Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 Titanium
This hands-on review examines the Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 Titanium, a time-only sports watch that debuted in 2023 and is updated with a new "baby blue" edition. The watch is noted for its distinctive, ergonomic Convexe case design and exceptional finishing, despite its relatively simple movement.
- 41.5 mm case middle
- under 44 mm at the bezel
- 13.35 mm thick
- titanium construction
- manually wound time-only movement
- 18k white gold plaque
- 12.6 mm balance wheel
The "baby blue" edition updates the Balancier 3 with a dimpled finish on the prominent Y-shaped bridge that spans the dial, a new technique developed by GF using a steel brush.
The Convexe case design features a slightly arched bezel and matching concave case back, with the Balancier 3 being GF's smallest sports watch to date.
The watch is constructed entirely of titanium, contributing to its lightweight feel and comfort on the wrist, though an optional three-link titanium bracelet is available.
The movement, while technically simple, emphasizes design and decoration, featuring a slipping mainspring and a hairspring with a Phillips terminal curve.
The frosted titanium bridges have raised borders that are black-polished, contrasting with mirror-polished elements and featuring bowl-shaped gold chatons and finely bevelled wheels.
The dial side showcases two exposed mainspring barrels, a large balance wheel, and the Y-shaped bridge securing the hands and seconds disc, with a remarkable uniformity in execution.
The steelwork includes an all-in-one lollipop-shaped bridge for the anchor and escape wheel pivots, a design also seen in related models like the Balancier QM.