Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention Book By Michael Clerizo Celebrates 20 Years

For 20 years, Greubel Forsey has stood at the pinnacle of haute horology, creating timepieces that defy convention and push the boundaries of mechanical ingenuity. To commemorate this 20-year  milestone, the brand has released Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention, a book that delves into the untold story of its founders, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.

Written by esteemed watch journalist Michael Clerizo, the book is more than a retrospective—it is an intimate and detailed look at two watchmakers who refused to accept the notion that everything in horology had already been invented.

I first encountered Greubel Forsey at Baselworld in 2004, when the brand made its debut. Their work was unlike anything I had ever seen—innovative, complex, and visually mesmerizing. I found myself standing in front of their booth, transfixed by the watches displayed in the windows. That was when Stephen Forsey himself stepped out and began speaking with me. I was immediately struck by his warmth and his eagerness to discuss their vision. The fact that he spoke English was an added bonus, allowing me to fully absorb his passion for the art of watchmaking. That conversation was my first true insight into the minds behind the brand, and it left a lasting impression.

Clerizo’s book captures the essence of what makes Greubel Forsey exceptional. Over 300 photographs, hand-drawn sketches, and 3D diagrams—many never before published—bring the story to life. Through meticulous research and countless interviews, Clerizo paints a vivid picture of how Greubel and Forsey met in 1992 at Renaud et Papi, the Swiss horological think tank where some of the greatest modern innovations were born.

When the two launched Greubel Forsey in 2004, they set out with a singular mission: to elevate traditional craftsmanship and mechanical excellence to levels unseen in modern watchmaking. They succeeded. Their atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds became the birthplace of some of the most breathtakingly complex watches ever created, requiring up to 6,000 hours of labor per piece. Even a single screw can take up to eight hours to perfect.

The book’s strength lies not only in its stunning visuals but also in the depth of Clerizo’s storytelling. I have known Clerizo for many years and I admire and respect his writing style, his commitment to accuracy and his way of storytelling. He is a great researcher and pours his heart and soul into a book or a theme he believes in.

In this book, Clerizo provides firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and philosophies that drive Greubel and Forsey. His writing makes the book read almost like an adventure novel, charting the journey of two men whose respect for one another—and for their craft—has resulted in some of the most remarkable horological creations of our time.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Greubel Forsey: The Art of Invention is an essential addition to any watch library. It retails for $150, but there are fluctuating prices on Amazon. It is available in English, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.