CASE NUMBER: 04 494, No. 20/33

When it was launched in 2019, the Balancier Contemporain was the avant-garde indie brand’s smallest wristwatch yet. With a case that measured a relatively modest 39.6-mm., this Greubel Forsey timepiece featured the brand’s innovative new large balance wheel with a diameter of 12.6 mm. to help guarantee optimum chronometry. The balance rim is fitted with six gold meantime screws, recessed to guarantee optimal aerodynamics by reducing air friction and is seen suspended by two black-polished bridges at the bottom of this multi-level gold dial.

Despite the size, with the Balancier Contemporain, Greubel Forsey managed to create its trademark multi-dimensional dial with a prominent off-centre dial and a small seconds hand that sits on a plane lower to the one holding the hours and minutes hands. The depth of the dial really draws the eye in and the oversized balance wheel really anchors the dial. Made from gold, the dial features a variety of high quality hand-finishing techniques - grained surfaces, black polishing, broad chamfers - that one has come to associate with the brand.

The watch was limited to just 33 pieces and the present timepiece (20/33) is preserved in excellent overall condition. At launch, this watch had a retail price of CHF195,000.