AHCI - Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire

Gronefeld 1941 Remontoire

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

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An all time great Sam!

By: sham1 : February 16th, 2021-01:17

especially when worn upside down!!

Haha

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-01:34

I guess some people will like the picture Best

One of the most mesmersing movements ever created

By: sham1 : February 16th, 2021-01:36

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

A true masterpiece and gorgeous watch .

By: Watchonthewrist : February 16th, 2021-01:25

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 ...

Nice picture

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-01:37

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

While I do think the salmon dial is a very nice one, I do also understand, why you want to exchange it for a Kari dial. After the tourbillon and the principia, I'm really looking forward to the next "completely new" watch of the brothers.

By: damianp : February 16th, 2021-01:44

This board does have a really high density of Grönefeld watches ...

Wow

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-02:07

Very nice combo. Congratulations!

Great photo's and an even better watch!

By: R : February 16th, 2021-01:46

...

Exquisite!

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-02:08

I can now see that the watch is very popular in this forum...

I have to say that I am totally in love with the back side which is a true horological feast. Less of the recto because of this " hole ". But the back side, WOW!

By: amanico : February 16th, 2021-03:14

LOL

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-03:56

Yes, both the movement and design are ingenious

Exquisite

By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : February 16th, 2021-03:51

the kari dial is undeniably gorgeous.

By: Gelato Monster : February 16th, 2021-04:47

Looking forward to your choice of Kari. I asked for enamel but the brother said it is not possible so I am staying Salmon for now

Hmmm....

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-05:21

Don't hold your breath because I am not sure how long I have to wait....

What happened?

By: Gelato Monster : February 16th, 2021-07:06

Long queue ?

My AD indicated 18-24 months but it has not happened yet :)

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-08:38

Wow that is one long wait

By: Gelato Monster : February 16th, 2021-23:07

It will be worth it though. Something completely You

Gorgeous

By: Jurry : February 16th, 2021-04:49

It’s a gorgeous watch. Being from Oldenzaal myself I’ve been very tempted to acquire one but I swerved to another brand. However one day I’ll get such a watch. You mentioned to “upgrade” the dial. Forgive me for being bold but you’ve got the absolute best...

Haha....so you are close to the scene

By: samwan : February 16th, 2021-05:15

Wonder what you picked... In my mind, they make very nice watches....the Tourbillon, the Principia and of course, the One Hertz

In the end I swerved towards Vacheron. Although the remontoir and the connection with Oldenzaal (my son was born there and baptist in the church where the Gronefeld family has been the clock keepers for generations) and the incredible pure craftsmanship o...