Grönefeld Unique 1941 eight seconds Remontoire for Only Watch

Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire participation, Only Watch 2019.

Launched in 2016 as a limited edition of 188 movements only this 1941 Remontoire proved to be a huge success for The Horological Brothers Bart and Tim Grönefeld. Getting near to the end of its production they managed to reserve one unique version of this award-winning timepiece in the category men’s watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2016.

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 its power reserve, the force never fluctuates. The result is that the amplitude and rate remain consistent, leading to superior precision.

From the outset, Bart and Tim always envisaged 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. The movement includes a balance wheel with white gold timing screws and is equipped with a free-sprung over-coil hairspring with triangular stud. 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.

Case

The sculpted stainless-steel 1941 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.

Dial

The one-off solid silver dial features a very coarsely frosted surface with highly polished hour markers. Augmented with a subtly vintage smoked surfaces it makes it a worthy special Remontoire for Only Watch 2019.

Caliber

The remarkable G-05 caliber features an eight seconds Remontoire mechanism. It delivers a constant force to the escapement thus leading to better isochronism and precision.

Bracelet

Genuine ostrich leather with orange lining and a stainless-steel pin buckle.

Dimensions

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.

Specifications

This Only Watch edition has a frosted middle case that is in harmony with its unique frosted dial. A blue governor is visible at 9 o’clock and spins every eight seconds when the Remontoire constant force mechanism is functioning. This typical Grönefeld movement with stainless steel bridges and jewels set in gold chatons is entirely hand-finished to the highest level.