Grönefeld One Hertz Stainless Steel Production

Vinontre · 2012-02-17T03:03:02Z

Explore the making of a Grönefeld One Hertz in stainless steel. Vinontre shares his personal journey, factory photos, and insights into independent watchmaking.

Vinontre

WPS member · Independents forum

16 replies3223 views14 photos

Vinontre's post offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the creation of a Grönefeld One Hertz, a highly sought-after independent timepiece. His personal account highlights the exceptional customer experience and meticulous craftsmanship that define independent watchmaking, providing valuable context for collectors interested in these unique brands.

I am super excited to be able to share with everyone a few pictures from my adventures in acquiring a Gronefeld One Hertz.

First and foremost I have to preface this by saying that the Gronefeld brothers are two of the most friendly, gracious, and professional people in the watch industry that I have had the pleasure of meeting. From the very personal correspondences to the attention to detail and frequent status updates, you can really see how much they care about their customers and their products. This kind of experience is why I've been so into watches from independent watchmakers lately..!

I contacted them one late night while surfing on the web and came upon some detailed pictures of the One Hertz Dune (RG edition). I had heard about the One Hertz before but had never seen such detailed pictures of the beautiful and unique movement and once I did, I was immediately hooked... (and so I lost another couple hours of sleep researching it)

After I read about the many intriguing and unique ways that they designed and structured their movement and about very interesting combination of functions (deadbeat seconds, crown function selector/indicator) I knew that I had to try to acquire one... Only white metal watches work for me, so I didn't have high hopes, knowing that the Stainless Steel was a limited edition of 12, however, after reading about the success of a fellow Purist (optionc) in getting one (http://www.watchprosite.com/?show=forumpostf.classic&fi=16π=4594958&ti=708183&s=0) I decided I'd try to contact them and I'm sure glad I tried!

Imagine my surprise when within hours I got an email back from Bart telling me that they were in the middle of producing their final SS pieces and that I could be allocated one of them! I felt really bad because it appeared that they were on vacation at the time and they had taken so much time to respond to me with such friendliness and detail!

Since then, over the last few months they've kept me frequently updated on the progress of making the watch (including many detailed pictures), and I have now gotten approval from them to share some pictures here...

Inspecting the base plate before perlage and finishing

Partially assembled movement with the parts ready to go in

The perlage looks beautiful! And I'm glad to see this picture because you can't see it on the fully assembled movement...

The fully assembled movement

Of course the finishing on the very unique bridges is to die for...

The case, waiting for its heart

The subdial chapter rings being inspected...

Drilling holes in the hands

I believe these are the applied hour indices for the RG Dune edition

The finished chapter rings

The dial before the many parts are added, and a peek at the finished product!

I can hardly wait to see the final piece in person because it's so rare that I've never had the chance to handle it in the metal before I had ordered it!

Thanks again to the Gronefeld brothers!

This message has been edited by Vinontre on 2012-02-17 03:05:10

Key Points from the Discussion

The Grönefeld brothers are known for their exceptional friendliness, graciousness, and professionalism, offering a highly personal customer experience that includes frequent updates and detailed communication during the watchmaking process.
The One Hertz movement features intriguing and unique design elements, including a deadbeat seconds complication and a crown function selector/indicator, which captivated the author and led to his acquisition.
The stainless steel version of the One Hertz was a limited edition of only 12 pieces, making its acquisition particularly fortunate for the author.
The finishing on Grönefeld watches, particularly the perlage on the base plate and the unique bridges, is consistently praised as superb and a highlight of the timepiece.
The One Hertz is described as having a 'complex simplicity' in its concept and finish, appealing to collectors who appreciate both technical sophistication and aesthetic refinement.
The Grönefeld brothers are regarded as true characters and friends by many in the watch community, reinforcing the personal connection that draws collectors to independent brands.

The Discussion

amanico

Feb 17, 2012

You will love the complex simplicity of the Hertz One, the concept, and the finish. I saw it half a dozen times in the flesh, and each time, it is a big love. If you add Bart and Tim, who are true characters, and to be honest, friends, you will understand why I appreciate this watch so much. In my list. Definitely. Best, Nicolas

Mark in Paris

Feb 17, 2012

and thank you very much for this creation follow up of the Hertz One, a complication I like quite much indeed. Congratulations and we are all looking forward to hearing from you about the next steps ! Best, Mark

Darren

Feb 17, 2012

That's one I would love to see one day. The movement is wonderful, and the dial appears to be very well done. This is one of my favorites - please post more scans once you have it! Darren

andrewluff

Feb 17, 2012

Congratulations on your purchase, you have bought one of the most beautiful watches around and from really nice guys. The finishing on these pieces is amazing and I am sure it will give you many happy years of smiles on your face! Looking forward to seeing a picture of it on your wrist... Cheers Andrew

Mostel

Feb 17, 2012

that I LOVE. Extremely cool!!! Congrats and thanks for pics.

monochrome

Feb 17, 2012

You're lucky to have obtained one of the twelve pieces in steel. Because I live not too far away, I visit the Grönefelds quite regularly and have seen them work on the One Hertz. Their attention for detail is just superb and the finishing of the parts... amazing. Congrats again... and looking forward to seeing photos once you're received your One Hertz!

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Grönefeld One Hertz Stainless Steel Production

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