Greubel Forsey

It has taken Greubel Forsey 12 years to evolve from its first double tourbillon, presented in 2004, the year the company was officially founded, to the Signature 1, the simplest model in the brand's catalog. Up to this point, Greubel Forsey has positioned itself as a master of complex mechanical watches with excellent finishing, the brand's main weapon to win the hearts of fans. This weapon is particularly emphasized in the Signature 1 - by the extra extreme simplicity of the caliber, when the masterful execution is not overshadowed by a double, high-speed, oblique or quarter tourbillon, a double balance wheel or an even more complex play around these complications with the addition of other complications - up to the Grande Sonnerie, the most complex watch offered by Greubel Forsey. Experts compare the concept of the Signature 1 with perhaps the most famous simple watch by an independent watchmaker - the Simplicity by Philippe Dufour: here, too, the focus is on the traditionally fine craftsmanship of finishing all parts of the watch. The Signature 1 also differs from all other Greubel Forsey watches because in this case the name of the chief watchmaker responsible for the development and production of this watch is not hidden. Moreover, his name appears on the watch along with the names of the brand’s founders, both on the dial and on the movement side – it is Didier J. G. Cretin, who has worked for Greubel Forsey since its foundation. The Signature 1 was launched in 2016. The watch was produced in 4 versions: in platinum (11 pieces), in white gold (11 pieces), in rose gold (11 pieces) and, for the first time for the brand, in stainless steel (33 pieces). The Signature 1 in steel could be pre-ordered in three versions: with steel case, blue dial and gray movement (Edition 1, limited to 11 pieces); with steel case, black dial and salmon-colored movement (Edition 2, 11 pieces); and the present version with steel case, black dial and white metal colored movement (Edition 3, 11 pieces). For the collection of a luxury watch brand, the Signature 1 really is a very simple watch, with hour, minute and small seconds hands, with a classic lever escapement and without a single additional complication. At the same time, the utmost care and attention has been paid to the finishing of every single part. A full description of all the finishing features would be very extensive, so we will concentrate on the most important details. The main sub-dial and the small seconds sub-dial are made of 18k white gold with perfectly smooth mirror bevels. The dark anthracite-colored main sub-dial has a double bevel as it consists of two parts, with a sunburst chapter ring and a grained center zone, while the small seconds sub-dial is grained and silvered. Both sub-dials are inscribed with Grand Feu enamel. The attention to detail is also evident in the recess at the lower edge of the main sub-dial, which allows a complete, non-overlapping view of the large 12.6 mm balance.

The Signature 1 Stainless Steel Edition No.3 is an attractive purchase for collectors and enthusiasts of Greubel Forsey watchmaking, as it offers the opportunity to acquire a very rare timepiece in a unique edition of only 11 pieces. Naturally, we are impressed by the brand's high level of craftsmanship, which is evident in the fine finishing of the movement, dial, case and even the buckle - characteristic of a brand that occupies one of the highest places in the ranking of luxury watch manufacturers. The charismatic design with a large balance wheel, a large black polished balance bridge and eccentric sub-dials makes this watch memorable and recognizable. Very importantly, with a case diameter of 41.3 mm and a height of 11.3 mm, the watch is Greubel Forsey's most compact and thinnest watch, which is important for wearing comfort. What makes it even more attractive is the fact that this is the first steel edition in the brand's collection.