Independent watchmaking is a continually growing segment of the watch market, known for artistry, unique designs, exceptional watchmaking, and a level of risk-taking that isn’t seen as often from more mainstream brands. Grönefeld, led by the Horological Brothers, Bart and Tim Grönefeld, first made a splash in 2011 with their debut piece, the 1896 One Hertz. Their second timepiece, the Parallax Tourbillon, won the Best Tourbillon prize at the 2014 GPHG. 

But the brand remained something of an open secret, an obscure-ish indie that wasn’t on the radar of most collectors, until the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire Constant Force thrust them into the limelight in 2016, winning the Best Mens’ Watch category at the GPHG and capturing the hearts and minds of watch enthusiasts around the world.

The problem this watch seeks to solve is the inherent inconsistency of force supplied by a mainspring to the balance wheel. The Grönefeld brothers solved this problem using a remontoire mechanism, inspired by the clock in the basilica in their hometown of Oldenzaal, which rotates every eight seconds to keep the amplitude and rate consistent throughout the power reserve of the watch. The rotation is visible through an aperture on the dial, allowing the wearer to enjoy its happy little twirl as it keeps the timekeeping precise.

The details don’t stop on the dial side, however. Flip this watch over and revel in the detailed movement finishing, from the unusual use of stainless steel for the bridges that are shaped like the bell gables in Dutch architecture to the impeccable detailing and multiple finishing techniques on every surface of the movement. Grönefeld movements are a feast for the eyes and a panacea for the watch enthusiast’s soul.

The 1941 Remontoire Constant Force was limited to only 188 pieces total in all of its various iterations of case materials and dial versions and has been sold out for years. If you’ve ever wanted to own a definitive piece of independent watch brand history, this is your chance.