Moritz Grossmann Benu Watch Review

BluNotte's initial encounter with Moritz Grossmann's Benu watch in Glashütte provides a compelling first-hand account of a relatively new independent brand making a significant impression. This report highlights the meticulous finishing and unique design elements that position Moritz Grossmann as a serious contender in high-end watchmaking, challenging established perceptions of German versus Swiss craftsmanship.

Hi everyone,

As you all mostly know i recently took a trip to Germany for the Lange Akademie course, but i got there earlier than the rest of the group due to me being already in the country for business the previous week, and i managed to arrange for a visit with the established-in-2010 brand Moritz Grossmann.

Boy was i in for one of the biggest surprises in my watch life recently! SInce this year's SIHH and Baselworld didnt really tickle my bones much, this masterpiece was a true eye awakener due to it's marvelous and more than extraordinary finishes! ( And this i will apologise 1st, i spent so much time scrutinizing the watch and taking shots of it on my wrist that i FORGOT to take even ONE shot of the movement! My apologies guys!!!!!!!) For me, the personal standard stands at Lange's standard, therefore most other independent brands hate me when i criticise on their movements, cause of the lack of a perfect finish thereof , especially from those who charge a relatively higher price for their masterpieces.

 I have never seen the watch in the metal before, as at current the watch is only being sold either from the manufactory themselves, or 2 AD's in located in Germany and Switzerland. So that ensures that they are a pretty rare sight for now in the wild, although i can confirm that there are folks ALREADY wearing this watch out there.

Another reason for it being this rare is since it's inception, the brand has only one model, which is this watch, known as the Benu, named after the mythical Egyptian bird that was similar in kind to the legendary Phoenix, in which when it's like was to end it would burn itself , and rise again from the ashes.

In the same manner, it is the desire of the manufacture, which is being lead by one of the few lady CEO's in the watch industry, the very eloquent Frau Christine Hutter, to "rise up" with the revived name of Moritz Grossmann, who was a watchmaker that was friends with none other than the great and famous Ferdinand Adolf Lange!

The Benu is a 41mm rose gold masterpiece that is issued in a strictly numbered Limited edition of 100 pieces worldwide, and comes with a RG deployant buckle.

It is powered by the calibre 100.0, a totally new in-house hand wound movement that has a rather large balance wheel (14.2mm) that oscillates at a slow but Chronometrically steady 18,000 bph. (2.5Hz)

 Of interest to note is that Grossmann is the only manufacture now in Glashutte which produces their own hands, and this item is one of the greatest charm of the watch. It is not your usual blued steel hands, instead being annealed to a very rare and unique Brown-violet colour, the darkest hue of steel that can be thermally achieved. Adding to the fact that the tip ends off in a wisp, reminds you once again that this is a device meant for ultra precise time measurements, and i can say upon inspection with my 10 times loupe, is possibly the finest ending hands i have ever set my eyes upon.

The brand is now undergoing major changes as they are finally moving in into their new home, a self-purchased premises located on Uferstrasse 1, just across from Glashutte Original, over by the train station of Glashutte. Plans are of course underway for other models, not just the Benu, and eyes should be kept towards them especially during this fall season.

Grossmann may just turn out to be the biggest star to come out of Glashutte since Lange did back in 1994, and after personally being given the opportunity to handle their 1st piece, i can say that they mean serious business. I dont normally give out such high accolades to anyone other than Lange, but this could give Lange a run for their money when you compare it to relevant pieces ( Say maybe the 1815) 

Without further ado, here are some photos of the short tour.

Once again, a huge Danke schoen to all at the Manufacture, especially to Frau Hutter for the time afforded to me, for letting me handle her own personal watch, and to Herr Kern, for arranging the other side events which made up my dream!

I strongly encourage those of you who have not yet heard about the manufacture, to check them out, and if you are in the region to pay them a visit.

They will be more than delighted to have you as their honoured guests

Danke schoen for reading thus far, and i hope you enjoy my very amateur & humble photos which does the watch ZERO justice.

Tschuss

Stephen

And the crown powering up the gears.

Thats all folks, hope you enjoyed the journey with me!