Gronefeld 1944 Tanfana

The Grönefeld 1944 Tanfana isn't just another timepiece; it's a vibrant celebration of heritage, artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship, all wrapped up in a distinctly feminine package. It marks a significant milestone for the Grönefeld brothers, Bart and Tim, representing their first foray into the world of ladies' watches. But this isn't some afterthought, a simple resizing of an existing model. The Tanfana is a completely fresh design, born from a deep well of inspiration and a dedication to the exceptional quality that defines the Grönefeld name.



The name itself, "Tanfana," evokes a sense of mystery and reverence. It's drawn from a goddess local to the Grönefeld brothers' hometown of Oldenzaal in the Netherlands, a figure said to embody peace and harmony. The "1944" in the model's designation pays a loving tribute to their mother, Netty, marking the year of her birth. This personal connection immediately imbues the watch with a sense of warmth and familial connection, a subtle nod to the values that underpin the brothers' work.



The first thing you take in is the dial. It's crafted from aventurine, a material that shimmers with a deep, midnight blue hue, peppered with tiny metallic inclusions that catch the light like stars in a night sky. This captivating base is then overlaid with a geometric pattern known as the "Flower of Life." It's not just a decorative flourish; this design element delves into the realm of Sacred Geometry, an ancient practice that explores the spiritual significance of shapes and proportions found in nature. This adds an unexpected layer of depth and meaning to the watch's aesthetic.



The hands, elongated "Lancette" style, are a familiar Grönefeld touch, gracefully sweeping across the dial. Crafted from red gold, they perfectly complement the applied trapezoidal indexes, ensuring the time is always legible. The hands are polished up nicely, catching and reflecting light adding a subtle elegance.



But the real conversation starter is found at the base of the dial. Instead of a traditional seconds hand, Grönefeld has opted for a captivating floral motif. This isn't a static element; it rotates with the passage of time, creating a mesmerizing moiré effect. It's like watching a flower perpetually bloom, a subtle but constant reminder of the fluidity of time and the beauty found in the present moment.



The case, a perfectly proportioned 37.5mm in diameter, is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. It's not simply round; it's a complex interplay of curves, lines, and varying heights. This creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the gleaming finish of the red gold. The case and pin buckle are adorned with 233 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 2.73 carats. The crown also features a beautiful touch that showcases the watch's overall design, the aventurine cabochon.



The 1944 Tanfana isn't just about surface beauty; the inner workings are equally impressive. Turn the watch over, and a sapphire crystal caseback reveals the meticulously crafted Calibre G-06. Grönefeld is renowned for its exceptional movement finishing, and this piece is no exception.



The automatic movement is designed for everyday wearability, eliminating the need for manual winding. The 22-karat red gold oscillating weight is a work of art in itself. It's openworked, allowing you to glimpse the intricate mechanics beneath, and runs on ceramic ball bearings for smooth, efficient operation. The oscillating weight is further embellished with the "Tree of Life" symbol in white gold and engraved with "Goddess" and "Tanfana," tying back to the watch's inspiration. The Tree of Life, a symbol of strength, growth, and resilience, reinforces the themes of family, foundation, dreams, and self-discovery, adding another layer of meaning to this exceptional timepiece.



The Calibre G-06 boasts a free-sprung balance, a feature prized for its accuracy and stability. This type of balance is less susceptible to the effects of positional changes, ensuring consistent timekeeping. The movement's power reserve is a respectable 56 hours, giving the watch great functionality for being off the wrist for more than a day or two.



The dedication to detail extends to every component of the movement. The stainless steel bridges, inspired by the "bell gables" of Dutch architecture, feature micro-blasted centers, hand-beveled edges, and relief engravings. The five-arm, double-spoke gear train wheels are both visually striking and efficient in transferring power. The mainplate is adorned with spotting, the screws are mirror-polished with chamfered rims and slots, and gold chatons – small, polished gold settings for the jewels – add a touch of traditional watchmaking refinement.



The watch's technical specifications are impressive. The Calibre G-06 comprises 230 individual parts, with 31 jewels, many set in those solid gold chatons. It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The case, with its 55 components, is water-resistant to 3 atmospheres (30 meters).



Grönefeld's history is as captivating as their watches. The brothers, Bart and Tim, represent a continuation of a family legacy that stretches back to 1912. Their journey took them from technical schools in the Netherlands to prestigious watchmaking institutions in Switzerland, where they honed their skills under the tutelage of some of the industry's finest. Bart's experience included stints at Asprey in London and Renaud et Papi, where he focused on complicated movements like minute repeaters and chronographs. Tim, following in his brother's footsteps, quickly rose through the ranks, eventually taking charge of training other watchmakers and overseeing the assembly of tourbillons and regulator escapements.



This shared passion and complementary skillset are evident in every Grönefeld creation. They've managed to seamlessly blend traditional watchmaking techniques with a modern design sensibility, creating timepieces that are both technically impressive and visually stunning.



The 1944 Tanfana comes with a variety of strap options, allowing the wearer to personalize the watch to their individual taste. The strap choices are broad to say the least, with many options of leathers and colors available.



The Red Gold version of the 1944 Tanfana is priced at €118,000.00. The watch is available through Grönefeld's network of authorized retailers. It's a watch that speaks to a discerning collector, someone who appreciates not just the outward beauty but the intricate artistry and dedication to craftsmanship that lie beneath. It's a piece that embodies a rich history, a commitment to excellence, and a touch of feminine mystique. The watch is available now to be ordered.



Case: 37.5mm diameter, 10.5mm thickness. Red Gold Au750 5N. 233 Brilliant Cut Diamonds (VVS, FG), ~2.73 carats on bezel, case, and buckle. Aventurine Cabochon on crown. Water resistant to 3 atmospheres (30 meters/100 feet). 55 parts, 81 grams.



Movement: Calibre G-06. 32.0mm diameter, 5.5mm thickness. 230 parts, 31 jewels (partially in gold chatons). 56-hour power reserve. Automatic, unidirectional winding. 22k red gold rotor with white gold "Tree of Life," ceramic ball bearings. Free-sprung, variable-inertia balance (10mm), 21,600 vph. Swiss lever escapement. Ruthenium-plated brass mainplate, stainless steel bridges.



Dial: Synthetic Blue Aventurine. "Flower of Life" pattern print. Red gold, extended Lancette hands. Rotating floral animation at 6 o'clock.



Strap: Variety of leathers and colors available. 19mm lug width, 18mm buckle width. Diamond-set Red Gold Au750 5N pin buckle.



Price: € 118,000.00



Notes: Grönefeld's first ladies' model. Inspired by the goddess Tanfana and Netty's (the mother of the creators) birth year, 1944. Features a unique floral animation instead of a traditional seconds hand.