Our Take

One of the more astounding things about independent watchmaking is that it’s truly global. From Japan to Finland to The Netherlands, the world’s finest artisans in watchmaking can be found all around. A great example of horological excellence outside of the traditional bastion of Geneva, Grönefeld has built a name for themselves at the pinnacle of independent watchmaking from their hometown in Oldenzaal, The Netherlands – roughly 10km away from the German border in the western part of the country. After having previously handled the Parallax Tourbillon, we’re pleased to present another creation from the brand – a pre-loved 1941 Principia in stainless steel with the brand’s signature salmon dial .

The 1941 Principia is Grönefeld's first time-only watch with automatic movement, sharing many of the design cues established in the brand’s critically acclaimed 1941 Remontoire. Some of the design motifs that the Principia carries include the shaped, 39.5mm case with convex and concave recesses, lancette hands, applied baton hour markers, and vibrant dial colors. A masterclass in time-only watchmaking, the 1941 Principia’s movement matches the quality of the case and dial.

The first thing collectors notice is the massive, 22-karat red gold rotor juxtaposed with the shining steel surfaces of the underlying movement. There is hand-beveling on the bridges, mirror polished screws, circular grained gear train wheels, gold chatons, as well as abundant sand-blasting to create contrasting textures. All brought together, this is a fine timepiece to add to the collection of any enthusiast of independent watchmaking.

The Details

Brand: Grönefeld

Model: Principia 1941

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial: solid sterling silver 925 dial - lancette hands in flame-blued steel with mirror polished centre cream lacquered dial with Roman numerals with a salmon dial

Movement: In-house movement - automatic with a central monobloc rotor in solid 22k gold, unidirectional - 226 parts - 3Hz frequency, variable inertia balance wheel, free-sprung balance spring, Swiss lever escapement - 31 jewels, partially set in solid gold chatons - 56h power reserve - ruthenium electroplated brass main-plate - stainless steel bridges - central hours and minutes, small second at 6 o'clock

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds

Size: ø 39.5 mm

Water Resistance: 30 m