1941 Grönograaf, Steel

The Grönograaf released in 2022 as the first chronograph ever from the Grönefeld brothers. It is also one of very few ground-up independent chronograph calibres, a column-wheel lateral clutch comprising 408 components. Its pièce de résistance is a ‘soft reset’ system, which incorporates a centrifugal governor—a mechanism usually employed in minute repeaters—to reset the chronograph hand at a constant speed gently, in order to aid longevity and visual drama. Just 213 exist, 25 examples in tantalum and 188 in this steel. 

Centrifugal governors regulate velocity, normally of chiming but here in the speed of the reset function. In addition, the reset function utilizes the shortest possible route, resetting its hands in both directions. This governor is exposed dial-side, where it spins with alacrity upon reset. 

Yet, what truly sets the Grönograaf apart is its decoration and architecture. Grönefeld has a well-deserved reputation for defining their own aesthetic language in finishing, rooted in both Dutch architectural inspiration and haute horlogerie craft. The bridges, made from stainless steel rather than softer, more conventional materials, receive hand-beveling, mirror polishing, micro-blasted centers, circular graining, engraved relief and black polishing on screw heads and heart-shaped cams. The very decision to work in steel — much harder to finish — underscores both their technical ambition and willingness to go beyond convention to achieve a particular look and longevity.

To quote from the brand’s official presentation, this watch represents ‘the distillation of three generations of watchmaking know-how… and the manifestation of their extraordinary passion for horology.’ This is obvious in the caseback experience. 

The dial of the Grönograaf is a frosted canvas, with functional elements slightly raised on their own pieces, circled by black polish. Hands are heat-blued, indices are faceted and mirror polished, and the power reserve hand is floating. Engraved under Grönograaf is the number of the particular watch out of 188. The name brother’s name is raised from the frosted texture, not engraved but in relief. Its steel case is 40mm with 1941 design cues including sculptural and scalloped lugs, a concave bezel, and fluted rectangular pushers.  

The brothers describe their process as ‘Making the best watches in the world . . .Coming up with new ideas together, bringing them to life in a design that captures the imagination… working with infinite patience to achieve perfection.’ This patience saw the Grönograaf achieve the Chronograph Watch Prize in 2022 at the GPHG. Few watchmakers have seriously innovated within the chronograph complication, and the Grönefeld brothers added a real innovation in the canon of the category. It is the most technically impressive watch from duo, suffused with charm, exceptional technical merit, and mechanical innovation all in equal measure. 

This Grönograaf presents in exceptional overall condition. The case bears only very light signs of a few wearingss. Its calibre is operating perfectly, including all reset functions. It comes with its complete set and original strap (not pictured).

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.