Independents

Suppose you're starting a boutique with only Independent Haute Horlogerie… than you should organize an opening. So what to do for your guests, especially since some of the guests are the world's best watchmakers!

Well… last weekend i had to honor of being present at such an opening and it was the most fun opening i ever attended.

Bart and Tim Grönefeld opened their Grönefeld Boutique last weekend. The boutique represents Cornelius & Cie, Kees Engelbarts, McGonigle, Sarpaneva, S.U.F., Speake-Marin and of course their own brand with it's first watch, the Grönefeld GTM-06.



On friday, the press day, the guests where invited for karting and BBQ. Yes indeed… you open an absolute high-end watch boutique and you don't take your guests to a restaurant with at least 1 Michelin star. No… you take them for karting and a good BBQ. A girlfriend of mine thought it was very logical, 'all men's things', and how right she was!

It was so much fun and excellent and relax way to get to know John McGonigle, Peter Speake-Marin and of course Bart and Tim Grönefeld.
Kees Engelbarts arrived on saturday and unfortunately Stepan Sarpaneva was unable to attend.

So on to the photos…. first the press day

They must be kidding... karting in the snow?


Getting ready for the race on snow and ice....
Even in rain coat and with hair net, John McGonigle's looks like he's determined to win.... his killer-look.


Ready, set, go!!!!!


OK, who crashed?


After the kart race it was time for BBQ


Peter Speake-Marin found a table close to the heat of the BQQ...
And was also able to throw an extra sausage on the BBQ. Relax


An excellent meal, especially after karting on snow and ice.


John McGonigle thought our Dutch beers where small, so he got a bigger one...


And now on to the photos of the official opening.

The Grönefeld Boutique


I could show you photos of the Mayor performing the official opening, photos of the guests, the displays with watches... however I'll stick to the watchmakers who made this possible.
Peter Speake-Marin, Kees Engelbarts, John McGonigle, Tim and Bart Grönefeld... a few of the very best watchmakers on earth.


And a group wrist shot....


Unfortunately Stepan Sarpaneva couldn't be present, so i'll just show a few of his watches in the new boutique.
At the left is what i think the very last available Korona K2 (sorry for the bad photo).


Bart tries to sell a Grönefeld GTM-06 to John McGonigle


The two men who created the Grönefeld GTM-06 and started a boutique for Independent Haute Horlogerie, Bart and Tim Grönefeld... ELECTRIFYING!!


Later i'll post more photos of the watches available at the Grönefeld Boutique.... Cornelius & Cie, Kees Engelbarts, McGonigle, Sarpaneva, Peter Speake-Marin, S.U.F. and Grönefeld. What a line up

would have been very fun.  Karting on the snow/ice must have proven more fun than intended LOL!  Thanks for sharing this.

That's really great!

That sure does look like fun! I haven't go-karted outdoors, all of the go-kart sessions I've had were indoors. Very nice boutique, thanks for sharing!

I'm not sure if this is the only boutique in the world, representing 100% independents and no other brands. I just know this is the only one i know of....
Due to the location of this boutique it's a few hours drive for watch collectors from northern Germany, southern Denmark and of course the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg.

And the collection has a great "spread" over all different prices ranges, already starts well below 3.000 euro for the S.U.F. Flying Finn...

Not a lot of watch dealers represent the small independents. Definitely one of the more unique watch stores ever!

to have a Boutique for independents.
This should be done in other countries too.
GEO

Selling Independent Haute Horlogerie next to big name brands like Lange & Sohne, Breguet and Patek Philippe is of course different.
I assume people visiting the Grönefeld Boutique probably already know what Independent Haute Horlogerie is... it's beautiful

What a cool and unique dial!

Wish I was there for all the fun.

Cheers

Pat

    thank you for these pictures Monochrome.It is nice to see the cold weather does not get in the way of the outdoor fun.What a great idea to do a typical summer type event in the winter,kind of reminds me of the Jamaican bobsled team.

  Good food and small beer ? A Bavarian Three Liter Beer Boot would do nicely IMO but that's me, lol

   Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year my friend,tc

independents, does that compromise their independence?

Or do you feel that an independent is an independent when he sells his own watches.
If an independent is still an independent when he has a dealer network, than a Boutique with
independents, should not make a difference, I think.
GEO

Excellent , you know mates, when I see such gatherings, such kind of stores, it comforts me it tells me how good the watch industry is, let alone the old  famous and known brands who one way or another are being commercial  no matter what special or unique time pieces  they make.

 

  The independents as I view them are the savvier of the art of watch making, the uniqueness of watch making, the independents will be kept in the memory of watch making history who or how many of them. But all what I can say thank you guys for doing  crafting such pieces of art. A BIG thank you to each and every single independent watch makers and his team. and thanks for the post mate.

 

   Faisal

The independents really make THE most beautiful watches, in my opinion. And i'm also really happy these guys have the guts, the knowledge and skills to create pieces of art. Buying my first independent watch, a Sarpaneva Korona K1, was an experience no big brand could have matched. Thank you Stepan

What a wonderful concept for a boutique.  The world of independent haute horology is so diverse and magnificent.  There's so much to discover!  I'd love to visit the store and check out the various timepieces for myself.  Also, that BBQ looks tasty!  Thanks for documenting the festivities for us!

Cheers,

Daos

Super report and I look forward to seeing more!

it was a nice party, with very great people, good to see you again, and indeed, it's a great concept with very intresting watches

Best,

Michel