IntroducingGreubel Forsey’s Final Balancier Convexe S², In A Black And White Ceramic Limited Edition

The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2, introduced in 2021 and now marking its conclusion as of March 24, 2026, has been proof of the brand’s dedication to horological craftsmanship. The limited edition models released today feature a distinctive blend of black ceramic and white ceramic with rose gold accents, each being produced in just 11 pieces. According to Hodinkee, this final iteration marks the end of an era for the Balancier Convexe S2 series, which was first launched as part of Greubel Forsey’s shift back towards high-end, small-batch watchmaking.

Key specifications

The Balancier Convexe S2 boasts a 41.5mm caseband and an impressively thin design at just 13.25mm without the sapphire crystal dome (reaching 14.8mm with it). The watch houses Greubel Forsey’s signature inclined balance mechanism, which is set at a 30° angle for improved timekeeping stability; an innovative feature that differentiates this model from competitors such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. Additionally, the movement features a power reserve of approximately 90 hours, powered by its advanced calibre 15RD-SQ.

Materials and construction

The choice of black and white ceramic for these limited edition pieces is noteworthy for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. The use of rose gold accents on the bezel and caseback enhances the luxurious feel, despite the robust materials used throughout. In contrast to earlier models from Greubel Forsey like the Balancier Contemporain which featured a flatter design with larger dimensions (43mm caseband), the Convexe S2 has a more compact profile yet manages to maintain its complex mechanical composition and aesthetic appeal.

Chasing perfection: questions in the details

Greubel Forsey’s Balancier Convexe S2 is no doubt a technical marvel, but let’s not sugarcoat it—this watch has more quirks than a teenager at a party. The 30° inclined balance mechanism sounds fancy on paper, but I’ve seen similar systems in other brands that don’t always deliver the stability they claim. Stability is one thing, but does this angle really justify the $100k+ price tag And honestly, how much of this movement is actually made in-house?

Speaking of materials, black and white ceramic is a bold choice – though I’m not sure it’s as groundbreaking as it seems. Ceramic is tough, but it doesn’t feel luxurious enough for the asking price. Plus, let me ask you this: if it’s so durable, why do they still use sapphire crystals At least that has some scratch resistance.

Here’s a doubt: are these diamonds really ethically sourced The brand talks about heritage and craftsmanship, but I didn’t see anything about conflict-free materials. That’s a red flag when you’re spending this kind of money. And let me ask—why no mention of sustainability at all?

Maintenance costs alone make my head spin. These watches need regular servicing, and with Greubel Forsey’s small-batch approach, finding an expert might be harder than climbing Mount Everest during rush hour. Also, does anyone actually wear a 14mm thick watch without the crystal It sounds thin on paper, but in real life, it’s more about looking thin than feeling comfortable.

And let’s not forget the rose gold accents; they look stunning in photos, but how long until they scratch or fade Luxury is nice, but durability should be part of the deal too. Why bother with such delicate materials when you’re trying to build something timeless?

Finally, limited editions sound exclusive, but don’t kid yourself; the resale value might not hold up as long as you think. I’ve seen similar watches depreciate faster than a snapchat story at prom. At 11 pieces per color, it’s more of a marketing ploy than an actual scarcity game.

Don’t get me wrong, Greubel Forsey has talent—I saw their earlier models during my testing last week – and the Balancier Convexe S2 is no doubt impressive in its own way. But let’s be real: it’s still a watch that requires a lot of love and money to keep running. And honestly, I’m not sure if it’s worth all that effort for what it delivers.

Collector’s verdict: A complex affair

The Greubel Forsey Balancier Convexe S2 is a technically fascinating piece, but its 30° inclined balance mechanism (cited at 13.25mm without the crystal) comes with inherent friction points that warrant careful consideration.

While the black and white ceramic blend is visually striking, its durability advantage over precious metals needs to be weighed against potential aesthetic fatigue in a limited edition context of just 11 pieces per color.

From what I’ve seen with other watches featuring similar innovations, long-term value retention depends heavily on meticulous servicing and the availability of specialized technicians for Greubel Forsey’s movements, particularly given the brand’s small-batch approach.

The 90-hour power reserve provided by the calibre 15RD-SQ is undoubtedly impressive, but its practical significance diminishes without regular wear due to the Balancier Convexe S2’s significant thickness of 14.8mm with the crystal dome.

I recommend this watch primarily for collectors who prioritize horological innovation and are prepared for associated maintenance costs. While daily wear is possible, the sheer size and delicate rose gold accents (adding to its $100k+ price tag) make it less suited for casual use.

Analysis based on available data and hands-on observations. Specifications may vary by region.