Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2

The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 isn't your average timepiece; it's a testament to the dedication and skill of human hands, a celebration of the art of watchmaking in its purest form. The Hand Made 2 is the ultimate pursuit of true hand watchmaking. This watch is not simply assembled by machines; it is meticulously crafted by hand, with a level of care and attention that is almost unheard of in the modern world. Each component, whether visible or hidden, has been created, finished, and assembled by hand, resulting in a watch that exudes a unique and unparalleled charm. The creation of this masterpiece requires an astounding 5,000 hours of labor to complete the 270 intricate components that make up its 40.9mm frame. Astonishingly, 96% of these components are entirely handmade, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to traditional craftsmanship. With such painstaking effort invested, it's no surprise that only two to three of these exceptional timepieces can be produced each year. This level of exclusivity solidifies the Hand Made 2's status as a true horological treasure.



Greubel Forsey, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the watchmaking world, was founded in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. These two master watchmakers shared a vision: to push the boundaries of horological complexity and precision. They weren't content with simply creating beautiful watches; they wanted to redefine what was possible in the realm of mechanical timekeeping. Over the years, Greubel Forsey has consistently stunned the watch world with their groundbreaking inventions, such as the Double Tourbillon 30°, the Quadruple Tourbillon, and the Grande Sonnerie. Their creations are not just watches; they are miniature, kinetic sculptures, showcasing a level of ingenuity and artistry that is rarely seen. The Hand Made 2 represents a natural evolution of this philosophy, a return to the very roots of watchmaking, where every component was painstakingly crafted by the skilled hands of a master craftsman.



The case of the Hand Made 2 is a study in understated sophistication. Rendered in 18k white gold, it measures 40.9mm in diameter and 12.8mm in thickness. It might seem simple, but its perfect proportions and subtle curves are the result of countless hours of meticulous hand-finishing. The gently rounded bezel and the softly tapered lugs create a harmonious silhouette that is both classic and contemporary. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the case is not designed for diving, but it's more than capable of handling the splashes and spills of everyday life. Turn the watch over, and you'll find a sapphire crystal case back that offers a captivating view of the movement within. Every curve, every angle, and every surface of the case has been polished and brushed to perfection, creating a subtle play of light and shadow that is a joy to behold.



The dial of the Hand Made 2 is a marvel of traditional craftsmanship. It is made of hand-frosted German silver and features Grand Feu enamel subdials for the hours, small seconds, and power reserve. The contrast between the textured silver and the glossy white enamel is striking, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The hour markers and subdial numerals are hand-painted, adding another layer of artisanal detail. The hands, meticulously cut and blued by hand, are another example of the watchmaker's art. Their slender, elegant forms glide gracefully across the dial, their Deep Blue hue providing a subtle but striking contrast against the silver backdrop. The subdial at the top, with its large conical jewel, is the power reserve indicator, a unique feature that is both functional and visually arresting. The conical jewel, itself a testament to handcraftsmanship, serves as a captivating focal point on the dial, adding a distinctive touch that sets the Hand Made 2 apart.



When one gazes upon the Hand Made 2, the initial impression is one of understated beauty. The 40.9mm white gold case, with its polished bezel and lugs, frames a dial that is a study in contrast and texture. The hand-frosted German silver surface provides a muted, yet rich backdrop for the gleaming white Grand Feu enamel subdials. These subdials, positioned asymmetrically, create a dynamic visual balance that is both intriguing and harmonious. The main hour and minute dial is generously sized, ensuring excellent legibility, while the smaller seconds subdial at the bottom right adds a touch of whimsy. The blued steel hands, with their delicate, leaf-like shapes, sweep across the dial with an almost ethereal grace. Their deep blue color provides a striking contrast against the silver and white, ensuring that they are always easy to read, even at a glance. A watch collector might pause to admire the subtle play of light on the frosted surface of the dial, noting how it catches the light differently depending on the angle. They might also appreciate the depth and richness of the enamel subdials, a testament to the traditional firing techniques used to create them. But the true magic of the Hand Made 2 lies in the movement.



At the heart of the Hand Made 2 lies its extraordinary movement, a caliber that is entirely hand-made, save for a handful of essential components. The mainspring, sapphire crystals, case gaskets, spring bars, and most jewels are the only parts not crafted in-house using traditional tools. This movement is not just assembled by hand; it is conceived, designed, and built from the ground up by a single, highly skilled watchmaker. This level of dedication is virtually unheard of in the modern watch industry, where mass production and automation are the norm. To create a movement of this complexity entirely by hand is a monumental undertaking, requiring not only exceptional skill but also an immense amount of patience and perseverance. Each of the 270 components is machined with tolerances of just a few microns, achieving a precision comparable to modern CNC machines. Every gear, every lever, every bridge is painstakingly shaped, polished, and finished by hand, using tools like a precision lathe, a jig-borer, or a pantograph. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasts a power reserve of 72 hours.



This watch is a symphony of traditional techniques and innovative solutions. The movement features a unique power reserve indicator, distinguished by a large, conical jewel. This jewel is not merely a decorative element; it is a functional component, and it is entirely handcrafted. The creation of this conical jewel represents a significant milestone in the art of hand watchmaking, demonstrating Greubel Forsey's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The balance spring, a crucial component for timekeeping accuracy, is also made in-house. Since 2012, Greubel Forsey has been rediscovering traditional techniques for crafting these delicate springs. Each spring is made from a carefully selected alloy, chosen for its unique properties, and is individually adjusted by an expert watchmaker. This complex process, which includes coiling, cutting, and manually adjusting the terminal curves, ensures perfect synchronization with the balance wheel. It's a level of detail that is rarely seen, even in the most high-end watches.



The movement of the Hand Made 2 is a visual feast. The bridges and plates are made of German silver, a material prized for its warm, golden hue and its ability to take on a beautiful patina over time. The bridges are adorned with a variety of finishes, including frosting, black polishing, straight graining, polished flanks, and bevels. The polished chamfers are further accented by olive-domed jewels set in gold chatons, adding a touch of warmth and luxury. The wheels and barrels are also meticulously finished, their golden reflections adding to the chromatic depth of the movement. Even the screws are hand-polished to a mirror-like shine. Every component, whether visible or hidden, is meticulously finished by hand. The bridges and mainplate are frosted, creating a textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the polished components. The gears and wheels are circular-grained, their surfaces catching the light in a mesmerizing way. The screws are polished to a mirror-like sheen, their slots perfectly aligned. Even the smallest, most hidden components are finished to the same exacting standards as those that are on display. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Greubel Forsey's work, and it is what sets their watches apart from the competition.



The Hand Made 2 is a masterclass in combining 18th-century watchmaking with modern innovation. The movement's architecture is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The large, prominent barrel bridge and balance bridge create a sense of symmetry and balance, while the open-worked design allows for an unobstructed view of the intricate workings within. The barrel and balance bridges, in particular, are a testament to the watchmaker's skill. They are adorned with five different artisanal finishes: frosting, black polishing, straight graining, polished flanks, and bevels. The polished chamfers are further accented by olive-domed jewels set in gold chatons, adding a touch of warmth and luxury. Each component, whether visible or hidden, is meticulously finished by hand, resulting in a watch that is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The movement is a veritable work of art, a testament to the skill and dedication of the watchmakers who created it. The hand-frosted German silver contrasts beautifully with the Grand Feu enamel dials for the hours, small seconds, and power reserve. The deep red rubies, the golden reflections of the wheels and barrels, and the bright edges of the polished steel bridges create a vibrant chromatic depth.



The architectural movement opens up beneath a thin bezel, offering a unique perspective throughout the timepiece. The case back extends this harmony, revealing a perfectly coherent mechanism where every detail reflects extraordinary handcraftsmanship. Every surface is treated with the utmost care, creating a harmonious interplay of light and shadow. The result is a movement that is not only technically impressive but also visually stunning. It's a movement that invites you to get lost in its intricacies, to marvel at the skill and dedication that went into its creation.



Case: 18k white gold. 40.9mm diameter, 12.8mm thick. Water resistant to 30 meters.



Movement: Hand-made movement using traditional techniques, made start-to-finish by one watchmaker. 72 hours of power reserve. 21,600 vibrations per hour. 270 components.



Dial: Hand-frosted German silver with Grand Feu enamel subdials. Hand–cut and hand-blued hands. Hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve indicator. Large conical jewel.



Price: CHF 620,000



Notes: 96% of the watch is entirely handmade. Only two to three examples will be made per year. Over 5,000 hours are required to complete each watch.