.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Elusive and rare, Grönefeld wristwatches are horological marvels known for superior finishing and incredible innovation. Founded in 2008 by Tim and Bart Grönefeld, two Dutch master watchmaking brothers who grew up fixing Rolex watches as young boys, horology runs deep in their family dating back to their grandfather’s uncle in 1912. His legacy is continued and can especially be seen in the present lot, a 1941 Remontoire Constant Force timepiece. The watch was designed with the intent to run as precisely as possible and has undoubtedly become the brand’s most iconic and desirable timepiece.
Featuring a contemporary 39.5mm 18k red gold case, the watch is broad and comfortable thanks to the curvy and organic shape from the scalloped tops and sides of the lugs, and the concave bezel. At the center, the dial is rhodium-plated sterling silver with blued steel hands that create a pleasing contrast. The timepiece features a sunken register at 9 o’clock which joyfully flutters every eight seconds, a mesmerizing site to see thanks to the Constant Force Remontoire. Tastefully, the 9 o’clock hour marker is still present and halfway floats over register.
Turning the watch over, the in-house caliber is truly a marvelous delight to gaze at and inspect. Made from steel, notoriously one of the most challenging and laborious materials to hand-finish, the movement features multiple kinds of finishing such as anglage, mirror polishing, bead blasting, satin brushing, and solarization. The architecture of the caliber with skeletonized bridges and wheels further allows one to fully view and enjoy the exceptional work of Grönefeld. Most importantly, the movement features an eight seconds remontoir, a complication acting as a buffer between the barrel and escapement to disperse a constant and even amount of energy for precision in timekeeping. Although the movement could easily run much longer, it has a “stop work” mechanism which halts the movement at 35 hours as not enough energy would be produced to for a constant force. Given the mechanical complexity and strenuous finishing of the timepiece, it not surprisingly that only 188 examples were produced of this rare wristwatch which has now been discontinued, making the present five-time GPHP awarded timepiece, including the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève award in 2016, an incredible opportunity to acquire and enjoy.
Featuring a contemporary 39.5mm 18k red gold case, the watch is broad and comfortable thanks to the curvy and organic shape from the scalloped tops and sides of the lugs, and the concave bezel. At the center, the dial is rhodium-plated sterling silver with blued steel hands that create a pleasing contrast. The timepiece features a sunken register at 9 o’clock which joyfully flutters every eight seconds, a mesmerizing site to see thanks to the Constant Force Remontoire. Tastefully, the 9 o’clock hour marker is still present and halfway floats over register.
Turning the watch over, the in-house caliber is truly a marvelous delight to gaze at and inspect. Made from steel, notoriously one of the most challenging and laborious materials to hand-finish, the movement features multiple kinds of finishing such as anglage, mirror polishing, bead blasting, satin brushing, and solarization. The architecture of the caliber with skeletonized bridges and wheels further allows one to fully view and enjoy the exceptional work of Grönefeld. Most importantly, the movement features an eight seconds remontoir, a complication acting as a buffer between the barrel and escapement to disperse a constant and even amount of energy for precision in timekeeping. Although the movement could easily run much longer, it has a “stop work” mechanism which halts the movement at 35 hours as not enough energy would be produced to for a constant force. Given the mechanical complexity and strenuous finishing of the timepiece, it not surprisingly that only 188 examples were produced of this rare wristwatch which has now been discontinued, making the present five-time GPHP awarded timepiece, including the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève award in 2016, an incredible opportunity to acquire and enjoy.