Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/09/22/why-i-bought-it-gronefeld-1941-remontoire-2/
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Mechanically, of course, this watch is all about the constant force mechanism itself, and I like that it is prominently featured. On the movement side, the remontoire spring cage and its associated gears seen at the right side of the photo below glide smoothly to the next position each eight seconds.
Movement detail, Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire with constant force mechanism at right
On the dial side the regulator with its bridge integrated into the 9 o’clock index whizzes around on the same eight-second schedule, and on the same interval the minute hand moves forward by 8/60 of a minute in the same way that St. Plechelm’s tower clock hands move every 30 seconds – although in the case of my watch, I’m very hopeful that there will not be any accumulated ice to dislodge!
Dial detail, Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire with constant force regulator at left
Finally, there’s nothing quite like buying an independent watch! That’s especially true when the makers present it in person and a good friend is there to capture the moment.
Say gouda: the author receives his watch from the Horological Brothers (photo courtesy BartC)
Any quibbles?
There’s obviously a lot to love about this watch, and I’m finding it tough to generate any real complaints! If I had to come up with a thought or two, they might look as follows.
- Those nooks and crannies in the lugs that lend such visual interest also tend to accumulate schmutz over time; by no means a big deal as seen by the naked eye, but as a macro photographer I notice these things.
- While we’re on the subject of the lugs, they’re very clever in that they are attached by screws from the interior of the case; but that leaves small grooves between the case and lug that tend to catch tiny fibers.
- The 36-hour power reserve is adequate, but at least on my example when the power gets low the constant force mechanism begins to misfire a bit, operating more frequently than each eight seconds and seeming not to lock fully into position in between. As a result, I find that I need to be vigilant about ensuring that the watch maintains a decent state of wind.
- This one is strictly on me, but I do occasionally wish I’d picked the warmer red gold case!
If you have any complaints about the 1941 Remontoire, look at this and you’ll feel better
Is it right for you?
I’ve obviously voted with my wallet, but is this watch one that you should consider? I’d say thumbs up if the following apply to you.
- You’re a fan of independent watchmaking and want to own one of today’s leading examples of inventive, beautiful watch design and execution.
- Your horological interests tend at least in part toward innovations that are meant to improve timekeeping, and this example of constant-force movement design complements other approaches (e.g., tourbillon or fusée and chain) you own or study.
- Like me, you find the personal story of the Grönefeld family and the importance of this particular mechanism in their lives compelling.
- You just want to see that regulator whiz around each eight seconds!
A show each and every eight seconds: Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire
On the other hand, you might want to leave the enjoyment to me and the other owners of this watch if this applies to you.
- The remontoire mechanism seems a bit too esoteric to be the foundation of a timepiece.
- You haven’t yet caught the independent bug.
- For whatever reason the aesthetics just don’t grab you.
- Your collection focuses on other themes and this piece wouldn’t fit in.
If you are inclined to act, you should probably do so fairly soon as only 188 examples of this movement will be made, and the great majority are already delivered or spoken for.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section, and as always happy hunting!
Parting shot: movement view, Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire
For more information, please visit www.gronefeld.com/collection/1941-remontoire.
Quick Facts Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire
Case: 39.5 x 10.5 mm with replaceable screwed-on lugs; available in 5N red gold, unplated palladium white gold, and stainless steel
Dial and hands: multiple dial options available, including solid silver dial with faceted applied baton indices and a variety of bespoke engraved and enameled dial designs from Comblémine; printed minute track, seconds, and signature; blued-steel lancette hands
Movement: manually wound Caliber G-05 with stainless steel bridges; free-sprung overcoil balance; several jewels set in gold chatons; 36-hour power reserve; 21,600 vph/3 Hz frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, hacking subsidiary seconds
Production years: 2016 onward
Limitation: total of 188 examples
Price: stainless steel with silver dial €44,900; €49,500 in red gold; €50,850 in white gold; (all excluding taxes)
Premium: bespoke guilloche dial starts at €7,500 and enameling adds an additional €5,000 and up
This article was first published on January 14, 2019 at Why I Bought It: Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire.
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Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/09/22/why-i-bought-it-gronefeld-1941-remontoire-2/
