Today, I am thrilled to discuss a brand that has intrigued me for a long time. Introducing Grönefeld, a watchmaking house that might seem new but boasts a significant and noteworthy heritage. Before diving into one of their standout models, let me take you through their rich family history.
The story begins in 1912. Johan Grönefeld, trained by his uncle, established his workshop and boutique in the shadow of Saint Plechelmus, a basilica and tower in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. Alongside his business, Johan was also responsible for maintaining the clock mechanism of the local church. Johan was not only an exceptional watchmaker but also a skilled businessman. His mastery of horological tools, combined with his creativity and ingenuity, earned him a reputation that extended far beyond Oldenzaal.
Inspired by his father, Johannes “Sjef” Grönefeld naturally followed a career in watchmaking and jewelry. After his father’s passing in 1974, Sjef took on the responsibility of maintaining the basilica’s clock. Within the walls of their grandfather’s workshop, Bart and Tim Grönefeld played as children, growing up to the rhythmic ticking of clocks and watches.
This passion for watchmaking has become a family tradition. Today, the Grönefeld legacy is managed by the third generation—brothers Bart and Tim Grönefeld. They draw on ancestral techniques, sketch designs and concepts by hand, and strive to strike the perfect balance between complexity and reliability, constantly reinventing their craft. The independent maison specializes in calibers featuring deadbeat seconds powered by independent gear trains, flying tourbillons, and eight-second constant force mechanisms.
Bart Grönefeld trained in Oldenzaal and Rotterdam before attending the renowned WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Specializing in minute repeaters and other complications, Bart worked in London before joining Renaud et Papi in the early 1990s. Tim Grönefeld studied at the Vakschool in Schoonhoven, Netherlands, an advanced training center for horological technicians. As his skills matured, Tim began training other watchmakers at Renaud et Papi, focusing on tourbillons and regulator escapements.
In 1998, the brothers opened their workshop in Oldenzaal, offering after-sales service for Breitling and IWC. Their combined expertise culminated in their first watch in 2008, the Grönefeld GTM-06. This piece featured both a minute repeater and a tourbillon, making it the most complicated watch ever created in the Netherlands. Their excellence has been recognized on a global scale, winning the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in the Tourbillon category in 2014 for the Grönefeld Parallax Tourbillon.
In 2022, Grönefeld unveiled the Grönograaf, a blend of the family name and the Dutch word for chronograph, “chronograaf.” On November 9 of the same year, Bart and Tim received their third Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award, this time in the Chronograph category for the Grönograaf. Let’s explore this exceptional timepiece in detail.
Table of Contents – Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf
What Are the Features of the Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf?
Case
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf shares its case design with the Grönefeld 1941 Principia. Measuring 40mm in diameter and 11.30mm in height, the case offers an impressive dial opening. While alternating finishes could have further highlighted the complexity of the case, its angular polished surfaces are undeniably striking.
Dial
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf features a frosted and satin-brushed stainless steel dial with raised indications on sub-dials and rhodium-plated elements. The layout includes an off-centered hour and minute display at 1 o’clock, a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a power reserve indicator at 11 o’clock, a central chronograph seconds hand, and a 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock. What immediately draws attention is the silent centrifugal regulator at 3 o’clock, equipped with two gold weights. All functions are indicated by flame-blued lancet or Breguet hands with mirror-polished centers, paired with faceted trapezoidal indices.
Movement
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf houses the hand-wound G-04 movement, delivering a 53-hour power reserve. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, this caliber features a traditional manual winding architecture, column wheel, and lateral clutch, reminiscent of iconic Valjoux 72 and Lemania calibers but with technical enhancements. With 408 individual components, it exemplifies advanced watchmaking.
Its standout feature is the “soft reset” mechanism. Unlike traditional chronographs, the centrifugal regulator ensures the reset function is smooth, preventing potential damage to the hammers or hands. This mechanical marvel at 4 o’clock is as functional as it is captivating. High-end finishing includes steel bridges with beveled edges, gold chatons, and engraved decorations, all executed with traditional craftsmanship.
Strap
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf comes with a buffalo leather strap. A wide range of strap options is available upon request, offering customization to suit any preference.
What Is the Price of the Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf?
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf was launched at a price of €155,000 in stainless steel (excluding VAT).
Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf: A No-Compromise Chronograph
The Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf stands apart in the chronograph category. This traditional two-pusher chronograph is meticulously crafted and boasts a discreetly compact diameter. Its finishing is extraordinary, featuring stainless steel bridges with contrasting polished, brushed, and frosted zones, complemented by gold chatons. A heartfelt thank you to Andrea Concato and his son Lorenzo for allowing me to experience this masterpiece in Andrea Concato showroom. If you find yourself in Verona, visiting their boutique is an absolute must for any watch enthusiast.
Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Grönefeld
- Model: 1941 Grönograaf
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Stainless steel base with rhodium plated sub-dials and elements, frosted and satin-grained surfaces.
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Power Reserve Indicator, Chronograph, “Return to Zero” Speed Regulator
- Movement: G-04, In-House, Manual-Winding, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz), 45 jewels and 408 parts
- Power Reserve: 48 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 40mm (diameter) x 11.30mm (thickness)
- Strap: Buffalo Leather with Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
- Availability: Limited Production of 188 Movements
- Retail Price: € 155’000 (Excluding VAT)
Are you drawn to this level of horological craftsmanship? Did you know about the Grönefeld family legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
For more information about Grönefeld, click here.
