Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2

The watchmaking world is no stranger to innovation, but what Greubel Forsey has accomplished with the Hand Made 2 feels like stepping into an atelier frozen in time, where every movement, every cut of a tool, and every hand-polished surface carries the weight of centuries-old craftsmanship.

Back in 2019, Greubel Forsey gave us the Hand Made 1, an astonishing watch that proved the impossible: that a modern mechanical watch could be constructed almost entirely by hand, rivalling the precision of CNC machines without sacrificing an ounce of the brand’s legendary performance. Now, six years later, they’ve returned to push the boundaries even further. Enter the Hand Made 2, an exquisite evolution of the original concept, delivering the same mind-boggling craftsmanship in a slightly simpler—but no less extraordinary—package.

Introduced as an evolution of the Hand Made 1, this 2025 release highlights the extraordinary commitment to artisanal methods, with 96% of its components created entirely by hand. The process demands over 5,000 hours of labour per watch, pushing the boundaries of what handmade craftsmanship can achieve in modern horology. At first glance, the Hand Made 2 exudes an understated elegance. Its white gold case measures 40.9mm in diameter and 12.8mm in height, offering a compact profile that belies the complexity of its construction.

However, the true marvel lies beneath the surface, in the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this watch. Every component, except for the sapphire crystals, case gaskets, spring bars, mainspring, and most jewels, is handmade using tools like a precision lathe, jig-borer, or pantograph. These traditional instruments allow for tolerances of just a few microns, matching the precision of CNC machines but achieved through entirely manual means.

The Hand Made 2 departs from its predecessor by replacing the tourbillon with a traditional regulating organ, showcasing Greubel Forsey’s ability to excel across different horological approaches. One of the most impressive feats is the in-house production of the balance spring. This critical component is hand-coiled, cut, and adjusted to ensure flawless synchronization with the balance wheel. Very few watchmakers undertake this process, making it a rare and significant achievement.

Comprising 270 components, each element is meticulously machined and finished by hand. The decoration is both intricate and restrained, with a focus on craftsmanship over ostentation. The barrel and balance bridges, for instance, feature five distinct finishes: frosted, black-polished, straight-grained, polished flanks and bevels, and polished chamfers accented by jewels set in gold chatons. These elements reflect Greubel Forsey’s mastery of traditional watchmaking techniques.

The dial presents a harmonious blend of textures and materials. The hours, small seconds, and power reserve are displayed on Grand Feu enamel dials, a technique renowned for its depth and permanence. The thermally blued steel hands add a vibrant contrast to the understated tones of the dial, enhancing legibility while contributing to the watch’s refined aesthetic.

Functionally, the Hand Made 2 offers hours, minutes, a small seconds counter, and a power reserve indicator. The latter is particularly noteworthy, employing a hand-cut conical synthetic ruby and roller to display the remaining energy of the 72-hour power reserve. This ingenious design showcases the brand’s ability to innovate within the framework of traditional craftsmanship.

Turning the watch over reveals a movement crafted from hand-frosted German silver. Even the hidden surfaces are decorated to an extraordinary standard, emphasizing Greubel Forsey’s philosophy that every detail matters, regardless of visibility. A large plate covers most of the movement, lending a sense of simplicity to the case back while underscoring the complexity of the internal mechanisms.

The rarity of the Hand Made 2 cannot be overstated. Greubel Forsey’s Hand Made workshop produces only two to three pieces per year, making this watch one of the most exclusive creations in the world of haute horlogerie.