these fi rst ten years, Greubel Forsey has produced a total of almost 900 timepieces and its creations are available worldwide through a network of carefully selected retailers.

The future of watchmaking

The Quantième Perpétuel à Equation, whose creation in some way marks their tenth anniversary, took nearly ten years of research to perfect. This is yet further proof of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s staunch determination and their continued dedication to invention. Surrounded by a committed team, they create the timepieces of tomorrow and are drawing a new form of fi ne watchmaking. In this manner, they never deviate from their exceptionally high standards: the respect for tradition, boldness, inventiveness, the refusal of the staus quo, and their absolute commitment to their clients; these are the principles that characterise the Greubel Forsey approach to fine watchmaking.