SalonQP 2018 Sidelines: Frodsham, Grönefeld, Urwerk

foversta · 2018-12-05T14:07:53Z

Discover highlights from SalonQP 2018 beyond the official exhibitors. foversta shares insights on Charles Frodsham, Grönefeld, Urwerk, and other independent watchmakers.

foversta

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

8 replies3999 views10 photos

foversta offers a captivating recap of discoveries made on the sidelines of SalonQP 2018, highlighting creations from independent watchmakers and established brands. This article provides a unique perspective on pieces that might not have been official exhibitors, showcasing the breadth of horological innovation present in London. Readers will gain insights into ambitious projects and new releases that caught the eye of a seasoned collector.

8 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

When the SalonQP takes place, you always have the ability to meet watchmakers or brands which take advantage of the event to show their latest creations to people who go to London. I was able to take advantage of my stay in London to discover other watches that did not emanate from the official exhibitors of the salon.

A visit to the Charles Frodsham boutique on Bury Street was a must and is mandatory if you travel to London soon. The Double Impulse Chronometer Wristwatch is indeed one of the most ambitious projects and a new demonstration of the revival of the high end segment of the English watchmaking. The dial may look classic at first glance (even if the pictured watch is quite original due to the presence of the prizes won by Frodsham in the past) but the movement is really stunning. It is not a "still beauty". It is also the way the moving parts act. The Double Impulse system creates a mesmerizing behavior of the regulating organ.

The presence of the Grönefeld brothers at the SalonQP inauguration cocktail allowed me to finally discover the 1941 Principia, their first automatic watch. Behind dials of classic appearance (but available with a wide range of colors and in two styles!), we can discover a beautiful movement, which is for me, in terms of quality of the finishes and aesthetically speaking at the same level than the 1941 Remontoire one.

Note that several dial colors are available and this combo makes the watch even more attractive and quite daring:

Urwerk organized a lunch during the SalonQP with the UK press. Martin Frei had the great idea of bringing with him the CC-1 Cobra, which foreshadows the brand's latest creation, the UR-111C and its linear minute display:

German Polosin was present at SalonQP at the AHCI booth to support Konstantin Chaykin. I asked him to present me his Kopf Watch made in bronze. Needless to say, this watch that exists only as a prototype for the time being doesn't leave anybody indifferent. It is one of the strangest things I have ever seen to be frank:

Bell & Ross organized an event during the SalonQP weekend in its Burlington Arcade boutique to unveil the two watches made in partnership with Wei Koh (The Rake & Revolution) which are variations of the Bellytanker:

Finally, I met Juliana Arbelaez who presented me a spectacular rose gold version of the SUISSEMECANICA SM8 edited in the context of a limited series of 5 pieces. The watch is large, thick but thanks to the successful design, I didn't have the feeling to wear a big gold watch:

Thanks a lot to the different brands for the time they have spent with me.

Fr.Xavier

About the Gronefeld Ref. 1941Remontoire

The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire is a distinguished offering from the independent Dutch watchmakers, Tim and Bart Grönefeld. It represents their commitment to traditional haute horlogerie combined with a distinctive contemporary aesthetic, positioning itself as a significant piece within their limited production portfolio.

The timepiece features a constant force mechanism, or remontoire d'égalité, integrated into its hand-wound movement, ensuring consistent power delivery to the escapement for enhanced accuracy. The movement, visible through a sapphire case back, is meticulously finished with polished bevels, circular graining, and Geneva stripes. The case is typically crafted from precious metals, housing a dial designed for legibility and understated elegance.

For collectors, the 1941 Remontoire is valued for its technical sophistication and the brothers' dedication to artisanal craftsmanship. Its limited production numbers and the inclusion of a complex constant force complication contribute to its desirability and long-term appeal within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: Grönefeld G-06

Case: Red gold, white gold, or platinum

Diameter: 39.5 mm

Dial: Silver, rhodium-plated, or salmon

Water Resist.: 30 meters

Crystal: Sapphire, front and back

Key Points from the Discussion

Charles Frodsham's Double Impulse Chronometer Wristwatch is praised for its ambitious project, stunning movement, and mesmerizing regulating organ, showcasing the revival of high-end English watchmaking.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia, the brand's first automatic watch, features a beautiful movement with finishes and aesthetics on par with the 1941 Remontoire, available with a wide range of dial colors and styles.
Urwerk's CC-1 Cobra is noted as a precursor to the UR-111C, both featuring innovative linear minute displays.
German Polosin's Kopf Watch, a bronze prototype, is described as one of the strangest and most intriguing pieces seen, leaving a strong impression.
The Charles Frodsham Double Impulse Chronometer has a long 14-year development period, suggesting thorough refinement, and comes with a free first service to ensure proper functioning.
The Grönefeld Principia is admired for its beauty and configurability, though the 1941 Remontoire remains a favorite from the brand.

The Discussion

amanico

Dec 5, 2018

The Frodsham is a revelation, the Gronefeld a confirmation. [nt]

VMM

Dec 5, 2018

Thanks for sharing those great wrist shots.

I agree with NIcolas, the Frodsham movement looks outstanding. The light blue Grönefeld looks very nice. I love the Urwerks and the funny German Polosin. Vte

FabR

Dec 5, 2018

Thanks for another great and quite unique selection, FX. The 'Kopf Watch' is certainly something we don't get to handle every day, I'm curios to see more from them in the future. [nt]

Watchonthewrist

Dec 5, 2018

Great report again , thanks .

The Gronefeld Principia is a beautiful watch indeed , love the way you can configurate the watch in your fav combo . Still the 1941 is my fav from the brand . And the Urwerks are just so cool to look at . The cobra is a Classic allready and the 111 ...... no words for this amazing watch .

pyi

Dec 8, 2018

Wooow, that Frodsham is a beaute. Not only the movement, but the dial and the hands, my God the hands are just perfect. [nt]

Mostel

Dec 22, 2018

Frodsham for me, is the next great maker

Service? Dependability? Who they are? That's another question. But the watch itself, design, creation, what I see in pictures? The English are dazzling with their offerings. (Although I do not like the additional dial decoration here... )

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 8 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

SalonQP 2018 Sidelines: Frodsham, Grönefeld, Urwerk

About the Gronefeld Ref. 1941Remontoire

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

Related Articles