Most Competitive Consignment Fee At 3%
At The Second Hand Club, we are proud to have this incredibly rare Grönefeld 1941 Principia limited edition of only 12 pieces with a Meteorite dial. This is the only known example available for sale worldwide.
The quality of a fine watch is often determined by its origin and the expertise and traditions passed down through the generations of its makers. Just as a good wine is influenced by its terroir and the skill of the winemaker, the finest watches are a reflection of the unique qualities of their place of production and the craftsmanship of their creators.
Gerhard Louis Grönefeld was born on July 14, 1896 in Oldenzaal. He began his career as a watchmaker in 1912, learning the craft from his uncle. Johan established his workshop and boutique near the Saint Plechelmus basilica and tower, which dates back to 1240. He also maintained the church's clock mechanism. Johan's exceptional skills as a watchmaker, combined with his business acumen, helped him gain a reputation for excellence in Oldenzaal and beyond. His creativity and ingenuity with watchmaking tools further solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.
Johannes Grönefeld, also known as "Sjef," was born on November 5, 1941 in Oldenzaal. Following in his father's footsteps, Sjef pursued a career in jewelry and watchmaking. After his father passed away in 1974, Sjef took over the family business, a workshop and boutique on Steenstraat founded by Johan. The Grönefeld family continues to own and operate the business today. Sjef's sons, Bart and Tim, grew up in the workshop and were inspired by the ticking of clocks and watches to continue their family's legacy in the field of horology.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia is named after Sir Isaac Newton's "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," which describes the laws of motion and universal gravitation. In watchmaking, gravity is often considered an enemy, leading to the invention of the tourbillon by A.L. Breguet.
However, in the case of automatic watches, gravity is essential for the winding system. The Grönefeld 1941 Principia is the first self-winding watch created by the Grönefeld brothers, making gravity a helpful force in its design. This background information sets the stage for a first look at the Grönefeld 1941 Principia, which we discovered in the brothers' Netherlands-based atelier.
The 1941 Principia is the first 3-hander, complication-free watch from Grönefeld Brothers. Despite its affordable price, it has a mechanically superior and beautifully finished movement. This watch is a true representation of Grönefeld's dedication to quality.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia is available in 18k red gold, white gold, and stainless steel. Its case measures 39.5mm in diameter and is 10.5mm thick, making it a suitable size for daily wear. The case has a unique, modern shape with concave and convex surfaces created using specially shaped cutters. Each cutting phase is followed by polishing to ensure the precise contours are retained. This watch is in line with the 1941 Remontoire and shares its design and dimensions.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia features a new movement that is entirely different from their previous designs. For the first time, this watch does not include any exotic complications such as a remontoire or a tourbillon. Despite its simplicity, the 3-hander automatic movement displays the Brother' signature style and decoration. A closer inspection reveals the attention to detail and high level of craftsmanship that Grönefeld is known for.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia features a central rotor made of 22k gold. The movement has a classical architecture with most parts visible and held in place by peripheral bridges. This allows for a clear view of the movement's decoration without the obstruction of a central bridge. The new calibre contains 226 parts and has a 56-hour power reserve. It also includes sophisticated solutions such as a variable-inertia balance wheel and a free-sprung balance spring. These features improve the winding system and the accuracy of the watch.
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia watch features high-quality decoration, including frosted, hand-polished steel bridges, a fully decorated ruthenium electroplated brass main plate, gold-colored 5-arm, double spoke gear-train wheels, and solid gold chatons. The transversal balance bridge showcases the precision and attention to detail of this Haute Horlogerie timepiece. It takes about five weeks to decorate and assemble the movement of the Grönefeld 1941 Principia.
The specific Grönefeld 1941 Principia that we have here is a limited Edition of only 12 pieces in Stainless Steel with a stunning Meteorite Dial. This is the only example worldwide available for sale and you can acquire it today at The Second Hand Club.
| Movement | Self Winding |
|---|---|
| Calibre |
1941 Principia In House movement
|
| Dial | Meteorite |
| Case size | 39.5mm |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Bracelet | Grönefeld leather strap |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | New |
| Box & Papers | Complete, Full set |
169 East Flagler Street
1025
Miami FL 33131
United States
7867185608
Pickup currently unavailable at 169 East Flagler Street
