Independents
Sham1 presents a compelling collector's dilemma, weighing the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph against the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire. This post delves into the aesthetic and technical merits of each, inviting the community to consider the nuances of high-end independent watchmaking versus established maisons, particularly for those with smaller wrists.
) I love the Gronefeld and have my sights on a steel model, one of the twenty five to be made. The dial is relatively simple compared to the 1815 chronograph but there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe it is the movement of the Gronefeld that makes me gasp every time I see one or perhaps, I just prefer the lightness of stainless steel compared to the weight of the Lange. Both watches are eerily the same diameter at 39.5mm and the Gronefeld has the slimmer profile. The lugs are quite special in my opinion and although one can order a bespoke dial on one's Remontoire, I would be quite happy with the silver dial. Maybe it is the fact that I have met Tim and Bart Gronefeld on a number of occasions and I actually feel that the privilege would be mine to own one of their watches one day.
The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire is a distinguished offering from the independent Dutch watchmakers, Tim and Bart Grönefeld. It represents their commitment to traditional haute horlogerie combined with a distinctive contemporary aesthetic, positioning itself as a significant piece within their limited production portfolio.
The timepiece features a constant force mechanism, or remontoire d'égalité, integrated into its hand-wound movement, ensuring consistent power delivery to the escapement for enhanced accuracy. The movement, visible through a sapphire case back, is meticulously finished with polished bevels, circular graining, and Geneva stripes. The case is typically crafted from precious metals, housing a dial designed for legibility and understated elegance.
For collectors, the 1941 Remontoire is valued for its technical sophistication and the brothers' dedication to artisanal craftsmanship. Its limited production numbers and the inclusion of a complex constant force complication contribute to its desirability and long-term appeal within the independent watchmaking segment.
Thank you for your feedback. In gold medal position as usual
Both watches are heavyweights. I would love to be able to afford both but being retired has its downside Thank you for your feedback.
However I think the Grönefeld suits your wrist much better. If I remember correctly the Grönefeld has a concave “belly” under it’s 39.5 mm- case is more elegant, lugs amazing. The 1815 is more sitting on your wrist not wrapping around it. And since you met the brothers too..... You’re the boss.
I say 'spot on' because my first reaction when trying the Lange tonight was that it was sitting on my wrist. I did not feel I was wearing the watch or that the watch was being a part of my wrist. The Gronefeld however (possibly due to the case shape and the lugs) made my wrist its comfort zone and I felt more at one with the watch. At this price level, such a factor can be the deciding point between an acquisition or a non-acquisition. Thank you for your observation!!
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