Haute Horlogerie Hand Finishing & Watchmaking

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In a quest to define the pinnacle of horological artistry, chintu's original post delves into the Greubel Forsey Handmade 1, a timepiece requiring an astonishing 6,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. This article explores whether its 95% handmade construction and exquisite finishing, including 40 internal angles on a single wheel, truly set a new benchmark for haute horlogerie. chintu's analysis provides a compelling starting point for a broader discussion on the ultimate expressions of hand finishing and watchmaking.

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The Greubel Forsey Handmade 1 takes 6000 hours to produce. And at 8 work-hours per day x 20 work-days per month this translates into 37,5 person months of work . Given that a single watchmaker would be responsible for this haut de gamme piece which is 95% handmade ( only the crystals , hairspring and gaskets and jewels are outsourced) the watch takes 3 years to complete.

To appreciate the enormity and complexity of the hand finishing, just one wheel with 5 spokes has 40 internal angles to finish by hand. Every bridge hand bevelled to perfection and the gears perfectly polished and angled; screws blued by hand and those non-blued, black polished. Frosting done to perfection.

The watch does not compromise on the technical excellence either.

Of course, only uber-rich collectors can only afford such a piece. But all the same, the Handmade 1 stands out as one amongst the watches that can occupy the final apex layer of watchmaking and be a reference point for how watches can be finished

pic courtesy : internet; with acknowledgements to copyright holders wherever applicable.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Greubel Forsey Handmade 1 distinguishes itself with a ground-up in-house conceived, designed, and built caliber, featuring an exemplary and original finish, though its angles are noted as more rigid compared to Philippe Dufour's work.
While Philippe Dufour's Simplicity is a classic for finishing, its technical complexity is considered lower due to being a two-hander with a sub-seconds dial, whereas the Greubel Forsey Handmade 1, with its tourbillon, is a true complication.
George Daniels and Roger Smith focused more on technical aspects than luxurious finishing, often employing frosted/gilded bridges and plates with more austere angles, which, while not inferior, lack the opulent finish of the Greubel Forsey Handmade 1.
The Simplicity uses automated cut plates from a third-party vendor and its design is based on an old movement, not original. The Greubel Forsey Handmade 1, conversely, is made as much as possible with hand-operated tools, placing it on a different level of handwork, even if its anglage isn't as wide.
The Longines 13ZN chronograph movement, despite not being as immaculately finished as a Greubel Forsey or Dufour, is proposed as a strong candidate for 'most appropriate' given its standard production context, available tools, and techniques of the mid-twentieth century.
The Greubel Forsey Handmade 1's accuracy of -1/+2 seconds per day is highlighted as a significant technical achievement, surpassing even machine-made Rolexes and matching Patek Philippe tourbillons, making it a highly attractive proposition for collectors prioritizing precision.
A direct comparison of the Valjoux VZSS movement, an AP watch utilizing it, and the Dufour Simplicity reveals the aesthetic similarities that inspired the Simplicity, providing visual context for its design origins.

The Discussion

Watchonthewrist

May 2, 2021

Absolutely, this GF is hand made and a absolute masterpiece

Definitely a true grail watch imho

amanico

May 2, 2021

In this vein, I remember the Girard Perregaux watchmakers explaining me that it took them 14 days to hand finish the gold bridges of the Tourbillon. Now, that's finishings!

eklektik

May 2, 2021

Very nice finishing, no doubt!

I like the "hand made" rather than "swiss made": when you are in this field, people know you and you don't need to say where you are from! Best, E.

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

May 2, 2021

Finishing looks amazing

SALMANPK

May 2, 2021

I am speechless, just wow

sham1

May 2, 2021

Agreed that the finishing of this watch is excellent but

how does it compare against the Simplicity or the other offerings from GF?! Hand made does not always mean better finishing although in this case the finishing is outstanding as it should be given the price of the watch.

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