Yet beyond its culinary fame, this postcard-perfect village holds a secret prized by horology connoisseurs: it is home to the exceptional watchmaking atelier Greubel Forsey, a true pinnacle of Swiss innovation and artisanal mastery.
Founded in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, this independent haute horlogerie brand has gained global acclaim for pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking. Specializing in complex, multi-axis tourbillons, architectural movements, and finishing techniques of unparalleled refinement, Greubel Forsey is not just a brand—it is a philosophy of precision, invention, and dedication to excellence.
A private tour of the Greubel Forsey workshop in Gruyères is an extraordinary experience, typically reserved for collectors, industry insiders, and passionate enthusiasts. Visitors are guided through the intimate, almost monastic environment where each timepiece is entirely hand-finished and assembled by master artisans—a process that can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours per watch.
Highlights of the experience include:
- A close look at proprietary inventions, such as the Double Tourbillon 30° or the Quadruple Tourbillon, demonstrating Greubel Forsey’s relentless pursuit of chronometric precision.
- The chance to observe watchmakers at work beneath microscopes, performing hand-bevelling, black polishing, and engraving with absolute perfection.
- Insights into the philosophical approach of the brand, where time is not just measured, but sculpted, respected, and elevated to an art form.