Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention Book Review
‘Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention’ is a fascinating horological tome penned by Michael Clerizo, the esteemed American author and journalist. Greubel Forsey’s atelier sits on high ground on the outskirts of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a fitting metaphor for its high standing among practitioners of Haute Horlogerie. Angus Davies provides a brief insight into Clerizo’s impressive text and his justifiably respectful look at one of the most fascinating high-end Maisons in existence today, recently celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Image – Stephen Forsey (left) and Robert Greubel (right)
Greubel Forsey book
Back in the 10s, the watch industry calendar was dominated by two events: Baselworld and the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). Both watch fairs were catnip for any self-confessed horophile. I loved attending both events, albeit they were very different in character.
Baselworld was physically demanding with each day packed with appointments. There were hordes of visitors vying for the same limited floorspace, necessitating a bit of pushing and shoving. And sadly, especially for a chap with a penchant for calorific foods, there were few opportunities to eat.
By way of contrast, SIHH, an ‘invite only’ event, was a far more sedate affair with fewer brands to see, wide corridors and excellent on-site dining. On one occasion, against this calm backdrop, I was sitting quietly on a sofa sipping an espresso when a smartly attired gentleman came and sat near me.
Michael Clerizo
Wearing a fedora hat and long overcoat with a silk scarf draped around his neck, the bespectacled man appeared serene and very at ease among the refined surroundings. He smiled and began making small talk, his demeanour was affable and his American accent had a charming mid-Atlantic lilt; albeit accents have never been my strong suit. We nattered about some of the new watches we had seen, exchanged business cards and said our goodbyes.
Image – credit Jason Alden
On returning to the UK, I happened upon the American’s business card and typed his name in a search engine and it didn’t take long to find him, Michael Clerizo, ‘London-based American author and journalist’. The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal and Robb Report are just some of the titles he has written for. So often in life, style belies substance; however, no such accusations could be made about Mr Clerizo. The sartorially discerning Clerizo is a consummate wordsmith with an overt passion for horology, something he demonstrated in his book, ‘George Daniels: A Master Watchmaker and His Art’.
Image – Robert Greubel (left) and Stephen Forsey (right), early 2000s
Blessed with the necessary talents to deliver a compelling read, Clerizo has just published a fascinating horological tome, ‘Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention’. The book, comprising 304 pages of text, sketches and images provides an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating high-end Maisons in existence today.
Greubel Forsey 20-year anniversary
Founded by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, Greubel Forsey recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the altitudinous watch city, the vincenarian brand operates from a building comprising a historical farmhouse conjoined with a neoteric steel and glass structure. The latter edifice projects from the Earth’s crust at an angle as if it has been shifted by moving tectonic plates. Within his book, Clerizo provides a fascinating insight into the construction of the imposing contemporary atelier.
But first, the American wordsmith begins by discussing the professional journey of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. Greubel originates from Saint-Louis in France, while Forsey is a son of St. Albans, England. The men met each other while working at Renaud and Papi. It was here that they developed a friendship and a Franco-British alliance was formed.
Greubel Forsey depuis 2004
Often watchmakers are resigned to the notion that all mechanisms have already been invented. However, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey clearly do not subscribe to this view. Clerizo masterfully conveys the watchmakers’ shared belief there is more to be discovered. He cites examples of their shared philosophy, detailing the company’s many inventions. Since forming their alliance, the duo have refused to accept the status quo, repeatedly pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, often exploring new, uncharted territory.
Image – Robert Greubel
The arrival of Greubel Forsey coincided with the post-quartz-crisis renaissance of mechanical watchmaking. Moreover, the birth of the company occurred simultaneously with the renewed interest in Breguet’s tourbillon, a gravity-compensating mechanism patented in 1801.
Image – Stephen Forsey
Greubel Forsey tourbillons
Clerizo documents GF’s desire to revisit Breguet’s invention and refine the mechanism for wristwatch use. His words recount the extraordinary lengths the duo went to in order to bring their dreams to life. I am still smiling from seeing images of Meccano models within the book, but I won’t spoil the story nor reveal the ending.
Invention is a constant theme throughout the book. Greubel Forsey and its assembled team of talented employees have repeatedly questioned, experimented and developed new ideas. It seems that there is an overwhelming belief that perfection has yet to be achieved.
Image – Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture
Greubel Forsey Hand Made
Coupled with the brand’s ingenuity is a desire to imbue every facet of a watch with a remarkable quotient of hand craftsmanship. Often marketing types talk about ‘hand craftsmanship’ but the term is frequently misused with scant concern for the truth. At Greubel Forsey, hands, eyes and simple tools unite to impart an unparalleled level of finishing. Unsurprisingly, considering the origins of the founders, movements frequently subscribe to historic French and English finishing techniques. Clerizo explains how the creative duo seek to juxtapose contrasting finishes and arrange both dial and movement components at different heights, thereby imbuing a horological scene with depths.
Possibly the most beautiful watch in the world
Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention catalogues numerous creations. At this point, I must confess that I am not a fan of all GF models, especially those with bulging casebands, but Clerizo’s book serves to remind me of the many GF creations that I do like. Indeed, you will find on page 171, one of the most exquisite watches ever created, the Tourbillon 24 Seconde Vision. This model, in my opinion, transcends Haute Horlogerie and is pure art, worthy of comparison with an ‘old master’.
Image – Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Seconde Vision
Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1
Another example of Greubel Forsey horological art is the aptly named Art Piece 1, a timepiece featuring an internal micro-sculpture, visible via a tiny microscope hugging the left flank of the case. The brand’s capacity for invention is wonderfully conveyed by Clerizo. His words are unpretentious yet arranged with a near-poetic metre that flows and makes reading the book a joy.
Image – Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1
Time Æon Foundation
While Greubel Forsey is clearly a commercial organisation, seeking to make a profit, it also exhibits an altruistic side to its character. Eager to preserve watchmaking traditions for future generations, it has fostered talent with various initiatives, including the ‘Time Æon Foundation‘.
Image – Naissance d’une Montre
Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention – closing words
I could continue talking at length about Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention such is my enthusiasm for this extraordinary marque; however, that may dissuade some from purchasing the book and that would be a shame. Despite my best endeavours I lack the literary talents of Michael Clerizo, a man who wonderfully captures the notable lustre of this brilliant company with an inciteful book most horophiles will find difficult to put down.
Availability
Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention by Michael Clerizo (ISBN 978-0-500-96615-0). Available in various bookstores as well as Amazon.