Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire Reference Guide
Reference Guide

Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire Reference Guide

By samwan · Feb 16, 2021 · 50 replies
samwan
WPS member · Independents forum
50 replies7296 views7 photos
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Samwan's insightful post on the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire offers a deep dive into a timepiece that captured the horological world's attention, winning the GPHG Men's Watch category in 2016. His personal experience with the white gold salmon dial model, and his decision to upgrade to the stainless steel Kari Voutilainen guilloché dial, provides a unique collector's perspective on this significant independent watchmaking creation. This article explores the technical brilliance and aesthetic evolution of the 1941 Remontoire, contextualized by samwan's journey and community insights.

This is a watch that won the top Men's Watch category at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) in 2016. The timepiece was inspired by a church clock in the village of Asten in Odenzaal, Netherlands, near the border with Germany, where the brothers - Bart and Tim Gronefeld - reside. They are third generation master watchmakers as their father, as well as grandfather, were responsible for running the church clock dating back to a century ago. The brothers, as some of you may know, are alumni of Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi and thus received abundant exposure in the arena of top-notch horology.

The most notable feature of the watch is the intricate system that ensures the balance and escapement receive constant torque via a remontoire governor at 9 o'clock. The idea is to eliminate any weakening force as the spiral spring unwinds through the clever use of a second spring that rewinds once every 8 seconds. Much has already been written about the movement so enough said by a layman like me....

The watch measures 39.5mm by 10.5mm in thickness. It is run on the in-house caliber G.05 with 36 hours power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vph.

The watch currently in my possession is in white gold with a salmon dial - it is one of the earlier productions. After launching the white gold and rose models however, Gronefeld soon introduced a stainless steel version with guilloche dial made by Kari Voutilainen and enamel in the inner circle by Ines Hamaguchi. I was so captivated by this version that I have already committed to sending the watch back for an "upgrade'. Needless to say - I promise to take fresh pictures once the facelift is done. Stay tuned.















The movement is so pretty that I can practically wear the watch upside-down smile



About the Gronefeld Ref. 1941Remontoire

The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire represents a significant offering from the independent Dutch watchmakers, Bart and Tim Grönefeld, showcasing their technical prowess and commitment to traditional horology. It was introduced as a flagship model, emphasizing precision and a distinctive aesthetic that blends classic watchmaking with contemporary design elements. The timepiece quickly garnered critical acclaim, notably winning the Men's Watch category at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2016, solidifying its position within the high-end independent watchmaking landscape.

Central to the 1941 Remontoire is its constant force mechanism, a remontoire d'égalité, visible at 9 o'clock on the dial. This system ensures a consistent supply of torque to the escapement, enhancing timekeeping accuracy by mitigating the diminishing force of the mainspring as it unwinds. The in-house developed Caliber G-05 features a 36-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). The movement is meticulously finished with polished bevels, frosted surfaces, and gold chatons, reflecting haute horlogerie standards. The case measures 39.5mm in diameter and 10.5mm in thickness, initially offered in white gold and rose gold, with later iterations including stainless steel.

For collectors, the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire is highly regarded for its technical innovation, exceptional finishing, and the artisanal integrity of its creators. The limited production numbers and the personal connection of the Grönefeld brothers to their craft, rooted in generations of clock-keeping, add to its desirability. Early white gold models with salmon dials are particularly sought after, as are the later stainless steel versions featuring guilloché dials crafted by Kari Voutilainen and enamel accents, which represent a collaboration between esteemed independent watchmakers.

Specifications

Caliber
G-05
Case
White Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
Salmon, Silver (guilloché)
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
SH
sham1
Feb 16, 2021

especially when worn upside down!!

WA
Watchonthewrist
Feb 16, 2021

I really enjoy this Salmon dial and even considered a Kari dial when I ordered mine but i am just in love with this even and early dial . Looking forward to see your update. My 1941 says hi

SA
samwan
Feb 16, 2021

I guess some people will like the picture Best

SH
sham1
Feb 16, 2021

so yes many will like the watch worn upside down even with a Kari dial!

SA
samwan
Feb 16, 2021

Yes, the salmon dial appears in a variety of colors under different lighting conditions

DA
damianp
Feb 16, 2021

This board does have a really high density of Grönefeld watches

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