Loading...Last year I visited Oldenzaal, the home of the Horological Brothers. Having met them several times at Baselworld, I have always wanted to see how they are able to create such exceptional timepieces. I had a very pleasurable time at their studio, and they showed me in depth how they create their timepieces, from initial paperdrawings to plastic models to the final product. They were very open about how they work, and explained me everything in detail. It was a great learning experience for someone who is not a watchmaker but who loves watchmaking.
Now, there is a new watch coming. And the Horological Brothers are proud to present to you:
The NEW 1941 Remontoire
Going back to the roots of Bart and Tim Grönefeld: The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire features an eight seconds constant force mechanism, ensuring the force serving the balance wheel does not wane. From the mainspring being fully wound to the last minute of the 36 hours of power reserve, when the stop works intervenes, the force never fluctuates. The result is that the amplitude and rate remain consistent, leading to superior precision.
The new 1941 case
The sculpted case is executed with a specially shaped cutter to create its characteristic hollowed, concave recesses and convex surfaces. In between each additional cutting phase, the case is polished prior to the next stage of milling, ensuring the precisely defined contours of the case are retained. This process proves incredibly time-consuming but the outcome justifies the effort.
For the first time, Grönefeld offers the new 1941 case in 18-carat white gold, alloyed with Palladium 150. This form of gold alloy is costlier but helps to avoid the need for rhodium plating, hence its surface will not wear out. Alternatively, a 5N red gold case option is available.
Measuring 39.5mm in diameter, with a restrained height of 10.5mm, the 1941 case is the epitome of elegance, courtesy of its discreet, graceful lines.
A movement for purists
From the outset, Bart and Tim always envisioned the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire as a watch intended to appeal to the most discerning of watch collectors. It was therefore imperative that the movement was befitting of such a timepiece, appealing to the exacting requirements of purists.
The stainless steel bridges replicate the facades of the Dutch houses, termed ‘bell gables’ and reference the homeland of the Horological Brothers, Bart and Tim. The bridges are hand-beveled, evincing a brilliant gleam, while the centres deliver a sublime contrast with their micro-blasted surfaces, adorned with relief engraving.
Gold chatons stand testament to the no-compromise specification of this movement whilst mirror polished screws feature chamfered rims and slots. Numerous surfaces glisten, courtesy of mirror-polishing which has been patiently executed by time-served hands. The inventory of different surface decorations will sate the desires of any purist and include snailed, grained, spotted and frosted surfaces.
The time-consuming creation of each movement means that production will be limited to only 188 Remontoire movements, each with its own unique serial number, offered in a choice of case material and dial variants.
The inspiration for the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire
Ever since Bart and Tim were young boys they would frequently play to the sounds of the Saint Plechelmus church clock movement, close to the location of the company’s workshops in Oldenzaal. This movement, with its 30 seconds remontoire mechanism, has always played an important part in the history of Grönefeld.
Johan Grönefeld, the brother’s grandfather, was responsible for maintaining the church clock. When Johan passed away, this responsibility passed to their father, Sjef.
Below you see the horological brother, Bart and Tim Groenefeld. They come from a long line of watchmakers and you may recall my visit at their studio last year. The two brothers combine exceptional talent in the creation of Tourbillons and Minute Repeaters.
Last but not least, let me share a video showing them at work:
And finally an overview of the Groenefeld 1941 Remointoire in either Rosegold 5N, or in white gold alloyed with palladium:
