Greubel Forsey: The Art Of Invention — A Book By Michael Clerizo

How did this book land on my desk? “Thomas, you wrote a watch book; why don’t you review this one?” — that’s how. To be fair, I am woefully unqualified to do so both because I cannot stand in author Michael Clerizo’s shadow and because I usually review watches. I feel I must start with the specifications making up Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention. The book has a 300mm diameter and a 32mm cover-to-cover thickness. It is out-house manufactured, and it wears rather uncomfortably. Okay, I don’t see that going anywhere…let me start over.

Clerizo wrote this work to mark the 20th anniversary of Greubel Forsey. The house granted Clerizo unfettered access to its premises and Robert Greubel’s farmhouse near Le Locle. For months, the author spent entire days with the team, gathering the ultimate input for his book. The result is a delightful deep dive into the young Swiss house.

On the author

I feel weird introducing Michael Clerizo since I am his junior in many ways. Still, in case you don’t know the man, he wrote Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking and George Daniels: A Master Watchmaker & His Art. His writing also appears in several magazines and websites. Additionally, you might know him from his 20 years at the Wall Street Journal and appearances on CNN’s Timeless series.

The scope of Greubel Forsey: The Art Of Invention

One of the major perks of documenting the journey of a relatively young watch company is having access to first-hand information and materials. The book kicks off with the company’s origins and detailed backgrounds of founders Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. Much of this is in the founders’ words, making it highly personal and relatable. From here, Clerizo proceeds with superb documentation of the invention of the Double Tourbillon 30˚.

Next, the book takes readers on a journey past all the house’s timepieces and achievements. With Greubel Forsey providing imagery, you can feast your eyes on all the fantastical creations the past two decades spawned.

One particularly telling chapter is titled “The Competition.” It describes the history of chronometry competitions and their significance for Greubel Forsey. In 2009, a new competition began, the Concours International de Chronométrie. Greubel Forsey competed and lost. This chapter dryly documents the frustration and determination this triggered in the team, leading to a victory in 2011. This episode aptly describes Greubel Forsey’s pure horological ambition and determination.

What we think of Greubel Forsey: The Art Of Invention

This is one of those books to get lost in. It presents Greubel Forsey almost as a universe in which you get to explore every nook and cranny. The author had full access, and you feel it as a reader. It captures the spirit of Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey, and the company that carries their names.

Many watch books offer a selection of pretty pictures with minimal text; this, however, is not one of those. The level of detail and the meticulous descriptions are nothing short of impressive. Clerizo strikes the right balance between depth and accessibility. Although even the most hardcore of Greubel Forsey aficionados will find new information here, the material is presented in a way that caters just as well to casual reading. This means the book retains relevance to watch geeks who, like me, don’t have a Greubel Forsey on the wrist.

Greubel Forsey: The Art Of Invention is published by Thames & Hudson. You can place your preorder for US$150 on the company’s website.