In the world of haute horlogerie, where time is measured in meticulous hand-finished movements and intricate complications, the Grönefeld brothers, Bart and Tim, have carved a niche for themselves with their eponymous brand, renowned for its groundbreaking innovations and exquisite craftsmanship. Now, the brothers are embarking on a new chapter in their horological journey with the launch of GRØNE, a brand that seeks to capture the essence of their heritage while embracing a new generation of watch enthusiasts.
GRØNE, pronounced "Gro-neh," is more than just a phonetic simplification of their surname; it's a nod to their roots and a reflection of their desire to create timepieces that are both accessible and exceptional. The brothers have often been referred to as the "GRØNE boys" by their friends, and the name even adorned Bart's windsurfing harness, adding a personal touch to the brand's identity. The ø, a Scandinavian vowel, is a subtle reminder of the brothers' European heritage and adds a distinctive flair to the brand's name.
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The inaugural timepiece from GRØNE, the Manueel One, nicknamed "Sjef's One," is a tribute to their father, Johannes "Sjef" Grönefeld, and a testament to the brothers' commitment to upholding the family's watchmaking legacy. Launched on Sjef's birthday, November 5th, the Manueel One embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, encapsulating the brothers' vision for GRØNE.
The Manueel One is a classic wristwatch that exudes understated elegance. Its 38.5mm stainless steel case, an evolution of the Grönefeld 1941 case design, is a study in refined aesthetics. The bezel features domed surfaces between the lugs, creating a gentle curvature that flows seamlessly into the concave sides of the case. The conical crown, a signature element of the Grönefeld brand, is adorned with the GRØNE brothers logo, a symbol of their collaborative spirit.
At the heart of the Manueel One beats a modified Swiss-made manual winding caliber SW210, chosen for its reliability and robustness. The brothers have meticulously adjusted the movement to achieve a "just right" crown-winding feel, ensuring a tactilely satisfying experience for the wearer. The movement boasts a power reserve of 42 hours and is water-resistant to 5 atmospheres, making it suitable for everyday wear.
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The dial of the Manueel One is a masterpiece of understated sophistication. The central tremblage salmon dial, reminiscent of the delicate texture of hammered metal, is surrounded by a two-step brushed rhodium-plated dial with diamond-cut edges. The highly polished diamond-cut batons that serve as hour markers are individually hand-applied, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The applied metallic GRØNE logo adds a touch of modernity, while the words "Oldenzaal," "Manueel," and "Netherlands," printed in a vibrant blue, pay homage to the brothers' hometown and their horological heritage.
The solid caseback of the Manueel One is more than just a protective cover; it's a canvas for storytelling. Engraved with an ancient map of Oldenzaal from 1626, it features the Grönefeld logo marking the current location of the brothers' atelier. The intricate miniaturization of the map, redrawn line by line, is a testament to the brothers' dedication to detail. The caseback also features a Dutch saying, "ZOALS HET KLOKJE THUIS TIKT - TIKT HET NERGENS," which translates to "As the clock ticks at home - it ticks at its best." This inscription serves as a reminder of the importance of home and heritage, values that are deeply ingrained in the Grönefeld brothers' philosophy.
The Manueel One's case, measuring 38.5mm in diameter, strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it undergoes a meticulous polishing process to achieve a mirror-like finish that reflects light with captivating brilliance. The case's design, an evolution of the Grönefeld 1941 case, features a unique interplay of convex and concave surfaces. The domed bezel flows seamlessly into the concave sides, creating a dynamic profile that captures the eye from every angle. The conical crown, a hallmark of Grönefeld watches, is not just aesthetically pleasing but also ergonomically designed for comfortable winding.
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Beneath the sapphire crystal lies a dial that is both visually arresting and technically impressive. The central tremblage salmon dial, a technique that creates a subtle hammered texture, is a testament to the brothers' attention to detail. This captivating texture is surrounded by a two-step brushed rhodium-plated chapter ring, adding depth and complexity to the dial. The diamond-cut edges of the chapter ring catch the light, creating a subtle sparkle that enhances the watch's visual appeal.
The hour markers, crafted from highly polished diamond-cut batons, are individually hand-applied with an overhang at the tip. This unique design element creates the illusion that the markers are floating above the dial, adding a sense of three-dimensionality. The applied metallic GRØNE logo, with its raised profile, further enhances this effect. The vibrant blue hands, along with the "Oldenzaal," "Manueel," and "Netherlands" markings, add a pop of color and a touch of personality to the dial.
Powering the Manueel One is a modified Swiss-made manual winding caliber SW210. The Grönefeld brothers have carefully adjusted the movement to achieve a "just right" crown-winding feel, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience for the wearer. This hands-on interaction with the watch's mechanics fosters a deeper connection between the wearer and the timepiece. The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève, showcasing the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques.
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The solid caseback of the Manueel One is more than just a protective cover; it's a canvas for storytelling and a tribute to the Grönefeld brothers' heritage. Engraved with an ancient map of Oldenzaal from 1626, it features the Grönefeld logo marking the current location of the brothers' atelier. The intricate miniaturization of the map, redrawn line by line, is a testament to the brothers' dedication to detail and their desire to share their story with the world.
Encircling the map is a Dutch saying, "ZOALS HET KLOKJE THUIS TIKT - TIKT HET NERGENS," which translates to "As the clock ticks at home - it ticks at its best." This inscription serves as a reminder of the importance of home and heritage, values that are deeply ingrained in the Grönefeld brothers' philosophy. The caseback is a constant reminder of the brothers' roots and their commitment to upholding the family's watchmaking tradition.
The GRØNE Manueel One is not just a watch; it's an experience. From the satisfying click of the crown to the smooth sweep of the seconds hand, every aspect of this timepiece has been carefully considered and meticulously crafted. It's a watch that speaks to the heart and soul of watchmaking, a testament to the Grönefeld brothers' unwavering commitment to excellence.
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With GRØNE, the Grönefeld brothers are not just building a brand; they're building a legacy. The Manueel One is a testament to their passion for horology and their desire to share that passion with a wider audience. It's a watch that embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, a timepiece that will be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for generations to come.
The GRØNE Manueel One "Sjef's One" is priced at 2,150 Euros (excluding VAT/duties/shipping) and is limited to 388 pieces. It will be available for order on November 19th, 2024, at 3:00 PM Amsterdam CET, with deliveries starting in December 2024. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of horological history, a watch that embodies the Grönefeld brothers' passion for watchmaking and their commitment to creating timepieces that are both accessible and exceptional.