monochrome
457
Opening of a high-end boutique
Suppose you're starting a boutique with only Independent Haute Horlogerie… than you should organize an opening. So what to do for your guests, especially since some of the guests are the world's best watchmakers!
Well… last weekend i had to honor of being present at such an opening and it was the most fun opening i ever attended.
Bart and Tim Grönefeld opened their Grönefeld Boutique last weekend. The boutique represents Cornelius & Cie, Kees Engelbarts, McGonigle, Sarpaneva, S.U.F., Speake-Marin and of course their own brand with it's first watch, the Grönefeld GTM-06. 
On friday, the press day, the guests where invited for karting and BBQ. Yes indeed… you open an absolute high-end watch boutique and you don't take your guests to a restaurant with at least 1 Michelin star. No… you take them for karting and a good BBQ. A girlfriend of mine thought it was very logical, 'all men's things', and how right she was!
It was so much fun and excellent and relax way to get to know John McGonigle, Peter Speake-Marin and of course Bart and Tim Grönefeld.
Kees Engelbarts arrived on saturday and unfortunately Stepan Sarpaneva was unable to attend.
So on to the photos…. first the press day 
They must be kidding... karting in the snow? 
Getting ready for the race on snow and ice....
Even in rain coat and with hair net, John McGonigle's looks like he's determined to win.... his killer-look. 
Ready, set, go!!!!!
OK, who crashed?
After the kart race it was time for BBQ
Peter Speake-Marin found a table close to the heat of the BQQ...
And was also able to throw an extra sausage on the BBQ. Relax 
An excellent meal, especially after karting on snow and ice. 
John McGonigle thought our Dutch beers where small, so he got a bigger one...
And now on to the photos of the official opening.
The Grönefeld Boutique
I could show you photos of the Mayor performing the official opening, photos of the guests, the displays with watches... however I'll stick to the watchmakers who made this possible.
Peter Speake-Marin, Kees Engelbarts, John McGonigle, Tim and Bart Grönefeld... a few of the very best watchmakers on earth. 
And a group wrist shot....
Unfortunately Stepan Sarpaneva couldn't be present, so i'll just show a few of his watches in the new boutique.
At the left is what i think the very last available Korona K2 (sorry for the bad photo).
Bart tries to sell a Grönefeld GTM-06 to John McGonigle
The two men who created the Grönefeld GTM-06 and started a boutique for Independent Haute Horlogerie, Bart and Tim Grönefeld... ELECTRIFYING!!
Later i'll post more photos of the watches available at the Grönefeld Boutique.... Cornelius & Cie, Kees Engelbarts, McGonigle, Sarpaneva, Peter Speake-Marin, S.U.F. and Grönefeld. What a line up
Opening of a high-end boutique
Excellent! Karts and BBQ..
Great Concept!
Unique concept?
It is pretty unique...
What a great idea
Fully agree, Geo
Sarpaneva looks unique.
An excellent post and
Interesting way to open a store. if there are stores for..
It has not much to do with their independence
really thank you
Well spoken, Faisal
Great post!
