Grönefeld One Hertz: A Collector's Journey into Independent Horology

Cozmopak · 2020-10-29T10:12:24Z

Explore Cozmopak's journey to acquiring the Grönefeld One Hertz, a unique independent timepiece. Discover why this watch stands out and its place in a curated collection.

Cozmopak

WPS member · Independents forum

34 replies4541 views4 photos

Marius, known as Cozmopak on WatchProSite, shares his journey into the world of independent watchmaking, culminating in the acquisition of a Grönefeld One Hertz. His thoughtful exploration highlights the distinct design ethos of the Grönefeld brothers and the nuanced decision-making involved in curating a personal collection. Cozmopak's reflections offer valuable insights into prioritizing a watch's unique identity and its harmonious integration within a broader collection.

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I've been researching the Brothers' work for almost a year, even before I dove head first into the world of independent watches and was still lost in the jungle of vintage Rolexes and Omegas. Their design language is strong and unique. To my eyes, a modernized art deco aesthetic. I spent several months contemplating which particular watch would best represent their design ethos.

The remontoire was the obvious choice, given how popular it is and how it propelled the Brothers to fame. After speaking to several seasoned collectors, however, my curiosity for the One Hertz was piqued.

The One Hertz is unique in that it is the first watch the Brothers designed entirely by themselves. Many collectors might not realize that the remontoire was actually developed by Andreas Strehler, and although the remontoire is a spectacular piece that is deserving of its accolades, it felt less purely Gronefeld than the One Hertz to me.

This was also the first time I thought seriously about how a watch would fit into my growing collection. With the advice of one particularly seasoned collector who is a regular contributor on this forum, I began to think of my collection not as a potpourri of individual watches but as a unified whole, an expression of my own collecting spirit. Hence my first attempt at curation began. The One Hertz simply fit better.

Cheers,

Marius

Key Points from the Discussion

The Grönefeld One Hertz is considered a unique and excellent choice, representing 'Dutch pride' with its warm, soft tones and special character.
The One Hertz, while more interesting to some than other Grönefeld pieces, is acknowledged to have a size that might not suit everyone.
Part of the appeal of independent watchmakers lies in the rarity and uniqueness of their pieces, making the One Hertz's distinct aesthetic particularly appealing.
The Remontoire, while a beautiful choice for many, did not fit as well into the author's curated collection as the One Hertz, emphasizing the importance of personal collection synergy.
The One Hertz is recognized as an important piece in the Grönefeld brothers' development as top independent watchmakers.
The Netherlands is not a traditional watchmaking country, making the Grönefeld brothers' success in haute horology a notable achievement.

The Discussion

batholith

Oct 29, 2020

So beautiful! Great choice and an unusual one.

Blansky

Oct 29, 2020

I love this watch. For me part of the joy of looking at independent watchmakers is the rarity and uniqueness of their pieces. So an independent piece that looks a lot like every other watch does not do it for me. Enjoy your beautiful choice.

Cozmopak

Oct 29, 2020

The remontoire is still a beautiful choice for many collectors, and I don't intend to diminish it in any way. But somehow when I lined it up against all of the other watches in my collection, it didn't fit nearly as well as the One Hertz. And it was obvious to me.

LiftAngle51

Oct 29, 2020

I am proud my fellow Dutch guys made great watches. Holland is not a typical watch country, so a surprise an independent which make haute horology. Imagine Luxembourg is a watch country?

mdg

Oct 29, 2020

...but the movement is a show-stopper.

Cozmopak

Oct 29, 2020

Everyone has their own aesthetic preferences

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Grönefeld One Hertz: A Collector's Journey into Independent Horology

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