Co-founder of Greubel Forsey Resigns from Board

Stephen Forsey, a pivotal figure in the creation of the renowned Swiss horology brand Greubel Forsey, has resigned from its board of directors, effectively ceasing his involvement in the company's daily management. This development was confirmed by CEO Michel Nydegger on January 30, 2026. Despite his departure from operational roles, Forsey maintains a substantial minority ownership in the high-end watch manufacturer, ensuring his continued, albeit indirect, connection to the brand he helped establish.

Details of the Board Resignation and Company Direction

In a significant corporate announcement on January 30, 2026, Michel Nydegger, the Chief Executive Officer of Greubel Forsey, confirmed that Stephen Forsey, a co-founder of the prestigious watchmaking company, has stepped down from its board of directors. Forsey's decision means he will no longer participate in the brand's design, business, or operational activities. He co-founded the company in 2004 with Robert Greubel, following their collaborative work as watchmakers at Renaud & Papi, an atelier that later became Audemars Piguet's complications workshop. Forsey, known for articulating Greubel Forsey's innovative vision and meticulous craftsmanship, had gradually reduced his direct involvement in recent years, with new executives assuming leadership roles.

Nydegger, who took over as CEO in August 2024, has shifted the company's strategic direction away from former CEO Antonio Calce's plan to increase production and lower average watch prices. Under Nydegger's leadership, Greubel Forsey is concentrating on producing fewer than 200 pieces annually, maintaining its focus on ultra-high-end finishing and intricate horological complications. The company currently employs approximately 130 individuals at its workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Greubel Forsey gained recent public attention when Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg was seen wearing some of its exquisite timepieces, including the Hand Made 1, which retails for over $900,000.

The brand is celebrated for its groundbreaking complications, such as the double tourbillon introduced in 2004, and its unwavering commitment to detail and superior finishing. Greubel Forsey has been recognized with seven Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards, with the most recent being in 2025 for its Nano Foudroyante model, which won the Mechanical Exception category. CEO Nydegger clarified that Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey are the sole shareholders, with Greubel holding the majority stake. He emphasized that the company is not seeking new investors or considering selling any part of its equity, and specifically denied any discussions with Francois-Henri Bennahmias' The Honourable Merchants Group regarding a potential transaction. This follows a previous buy-back of a 20% stake from Richemont during Calce's tenure, underscoring the brand's commitment to independent ownership and its unique position in the luxury watch market.

The departure of a co-founder always marks a significant moment for any company, especially one as specialized and high-profile as Greubel Forsey. While Stephen Forsey's decision to step back from day-to-day operations may initially seem like a loss, his continued ownership stake suggests an enduring belief in the brand's vision. This transition could potentially allow fresh perspectives to emerge while retaining the core values that define Greubel Forsey. It highlights the delicate balance between maintaining heritage and embracing evolution in the fiercely competitive world of haute horology. The strategic shift under Michel Nydegger to prioritize exclusivity and craftsmanship over volume indicates a clear direction for the brand's future, reinforcing its status as a creator of exceptional, rare timepieces.