Gronefeld Principia 1941

[GB-man]

Gronefeld released a new 3 hander, their lowest price watch to date. I quite like it and the customization combined with the finishing makes it an intriguing piece imho




(All photos from hodinkee)

[CoveWatch]

That is a beautiful looking movement! I don't know too much about Gronefeld, but I know they're a niche company making high quality pieces. Still a lot of money considering its their most inexpensive piece It's in the $30k ish range right?

[GalaxyGuy]

Originally Posted by CoveWatch

That is a beautiful looking movement! I don't know too much about Gronefeld, but I know they're a niche company making high quality pieces. Still a lot of money considering its their most inexpensive piece It's in the $30k ish range right?

Yep, right around $30k. For a time only automatic it seems a bit high to me, but it is absolutely beautiful.

[Justindo]

While I dislike all of the straps, which are easily changed and I like the brown alligator they offer, the watches themselves are lovely and the movement quality looks superb. With the customization options, there's something for everyone. I'm a big fan of time only sub seconds watches and while these aren't inexpensive, they look to be worth the cost.

[Flybak]

Beautiful looking watches for sure - the salmon dial would by my pick if I had the budget for one.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Flybak

Beautiful looking watches for sure - the salmon dial would by my pick if I had the budget for one.

Yeah I was thinking salmon dial brown gator or calf.

Hard not to adore their movement architecture and god I love those lugs! But yeah all these straps are fun but not a primary choice for me.

[watchucallit]

Very cool. I think this is their first set of automatic watches. I have their Remontoire 1941 bespoke dial... Beautiful in real life

[PJ S]

Don’t like the Roman numerals version. Doesn’t suit the style of the case, the branding is contrived in an attempt to convey they’ve been around longer than they have been, and I’m not entirely convinced the hands work either.
Anyone researching or who know the brand since their first appearance will be all too aware they’ve been 100% modern/contemporary in design, never traditional or antiquated.
The rest are all grand, and should give pause for thought to anyone looking at the Laurent Ferrier Galet.

[SearChart]

Pretty cool stuff! But probably too expensive for me

I visited their workshop a few years ago, met the brothers, they are great guys, very passionate about their brand, as were all the employees.

[ap1]

Beautiful. Mix n match cool too. You think they had Rolex platty in mind with that dial

[kunlun]

A watch with hand finishing that absolutely crushes any Patek that isn't a QP or minute repeater (it still beats those, though it's close).

Think about that.

This is one for people who know haute horology

[Flybak]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Yeah I was thinking salmon dial brown gator or calf.

Hard not to adore their movement architecture and god I love those lugs! But yeah all these straps are fun but not a primary choice for me.

Definitely prefer your suggestions for watch straps to the standard issues...mind you, if that's the biggest criticism we can find, it says a heck of a lot about the quality of these pieces!!

Originally Posted by watchucallit

Very cool. I think this is their first set of automatic watches. I have their Remontoire 1941 bespoke dial... Beautiful in real life

Not gonna lie, a little bit envious - wear it in the best of health, sure is a beauty!

Originally Posted by SearChart

Pretty cool stuff! But probably too expensive for me

I visited their workshop a few years ago, met the brothers, they are great guys, very passionate about their brand, as were all the employees.

Bas, you're quite lucky - I'm sure that must have been a very cool experience.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by watchucallit

Very cool. I think this is their first set of automatic watches. I have their Remontoire 1941 bespoke dial... Beautiful in real life

That’s awesome man you have some really cool stuff

Originally Posted by PJ S

Don’t like the Roman numerals version. Doesn’t suit the style of the case, the branding is contrived in an attempt to convey they’ve been around longer than they have been, and I’m not entirely convinced the hands work either.
Anyone researching or who know the brand since their first appearance will be all too aware they’ve been 100% modern/contemporary in design, never traditional or antiquated.
The rest are all grand, and should give pause for thought to anyone looking at the Laurent Ferrier Galet.

Good points. How do you think it stacks up to something like a chronometre souverain? Obviously lower production and probably better finished front and back?

Originally Posted by SearChart

Pretty cool stuff! But probably too expensive for me

I visited their workshop a few years ago, met the brothers, they are great guys, very passionate about their brand, as were all the employees.

That’s cool Bas it’s always good to know that the enthusiasm is flowing top down in a small business.

Originally Posted by ap1

Beautiful. Mix n match cool too. You think they had Rolex platty in mind with that dial

Maybe so! A bit more green in it I think. I like that they not only offer steel but you get a pretty good discount for choosing steel.

Originally Posted by kunlun

A watch with hand finishing that absolutely crushes any Patek that isn't a QP or minute repeater (it still beats those, though it's close).

Think about that.

This is one for people who know haute horology

Agreed. I’d have to visit Philadelphia or greenwich or Denver to see one in the metal. Might be worth a trip.

[psv]

Would love a stainless steel one but at $30K there are too many other options...

[watchucallit]

I dont like the Roman numerals either but in general not a big fan of Roman numerals..

Originally Posted by PJ S

Don’t like the Roman numerals version. Doesn’t suit the style of the case, the branding is contrived in an attempt to convey they’ve been around longer than they have been, and I’m not entirely convinced the hands work either.
Anyone researching or who know the brand since their first appearance will be all too aware they’ve been 100% modern/contemporary in design, never traditional or antiquated.
The rest are all grand, and should give pause for thought to anyone looking at the Laurent Ferrier Galet.

[watchucallit]

I have a FPJ CS and i think they are very different. The CS only comes in precious metal and in my opinion is a bit more dressier than the Gronefeld. I think the Gronefeld can be worn as a dress or causal watch. The visual movement of the Gronefeld is hard to beat and while i like the CS, i do not wear it that often.

Originally Posted by GB-man

How do you think it stacks up to something like a chronometre souverain? Obviously lower production and probably better finished front and back?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by watchucallit

I have a FPJ CS and i think they are very different. The CS only comes in precious metal and in my opinion is a bit more dressier than the Gronefeld. I think the Gronefeld can be worn as a dress or causal watch. The visual movement of the Gronefeld is hard to beat and while i like the CS, i do not wear it that often.

Thanks I have wanted a Journe for some time but can’t decide which one.

[vladamir15]

It looks nice and I’m sure the quality is great. However, I think the brand imho doesn’t have the pedigree or complexity to charge that amount. At that price point, if you want a niche company, FP Journe would be my choice.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Good points. How do you think it stacks up to something like a chronometre souverain? Obviously lower production and probably better finished front and back?

Ah. you share my opinion that that variant looks forced and out of kilter for the brand.

Personally, as nice as the CS is, especially with FPJ’s unique usage of RG for the movement, something about the Gronefeld has a greater appeal.
If you like the look of the Gronefeld, although I suspect the size may not be suitable (on paper at least), you should take a look at the Leroy Marine Deck.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by watchucallit

I dont like the Roman numerals either but in general not a big fan of Roman numerals..

Certain brands have managed to make such a design work for them, like Gllashutte Original and Lang & Heyne, for example.
The numerals I could probably just about deal with, but it’s the branding which is really at odds with itself.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Ah. you share my opinion that that variant looks forced and out of kilter for the brand.

Personally, as nice as the CS is, especially with FPJ’s unique usage of RG for the movement, something about the Gronefeld has a greater appeal.
If you like the look of the Gronefeld, although I suspect the size may not be suitable (on paper at least), you should take a look at the Leroy Marine Deck.

I’ll have a look thanks. Yes I agree with your observation regarding the Romans.

[mps354]

I quite like the salmon dial with batons.

[subtona]

Excellent quality and finishing.

Imho the blue hands are distracting.

Maybe I’m person it would look different?

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by subtona

Excellent quality and finishing.

Imho the blue hands are distracting.

Maybe in person it would look different?

Yes, for sure. That's an artifact of the mock-ups.
Blued hands are amazeballs.


Now, I have a question: Why is Grönefled's logo an M with an umlat?

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by watchucallit

I dont like the Roman numerals either but in general not a big fan of Roman numerals..

The lacquered Roman numeral dial with the script is by far my favorite of the dials but I happen to love Roman numerals.

[capote]

Wow, I like these alot

[joli160]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Yes, for sure. That's an artifact of the mock-ups.
Blued hands are amazeballs.


Now, I have a question: Why is Grönefled's logo an M with an umlat?

To pronounce the name properly

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by joli160

To pronounce the name properly

How do you pronounce it?

ö is an "uh" sound so bön is pronounced "bun", am I on the right track?