Discover the Exquisite Greubel Forsey Balancier QM: A New Standard in Luxury Watches
Today, we’re diving into the world of luxury watchmaking to explore a captivating new timepiece—the Greubel Forsey Balancier QM. This watch is setting a new benchmark in hand-finishing excellence, with the brand introducing a standard that applies to every component of its intricate caliber, totaling 298 pieces! Plus, it’s designed in a brilliantly wearable case. Let’s explore its details!
Greubel Forsey is renowned for its exceptional timepieces, especially among avid collectors of intricate, high-end watches. I believe the new Balancier QM will quickly become a coveted piece for anyone fortunate enough to own one.
The Greubel Forsey Balancier QM: A Luxury Timepiece
Let’s skip the formalities and get to the highlights of the Balancier QM. Crafted from 18K white gold, the watch features a 39.6mm diameter case with an overall thickness of 12.25mm, which includes sapphire crystals on both sides. It offers a water resistance of up to 30 meters, meaning the elegant blue hand-sewn rubber strap and its accompanying white gold pin buckle can handle a little splash.
Revolutionary Hand-Finishing
Greubel Forsey is already celebrated for its remarkable manual finishing, and now they’re raising the bar even higher with the introduction of Qualité Musée. This new standard, developed by the brand’s Experimental Watch Technology (EWT) Laboratory, mandates that every one of the 298 components in the GF09CM caliber be finished to museum-quality standards—yes, even those hidden from plain sight. Techniques such as black polishing, anglage, rocking, circular graining, and jewel finishing are employed to create a true work of art.
The materials selected for the movement are equally impressive. Rhodium-plated gold and nickel silver grace the delicate plates and skeletonized dials. Hand-crafted details enhance every component, with wheels featuring hand-created sinks and jewels showcasing convex tops that beautifully capture light. Plus, Greubel Forsey prides itself on internal production—from creating the alloy for the hairspring to coiling and thermally treating the material.
A Striking Display
When my colleague Nacho suggested I cover the Balancier QM, my first concern was whether I could easily read the time—and thankfully, the answer is a resounding “yes!” The time is displayed on an offset sub-dial with blued hands that perfectly complement the strap. Below this dial, a 72-hour power reserve scale adds a touch of architectural elegance to the design, while a small sub-seconds dial located at the lower left ensures clarity.
The GF09CM Movement
The case back showcases the stunning in-house GF09CM movement, a manual-winding marvel with a power reserve of 72 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vph. This intricate movement features two fast-rotating coaxial barrels—one equipped with a slipping spring to prevent excess tension. Additionally, a five-arm motor wheel is visible on the front, along with a exquisitely crafted two-level escapement.
Availability and Final Thoughts
For those fortunate enough to be close to Greubel Forsey, the price of the Balancier QM is available “on request.” With only 33 pieces slated for production, this timeless piece is not just a watch, but a statement of passion and artistry. From the visuals alone, it’s one of the most beautiful watches I’ve encountered in 2026. To explore more about this stunning timepiece, visit the official Greubel Forsey website.
Watch Specifications
Dial: Multilevel, rhodium-plated gold, engraved and gray-lacquered minute sub-seconds rings, power reserve indicator
Case Material: 18K white gold
Case Dimensions: 39.6mm (diameter) × 12.25mm (thickness)
Case Back: 18K white gold with sapphire display, affixed with seven screws
Movement: GF09CM: manual winding, 21,600 vph (3Hz) frequency, 72-hour power reserve, 33mm diameter, 9.4mm thickness, 298 components, 34 jewels in gold chatons, two fast-rotating coaxial barrels (one rotation in 3.2 hours), slipping spring to prevent excess tension
Water Resistance: 3 atm (30 meters)
Strap: Blue hand-sewn textured rubber with white gold pin buckle
Functions: Time (hours, minutes, small seconds) and power reserve indicator
Special Note(s): Limited edition of 33 pieces






