Grönefeld 1941 Principia Automatic Movement

Arie - Mr Orange · 2018-10-18T01:59:31Z

Explore the Grönefeld 1941 Principia automatic movement, its design, and community debate on its value compared to other independent watchmakers.

Arie - Mr Orange

WPS member · Independents forum

22 replies4087 views6 photos

Arie - Mr Orange introduces the Grönefeld 1941 Principia, an automatic movement housed in the brand's signature Remontoire case. This post delves into the design philosophy behind Grönefeld's first automatic offering, prompting a community discussion on its place within the independent watchmaking landscape. Readers will gain insight into how this new model balances classic aesthetics with modern convenience.

So the brothers have build an automatic movement for the Remontoire case. My first reaction was “hey a 1815 from the Netherlands”. But after some more contemplation that is not a fair reaction.

Purists would probably want a hand wound movement. Especially from the Grönefeld Brothers as they produce the most stunning visual movements on the planet (imo). But now you could argue that they have produced one of the most stunning automatic movements!

If you are looking for a super classic dress watch with the safety of a big brand behind it; go Lange or Patek. But if you are looking for something a bit more funky and at least as impressive if not more than this could be something for you.

Looking at the extreme finishing of the movement and quality of the dials, hands, well everything you do get a lot of bang for the buck!

PS
Maybe this would also be a nice watch for a lady. Independent beauty combined with the ease of an automatic movement.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 1941 Principia's attractive price point, nearly half that of the Remontoire, is seen as a strategic move to attract new buyers, with salmon and lacquer steel dials being popular considerations.
A key question arises regarding how the Principia compares to the Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro Rotor, particularly concerning movement visibility and the choice of a full rotor versus a micro-rotor.
The salmon dial with blued hands and a blue strap with orange stitching adds a playful touch, making the watch more colorful and less inaccessible due to its stainless steel price.
While appreciating the fantastic movement, one collector questions the use of the same case and dial as the Remontoire, suggesting a new collection with different aesthetics would have been more creative.
Some collectors are not bothered by an ultra-high-end manufacture going automatic, viewing the rotor as an opportunity to express brand values, and find the Principia more interesting than a somber 1815.
Conversely, the decision to retain the superb case from the Remontoire is welcomed by some, especially for those who found the original Remontoire dial cut-out less cohesive on certain color combinations.

The Discussion

reintitan

Oct 18, 2018

but then I'm a big fan of time-only watches, large sub-seconds subdials, no-holes on the dial, and salmon-colored dials. They even a personal configurator for the watch on their website. Pretty cool.

Arie - Mr Orange

Oct 18, 2018

And perhaps they will even do a bespoke guilloché dial later on?

Baron - Mr Red

Oct 18, 2018

As an alternative to the mainstream, I think this offers a great deal. though...if i am honest, the Rementoire calls the loudest to me

sham1

Oct 18, 2018

that the Gronefeld brothers make the most visually stunning movements in the market. My main question is how would this watch compare to Laurent Ferrier's Galet Micro Rotor which also has a stunning movement? I would have liked a slight smaller case but I must congratulate Bart and Tim for pricing this watch competitively taking into account the quality of the finish. Would a micro rotor been a better option so more of the gorgeous movement would be visible?!

Watchonthewrist

Oct 18, 2018

Although its a gorgeous watch i also think a micro rotor would fit this movement a bit better . Still i am deep in love with Remontoire with that stunning hand wound movement .

Watchonthewrist

Oct 18, 2018

For me as a independent watchlover its not even a issue , this watch above all others 🤗

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Grönefeld 1941 Principia Automatic Movement

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