Thursday, September 8, 2022

Gronefeld - 1969 DeltaWorks Automatic


GRÖNEFELD 1969 DeltaWorks Automatic Colours Dial 44.5 mm Stainless steel  - 2022

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Bart and Tim Grönefeld, aka ‘The Horological Brothers’, are third-generation watchmakers. Like their forebears, they live and work in Oldenzaal in the Netherlands. They are proud of their heritage as well as the nation they call home.

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The Netherlands is characterised by flat, low-lying plains. Indeed, 17% of the land was formerly underwater. Unfortunately, the country’s unique topography has sometimes led to floods and, sadly, loss of life. 

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In 1953, a north-westerly storm of biblical proportions, coupled with the spring tide, led to huge swathes of the Netherlands flooding. Unfortunately, 1836 people lost their lives, numerous animals drowned and vast numbers of people were displaced.

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A consequence of the country’s unique topography and its sometimes perilous relationship with the sea is that the Netherlands has become a world leader in the field of water management and associated engineering. The ‘Delta Works’, built to protect the Zeeland region, comprises dams, dikes, locks, sluices and a storm surge barrier. Taking several years to construct, the Delta Works includes the world’s largest surge barrier and is widely regarded as a triumph of engineering.

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Inspired by the Dutch Delta Works, The Horological Brothers have conceived their first sports utility watch, the aptly named 1969 DeltaWorks which also references the year Bart was born. The model is designed to cope with the perils of water ingress and shocks while still upholding the elevated standards of horology and traditional craftsmanship that are synonymous with the Grönefeld name.

The dialits purpose is clear

The dial of the Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks presents the essentials of time, namely, hours, minutes and seconds. There is nothing superfluous. In fact, when designing the watch, Bart and Tim were keen to ensure that the dial imparted information in a clear, intelligible format. 

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To deliver peerless legibility, day or night, the hands and hour markers are treated with Super-LumiNova®, that produces a blue glow in restricted light.

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While the dial is highly practical it is still enriched with numerous details. For example, the hour track sits on a higher plane than the central dial area and small seconds display. 

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The plump lancine-style hour and minute hands deliver impressive readability even in the most challenging conditions. At the fulcrum of the hands, the ‘centres’ are black polished to a gleaming conclusion.

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The small seconds display features ‘60’, presented in an orange hue, a respectful nod to the brothers’ homeland. Likewise, the country of origin is proudly proclaimed at the base of the dial.

A watch for all occasions

The Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks is presented in a 45mm stainless steel case, measuring 12.5mm in height. The case features an integrated strap that ergonomically encircles the wrist, conferring a high degree of wearer comfort while appearing smaller than its stated dimensions would suggest. The scale of the case endows the watch with a generously proportioned dial area, augmenting legibility but without appearing unduly large. Every aspect of the case has been carefully considered.

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Two inserts are integrated within each caseband, steadfastly secured to the main body of the case. The inserts are offered in two formats: stainless steel, matching the case material, or titanium shrouded in coloured FKM rubber, designed to match the shade of the strap. A notable attribute of the latter option is that there is less risk of the case band picking up annoying scratches. Throughout the composition, the case juxtaposes brushed and highly polished surfaces, contributing to the model’s notable allure.

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A triple-seal, screw-down crown mitigates the risk of dust or water ingress. In addition, the crown features an ingenious safeguarding system. When the Grönefeld logo on the crown is perpendicular to the dial and pointing upwards, the triple-seal, screw-down crown delivers maximum protection. The sapphire crystals, to the front and rear, are thicker than normal and, by default, stronger. As a result of the aforementioned details, the watch is water resistant to 100m, making it suitable for an array of leisure pursuits, including swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

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The 1969 DeltaWorks is offered in an array of different coloured rubber straps. Grönefeld has selected FKM rubber in preference to conventional rubber as it proves more supple, more resistant and it retains its colour for longer. The exterior of the strap features a wave pattern, while the inside of the strap is decorated with a motif formed of numerous Grönefeld logos, allowing the wearer’s wrist to breathe. The strap can be cut to length for optimal sizing, while the micro adjustable clasp, featuring gleaming facets and relief engraving, allows the wearer to fine tune the union between the strap and the wrist.

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The aforementioned pane of sapphire crystal, positioned to the rear of the watch, affords views of the beautifully appointed, self-winding movement. The case back features ‘GRÖNEFELD’ and ‘DELTAWORKS’ in relief, while the name ‘Oldenzaal’ is discretely engraved opposite the crown, an elegant reminder of where the Grönefeld family’s watchmaking story began.

The movement no compromises

When conceiving the 1969 DeltaWorks, Bart & Tim were keen to ensure the watch was suitable for daily wear and compatible with an active lifestyle. With this in mind, they decided it must feature a self-winding movement encompassing the same exalted finishing as other Grönefeld timepieces.

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Put simply, the brother’s wouldn’t countenance any compromises. As such, the resultant movement, the calibre G-06, is worthy of the term ‘Haute Horlogerie’.

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Brand devotees may recognise the calibre G-06, an automatic movement first used within the company’s 1941 Principia Automatic. However, while many elements have been carried over to the 1969 DeltaWorks, there are some additional details which enhance robustness, imbuing this version with its own distinctive character.

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For instance, a notable feature specific to this model is the distinctive oscillating weight. The openworked architecture features four stainless steel arms, presented in a double-spoke design. These arms are connected to an 18K gold mass adorned with a wave motif. Each of the four arms is positioned beneath the gold mass and projects beyond, sitting above a circular ledge. Should the watch be subject to a sudden shock, the elongated arms will prevent the oscillating mass touching the inside of the sapphire crystal or striking the bridges below.

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The movement is intended for the most discerning watch collectors. The rotor is completely hand finished and turns on ceramic ball bearings, preventing wear and eliminating the need for lubrication. Meanwhile, the stainless-steel bridges replicate the façades of traditional Dutch houses, termed ‘bell gables’. Each bridge features a micro-blasted central section, framed with a hand-bevelled gleaming edge. Some of the bridges also feature relief engraving. Each movement is fitted with a plate engraved with ‘ΔW’ (signifying DeltaWorks) along with its unique movement number.

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The Grönefeld 5-arm, double spoke gear train wheels exhibit a contemporary character, but their circular grained surfaces pay due reverence to fine watchmaking tradition. Their design, as well as the bevelled escape wheel teeth, prevent the oil from dissipating, thereby mitigating wear. The free-sprung balance mitigates positional influence and delivers superior rate stability. The escapement is adjusted to heat-cold, isochronism and six positions.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTOGold chatons stand testament to the no-compromise specification of this movement. In addition, the mirror polished screws feature chamfered rims and slots. Numerous surfaces gleam, courtesy of the mirror-polishing which has been patiently executed by time-served hands. The inventory of different decorations includes snailed, grained, spotted and frosted surfaces, indulging the desires of purists.

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Once again, there are no compromises. Everything is reassuringly Grönefeld.

A remarkable choice

When conceiving this watch, Bart & Tim wanted to produce a model that indulged purists with a remarkable choice of colours and styles. The 1969 DeltaWorks is available with 3 different dial designs/colours, 5 different strap options and, finally, a choice of stainless steel inserts or colour-coordinated FKM rubber-clad inserts.

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The 1969 DeltaWorks is the distillation of three generations of watchmaking know-how, the professional journeys of both Horological Brothers and the manifestation of their extraordinary passion for horology.

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Technical Specifications

Model: GRÖNEFELD 1969 DeltaWorks  
 

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Movement

Calibre G-06
Movement Dimensions Diameter: 32.0 mm
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Number of Parts 231 parts
Power Reserve 56 hours
Number of Jewels 31 jewels, partially set in solid gold chatons
Automatic System Uni-directional winding mechanism.
For 24 hours of autonomy 633 rotations of the Oscillating mass are required
Oscillating Mass Entirely decorated by hand. 18 karat solid gold segment. Stainless steel centre pivoted on a high precision ceramic ball bearing to avoid excessive wear. To prevent damage to the movement and winding mass the extremities of the 4 arms are extended and guided by the case and case-back
Balance Wheel Variable-inertia balance wheel with four white gold timing screws (diameter 10 mm)
Frequency 21.600 vibrations/hour
Balance Spring Free sprung with triangle hairspring stud
Escapement Jewelled Swiss lever
Main Plate Spotted and ruthenium electroplated brass main plate
Bridges Stainless steel, bevels polished by hand, micro-blasted center, circular grain on the top to highlight the bridges shapes and relief engravings
Displays Central hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
 

Case 

Number of components 68 parts
Dimensions Diameter incl. case inserts: 44.5 mm
Diameter bezel: 43.3 mm
Thickness: 12.5 mm
Lug to lug: 53 mm
Water Resistance 10 atmospheres – 100 meters – 330 feet
Material Stainless steel AISI 316L (1.4435)
Crown Screw down crown. Triple gaskets with upright logo
Hands Flame-blued or polished steel extended Lancette hands with blue light emitting Super-LumiNova® Grade X1. Small poised seconds hand
Strap Integrated FKM rubber strap available in black, olive, blue, white or orange
Clasp Stainless steel 316L micro adjustable (7 increments over 9mm). Embossed Grönefeld and logo engraving. Opening must be done by operating both push buttons at once
Crystals Domed sapphire crystal on the front with hard anti-reflective coating on both sides
Flat sapphire crystal on the back with hard anti-reflective coating on both sides
Total Weight 135 Grams

Dial and Strap

The 1969 DeltaWorks is available with 3 different dial designs/colours, 5 different strap options and, finally, a choice of stainless steel inserts or colour-coordinated FKM rubber-clad inserts.

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 🔴Price: Recommended retail EUR 49.800 💰 


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Wednesday, September 7, 2022

GIRARD-PERREGAUX – LAUREATO 42 Green Steel


GIRARD-PERREGAUXLAUREATO 42mm Green Dial Steel Automatic 2022

Evergreen

La Chaux-de-Fonds, September 6", 2022 (lO AM СЕТ) - Harnessing the timeless character and elegance of green, as well as encompassing the symBolism of the virescent hue, Girard- Perregaux is pleased to release а new addition to the Laureato collection. The aptly-named Laureato 42mm Green perpetuates the story of this timeless classic which Began life in 1975 and, despite the passage of time, has never aged or lost its aesthetic allure.

Green - ап enduring classic

Green watch dials have been on-trend for the last 18 months, joining the ubiquitous blue dial as а must-have option for any serious watch collector.The verdant shade is widely associated with nature and it's the principal colour of тапу а landscape. Virescent shades are associated with harmony, health, hope and prosperity. Indeed, this bewitching hue means very much to very тапу and confers а lasting allure; green is not а fleeting fashion, it's ап enduring classic.

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Likewise,the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, launched in 1975, remains timeless and continues to engage with watch aficionados and devotees of accomplished design. Encased in steel with ап integrated Bracelet, the Laureato is а byword for versatility, proving suitable for all roles, whether sporty, casual or formal.

Now, Girard-Perregaux unites the Laureato with а new, distinctive green dial. This hue is paired with а Clous dc Paris dial pattern, accentuating the richness of the dial colour as it transitions from опе shade to another, depending on the available light. The texture of the dial entices the wearer to touch its intricately weaved surface, only to frustrate ап inquisitive finger with а рапе of sapphire crystal. Today, green carries special importance within society, But it has been employed for generations and its permanence is familiar to those individuals who appreciate perennial style.

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While most aesthetic elements will prove familiar to longstanding admirers of the Laureato and respect the original model of 1975, there is опе detail that is unequivocally new. For the first time on а Laureato with three hands, this new model juxtaposes а Black flange with the main dial colour, in this instance green. It тау Be different, But the notion of enduring style remains undiminished.

А new addition to the family

The new Laureato 42mm Green is presented in а stainless steel case and upholds the Laureato tradition of juxtaposing polished and satin finished surfaces throughout. With а modest height of just 10.68 mm,this model readily slips beneath а shirt cuff. The matching steel bracelet is optimally shaped to provide а comfortable means of uniting the watch with its wearer.

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The baton-style hands and indexes are presented in black PVD and incorporate luminescent material that emits а white glow in dim light. The central sweep seconds hand is rhodium-plated, bestowing а notable contrast with the dial surface. All elements of the dial are framed with the Laureato's octagonal bezel, а shape familiar to тапу devotees of Girard-Perregaux.

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As а company synonymous with Haute Horlogerie, it should соте as по surprise to learn that the self-winding movement, the Calibre GP01800,is enriched with а plethora of refined details. The main plate is adorned with circular graining, while some components feature levelling, mirror-polishing, satin finish, snailing, sunray finish and various engravings. The bridges are decorated with straight Cotes dc Genëve and the rhodium-plated oscillating weight is embellished with circular Cotes dc Genëve. Lastly, the movement has а power reserve of at least 54 hours.

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Since being unveiled in 1975, the Laureato has retained its ageless appearance. The new Laureato 81010 Green perpetuates this quality while simultaneously embracing the timeless charm of green. It is now а permanent member of the Laureato collection, joining the Maison's other timeless classics sporting black, blue and silver dials.

Laureato, а lesson in design

In terms of design, the 1970s were extraordinary. Creativity imbued а variety of objects with timeless aesthetics and notable functionality. This prowess for design was manifest with the styling of several highly original watches and the era continues to be acknowledged for its visionary approach to design. Indeed, during this era, several prestigious brands released watches encased in steel with integrated bracelets. However, only а few designs from this period have retained their eye appeal despite the onset of years.

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From the outset,the design of the Laureato united а number of different shapes to form а distinctive, yet cohesive, look. Each Laureato comprises ап octagonal bezel that sits atop а circular plinth which in turn is positioned above ап angular tonneau-shaped case. But despite having geometric, clean-cut lines, the Laureato's case also has а gentle character, reminiscent of а pebble shaped by water and devoid of harshness. Throughout the composition there is ап exquisite interplay Between polished and satin finished surfaces. Both finishes are clearly defined and discrete from опе another, thereby optimising the effect. Lastly, the exterior is completed with ап integrated bracelet that ergonomically hugs the wearer's wrist, bestowing а comfortable fit. It is this assemblage of contrasting forms that has led to the Laureato's unique profile, making it instantly recognisable when viewed from afar.

At the time of its launch in 1975, the inaugural watch was called the 'Quartz Chronometer'. However, in Italy, the model soon became known among the cognoscenti as the 'the graduate (Laureato in Italian) of the school of Girard-Perregaux'. This affectionate пате served as ап acknowledgement of the model's prize-winning success and extraordinary precision. Ultimately, the пате was adopted By the Maison. Coincidentally, the octagonal Bezel sits atop the case, like а laurel crown sits upon the head of а laureate.

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Over the years, subtle changes have been made to the design of the Laureato, but the essence of the original 1975 model has always been retained. In 2017, Girard-Perregaux released the fifth generation of the Laureato, а design that has been adopted for the new Laureato 81010 Green.

There are some iconic buildings, cars and items of furniture produced during the 1970S that will always remain timeless exemplars of accomplished design. The Laureato, ап in-house design, could be considered а worthy member of this exclusive club.

Swiss know-how

Innovation has always been at the heart of Girard-Perregaux's culture, ever since it was founded in 1791. During the 1970s, the Swiss brand was at the vanguard of quartz timekeeping, а technology that promised а future of unprecedented precision. In fact, the frequency of 32,768 Hz was set by the Maison and subsequently adopted as the universal standard for quartz watches.

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It was perhaps inevitable that the inaugural Laureato of 1975 was equipped with ап in-house, COSC- certified quartz movement, the Calibre 705. During this period, most of the traditional Swiss watchmaking industry was in decline, ill-prepared for the shift to Battery-powered timepieces.

Quartz watches remain attractive to тапу clients, however, Girard-Perregaux has also produced in- house mechanical movements for over 230 years, а claim few other watch brands can make. ln 1995, as mechanical watchmaking began to enjoy а renaissance, Girard-Perregaux released the Laureato 8010 fitted with ап in-house automatic calibre. Today, the Laureato 34mm is fitted with а quartz movement, while the 38mm, 42mm and 44mm models all feature in-house mechanical movements.

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The Laureato 42mm Green will go on sale in November 2022 and will ge sold exclusively by Wempe for опе month. Thereafter, the model will be available in all authorised Girard- Perregaux retailers.


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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model: LAUREATO 42MM Green

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 Reference: 81010-11-3153-1CM  

Movement
Calibre GP01800-2035
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30.00mm (131/4’’’)
Height: 3.97mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4Hz)
Number of components: 191
Number of jewels: 28
Power reserve: min. 54
hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case
Material:
Steel, polished and satin finished
Diameter: 42.00mm
Height: 10.68mm
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back: Sapphire crystal
Dial
Sunray green with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern, ‘baton’ type black
PVD-treated indexes with luminescent material (white emission)
Hands: ‘baton’ type black PVD-treated hour and minute hands with luminescent material (white emission), rhodium-plated central second hand
Water resistance: 100 metres (10ATM)
Bracelet
Steel, polished and satin finished

🔴Retail price
GBP 11’100 / CHF 13’700 / USD 14’300 / EUR 14’400

 

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Press release - 2022
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Girard-Perregaux Press Contact :
Leopoldo Celi
Head of Communication and Brand Image
+41 (0)79 303 50 72
leopoldo.celi@girard-perregaux.com

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Press Contact:
Manager: Steve Cooper
Senior Partner Media Officer
+44 7408 807885
mailto:Stephen.Cooper@astonmartinf1.com

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