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Greubel versus Greubel!
Apr 02, 2021,02:32 AM
Earlier today, I decided to head down to my local AD as I knew they had two of the most wearable and most affordable Greubel Forsey watches ever made. The Signature 1 in stainless steel measures 41.4mm in diameter and 11.7mm in height while the more recent Balancier Contemporain in white gold measures 39.6mm in diameter and 12.2mm in height. Both watches are limited to 33 pieces. I am emphasizing the dimensions here because for me and my dainty wrist, all the other watches in the Greubel Forsey range are simply to admire as they would wear too large for me and possibly for many of you too.
I was more excited actually to try on the Balancier Contemporain but was pleasantly surprised that the Signature 1 appealed to me a lot more. I think the contrast of the dial and the hands and its relative simplicity made the watch in my opinion feel more special and reading the time a lot more legible. When a watch costs north of USD150k, I think basic things like legibility becomes almost a must have!
I also felt that the dimensions of the Signature 1 was more balanced and the weight of the stainless steel more agreeable to me than the Balancier's white gold case. Many like to feel the heft of their watches. I prefer not to feel the watch as it is an extension of my wrist. Oddly enough the dial of the Balancier Contemporain looked a lot better in photos than it did in reality. It just did not feel special enough in my opinion. Yes these watches are exceedingly well made but a watch at any price range, let alone this one, needs to provide a feel good factor to its wearer.
In less than 13 months time, I shall be taking delivery of the long awaited Roger Smith Series 1. I asked myself today if I would opt for either of these Greubel Forsey watches if I had to choose the Series 1 over them and I must confess, the Smith would triumph. However, I would be very happy to own a Signature 1 with the Series 1 (notice the uncanny similarity in the model name!) as that would almost be the ideal two watch collection! But who am I to kid anyone? A two watch collection?? I have three at present and am ambitiously planning to stop at five.
Thank you for reading and sorry that the photos are not at the same level as that taken by MJ23, Mike H and Forevsta.
The Signature 1
41.4mm seldom looked so good on my wrist!
The Balancier Contemporain
The Series 1