BOUTIQUE
GRÖNEFELD
1941 Principia Automatic
The most recent release from the brothers
Gronefeld is also their first automatic winding
timepiece. Taking the name for this new release
from Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia, the watch
connects the macro laws of motion and gravity
to the micro-machine that is a mechanical watch.
As the brothers point out, gravity can be both
friend and foe in watchmaking. While useful to
attract a winding rotor to power a mechanical
watch, it is also detrimental to the balance
wheel/hairspring assembly. To help mitigate
some of the influence, the Grönefeld 1941
Principia Automatic is fitted with a free-sprung
hairspring, which is subjected to regulation in six
different positions in order to achieve
chronometer level accuracy.
The Gronefeld design school is definitely a ‘less
is more’ affair. Potential owners can choose from
a cream lacquered dial with Roman numerals or a
matte turquoise dial with polished applied baton
hour markers. All dials are made in solid silver
and rhodium or gold plated with salmon and a
cream lacquer dial that features the original logo
first used by Bart and Tim’s grandfather Johan
Grönefeld in 1912.
Measuring 39.5mm in diameter, with a fairly
slim 10.5mm profile, the 1941 case is a sculpted
affair and as engaging as the movement. Inside,
the stainless-steel bridges are shaped to recall
the facades of Dutch ‘bell gables’ in reference
to the brothers Gronefeld homeland. Deeper
into the mechanism the gear train shows off a
Gronefeld trademark with a modern double-
spoke wheel design that calls to mind a set of
alloy rims on a luxury sports car. Each Gronefeld
is finished and assembled by hand and carries a
gold plate engraved with an individual number.
Prices range from $35,000 - $45,000.
IW RATING
Design: 8 (out of 10)
Traditional applications with a particularly
elegant case.
Innovation: 4
Vetted engineering principles engaged.
Finissage: 10
Case is absolutely perfect. Movement is an
amazing display of traditional finishes combined
to impart a modern engineering feel.
Legibility: 9
Blued and polished lancette hands capture the
light over a simple backdrop.
Rarity: 8
Although limited only by ability to produce, each
Gronefeld takes a long time to produce.
Value: 8
New price point for the brand invites new level
of collector to the Gronefeld family.
Overall iW rating: 47 (out of 60)
32 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2019