Greubel Forsey Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation with The Art of Invention Book
For two decades, Greubel Forsey has stood at the pinnacle of haute horology, redefining watchmaking with an unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and precision. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the brand has released Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention, a book that chronicles the remarkable journey of its founders, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, and their relentless pursuit of mechanical excellence.
Written by renowned watch journalist Michael Clerizo, the book is more than a retrospective—it is a profound exploration of two watchmakers who dared to challenge conventional horology, introducing new dimensions of complexity and artistry to modern watchmaking.
A Vision That Redefined Contemporary Horology
Since its foundation in 2004, Greubel Forsey has pursued a singular mission: to elevate traditional watchmaking to an entirely new level. While many brands focused on refining existing complications, Greubel and Forsey took an entirely different approach—one that was deeply rooted in mechanical innovation, extreme finishing, and unparalleled precision.
Their journey began much earlier, in 1992, when the two met at Renaud & Papi, a revered Swiss movement manufacturer known for pioneering high complications. Their shared vision led them to establish CompliTime SA, a company dedicated to creating groundbreaking movements for prestigious watch brands. However, their ambition extended beyond working behind the scenes—they wanted to bring their own ideas to life.
In 2004, at Baselworld, they unveiled the Double Tourbillon 30°, their first timepiece under the Greubel Forsey name. This watch, which housed a tourbillon inclined at 30 degrees within a second rotating cage, was a bold statement—proving that tourbillon technology could be pushed further for greater chronometric performance. The industry took notice.
From that moment, Greubel Forsey became a symbol of mechanical excellence, producing timepieces that require up to 6,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Even the smallest components, such as screws and bridges, undergo extensive hand-finishing processes that push traditional techniques to the extreme.
A Deep Dive into Innovation and Craftsmanship
The Art of Invention is not just a celebration of Greubel Forsey’s achievements—it provides an intimate look at the creative process behind their groundbreaking horological concepts, including:
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The Double Tourbillon 30° – A revolutionary approach to improving timekeeping precision through inclined tourbillons.
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The Quadruple Tourbillon – A movement with four tourbillons arranged in two pairs, each compensating for positional errors.
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The GMT Earth – A world-time watch with a fully visible, rotating 3D globe that provides an intuitive view of time zones.
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The Balancier Convexe S2 – A testament to Greubel Forsey’s continuous exploration of ergonomics and mechanical architecture.
The book features over 300 photographs, hand-drawn technical sketches, and previously unpublished 3D diagrams, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Greubel Forsey’s workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds. These visuals showcase the painstaking process behind each creation, from initial concept drawings to the final assembly of their remarkable timepieces.
A Storytelling Masterpiece by Michael Clerizo
Author Michael Clerizo is a respected voice in horology, known for his deep research, engaging storytelling, and ability to bring complex watchmaking topics to life. His work has appeared in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Revolution.
In The Art of Invention, Clerizo combines technical depth with a narrative that reads almost like an adventure novel. The book offers firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and philosophies that shaped Greubel and Forsey’s careers. Their mutual respect, shared passion, and commitment to craftsmanship are evident throughout the pages.
Unlike typical brand monographs, this book delves into the philosophical aspects of watchmaking—the belief that true innovation requires patience, obsession with detail, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Clerizo masterfully weaves together technical insights and human stories, making the book accessible to both collectors and enthusiasts.
A Collector’s Essential Read
For anyone passionate about haute horology, Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention is an indispensable addition to any watch library. Whether you are an experienced collector or an admirer of fine watchmaking, this book offers an unparalleled insight into the minds of two of the most influential watchmakers of our time.
The book is available in English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese, with a retail price of £120 (approximately $150), though prices may vary depending on the retailer.
With Greubel Forsey continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in horology, this book serves as both a tribute to the past and a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to the future of mechanical watchmaking.
