Grönefeld One Hertz Techniek Review

foversta · 2013-10-01T14:13:25Z

Review the Grönefeld One Hertz Techniek, highlighting its independent deadbeat seconds complication and unique movement architecture. A flagship for independent horology.

foversta

WPS member · Independents forum

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Foversta's review of the Grönefeld One Hertz Techniek delves into the independent deadbeat seconds complication, a rarity in contemporary watchmaking. This article highlights how the Grönefeld brothers' flagship model showcases their talent, skill, and unique approach to movement architecture and user interaction, making it a significant piece for collectors of independent horology.

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With the One Hertz, the Grönefeld brothers have given a big spotlight on a complication which is very rarely seen in contemporary watchmaking world: the independent deadbeat seconds. The One Hertz has become, over time, much more than their first watch powered with an exclusive movement. It is now the flagship of their talent and skills, and it gives the proof of their expertise. The other watch of the collection, the GTM-06 Tourbillon Minute Repeater based on a Christophe Claret ebauche is almost overshadowed by this achievement.

If the One Hertz is successful and gets this recognition, it is because it contains ingredients that allow it to occupy a special place in the independent watchmakers offer. The first characteristic that distinguishes it is the dial lay-out that gives a strong focus on the huge second hand. Due to the goal to design a watch with an independent deadbeat second hand, the minimum the Grönefeld brothers wished to achieve was to display it in all its glory! The main sub-dial is dedicated to it, relegating the time display in the upper right corner as a reminder that the One Hertz was designed and built around this fascinating and majestic second hand. The result is visually up to expectations since the observation of the ballet of the large hand provides at the same time a lot of fun and a question: since the One Hertz is a mechanical watch, does the second hand, which performs a step per second, behaves in exactly the same way as a quartz watch? The answer is rather negative as examining the hand very closely its jump is not exactly the same as with the second hand quartz, reminding us the regulateur clocks with deadbeat seconds.

The second feature that makes the One Hertz so attractive is the beauty and the originality of the architecture of the G-02 movement that animates it. I love this "dual constructed" and large (diameter of 34mm) movement. Taken into account the independent deadbeat seconds, the two gear trains (going gear train and independent dead seconds mechanism) have each their own source of energy, their own barrel. Despite the name of the watch which refers to the behavior of the second hand, the G-02 has a 3hz frequency for a power reserve of 72 hours. Developed by the Grönefeld brothers in partnership with Renaud & Papi, it is distinguished by its multiple peripheral and concentric bridges that make me think about a flower about to hatch out. The finishings are excellent, the way the shapes of the bridges are emphasized is subtle and improves the perceived quality thanks to the contrast between the polished bevelling and the micro-blasted surface. The clear separation between the two barrels underlines the movement lay-out and provides hints of what is visible on the dial side.

And finally, I particularly appreciate how the crown works. No need to pull it out: just press it to select the operating mode. When the mode indicator is set to W (wind), the crown is ready to be used to handwind the two barrels. On the S (set) mode, it allows you to set the time.

Both versions of the One Hertz Techniek can be considered as a continuation of the One Hertz Contemporary which already includes substantial changes from the One Hertz Classic. Beyond the aesthetic changes that increase the 3D effects on the dial, the One Hertz Contemporary stands out with the change of the power reserve indicator location that leaves the subdial dedicated to the second hand to reach the top of the dial area.

The 43mm case of the One Hertz Techniek is made of titanium with polished and brushed finishes or black DLC depending on the version. The interest of these two watches is to remove the base of the dial and to offer a spectacular view of the movement front side. It is therefore not an openworking nor a skeletonized approach since the movement appears as it is in any other One Hertz, hidden beneath the dial. Despite the relative simplicity (not to mention austerity) of all the elements, their gathering manages to create a "technical" and "mechanical" atmosphere which obviously gives the name to the watch. The relief effects related to the raised scales are this time accompanied by depth effects that give to the One Hertz Techniek a very pronounced three-dimensional rendering. As such, the famous second hand flies over the area that reveals the deepest openings what make the ballet of the hand even more attractive.

The Grönefeld brothers took the decision to not go further in terms of decoration of the movement on the dial side despite the potential of visible elements and the space generated by the new location of the power reserve indicator. I honestly think this is the right choice. The watch dial is already complex enough with the scales which "intersect" (the second hand flying over the time display) and a stronger decorative approach would have made the whole too heavy visually speaking, almost overloaded. Furthermore, this simplicity and apparent sobriety are more consistent with the intended spirit and the assumed contemporary style.

The G-02 movement keeps its usual appearance and in the context of the One Hertz Techniek, I admit that I would have liked to see more open bridges to remind the atmosphere of the watch on the front side. This detail is however not problematic since the movement lay-out and finishings remain a feast for the eyes.

By putting the One Hertz on the wrist, I find again the sensations brought by any other One Hertz with the advantage to immediately feel the lighter weight of titanium. The watch is comfortable but it requires the right wrist to stand the case diameter and the lugs length which are rather prominent despite their curve. However, the One Hertz Techniek expresses its own personality thanks to the depth of the dial and its almost futuristic style that combines perfectly with the behavior of the large second hand. The identity of this watch, its originality without forgetting the unique and "jerky" animation of the main hand make the One Hertz Techniek a haunting, charming and mysterious piece ... just when it reveals more of its mechanism! Another paradox for a watch that almost seems to be animated by a movement powered with a battery while its mechanical achievement is indisputable.

Each version of the One Hertz Techniek (brushed and polished titanium or titanium with black DLC coating for the "Nocturne") is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces.

Thanks a lot to the Grönefeld brothers for their availability.

Pros:
+ the dial lay-out structured around the large second hand
+ the beauty of the G-02 movement and its original architecture
+ the 3D effects
+ the clever way to use the crown

Cons:
- the case and lugs size do not fit any wrist
- a decoration style of the bridges different and more adapted to the context of the One Hertz Techniek would have been a bonus

Key Points from the Discussion

The case and lugs of the One Hertz Techniek may initially feel large, but the strap becomes pliable with wear, even for smaller wrists, improving comfort.
The One Hertz Techniek is considered a beautiful watch, with collectors anticipating future magnificent versions from the Grönefeld brothers.
The Classic version of the One Hertz is already very mature, with its design, movement, and dial layout considered close to perfection, offering pure pleasure to wear.
The Techniek version represents a maturation of the One Hertz line, though some collectors prefer the non-PVD version due to PVD being perceived as too trendy.
The choice between the Techniek and Techniek Nocturne favors the former, as DLC watches are less trusted, and the brushed/polished case of the Techniek works better aesthetically.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 1, 2013

The Techniek is the epitome of the One Hertz, to me.

The One Hertz reached a state of maturation, with this Techniek. No PVD version, for me, though. It is too trendy for my taste. What a Watch! Best, Nicolas

4Js

Oct 1, 2013

How would you compare

The feeling of this dial to your MMR? I know it is not fair from a function standpoint, but size, Titanium, open working. I have never seen in the flesh your MMR, so I was curious your impressions. Thanks, Joe

amanico

Oct 1, 2013

The dial of the MMR is more sculptural, Joe.

But the case is much thicker, due to the 15 days power reserve... I would love to own the Techniek, to pair it with my MMR. :) Best, Nicolas

foversta

Oct 3, 2013

Thanks for your comments Nicolas.

But I find the Classic version already very mature. The design, the movement, the dial lay-out... the watch is close to perfection. The Techniek plays a different tune around the same complication. I had the chance to wear yesterday the Classic and it was pure pleasure. Fx

Whirling

Oct 1, 2013

I have loved every version of the One Hertz.

This version is no exception. It is a thing of beauty. I have a feeling, though, that we can expect at least one more magnificent version before the line is done. Rumors are that the next major line from the Gronefelds will be called the Two Avis. :-) Regards, Jon

foversta

Oct 3, 2013

Thanks Jon for your comments!

As you can't imagine, I can't wait to discover what they have in the pipe! Fx

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