BaselWorld 2014: Grönefeld Parallax Tourbillon Watch Collection – 1912 & RG

·March 29, 2014·3 Comments

By Jovan Krstevski

Introducing the latest creation from the Dutch Duo (Tim and Bart), is well designed and is an exciting new collection featuring a “flying” tourbillon with a large central seconds hand, stop seconds, as well as power reserve and innovative winding/setting mechanism indications.

The Parallax Tourbillon has another innovative feature: rather than pulling the crown to set the time, which has the risk of damaging the fragile crown stem, it is pressed. The indicator on the dial between 3 and 4 o’clock displays the function selected: “W” for Winding or “S” for time setting. When the time setting function is selected, both tourbillon cage-bridge and the central seconds hand automatically return to their respective 12 o’clock positions and stop (or hack) while the time is set. Once the time is set and the function set to winding by a simple press of the crown, both the seconds hand and tourbillon cage start running simultaneously and in parallel.

With case dimensions of only 43 mm x 12.5 mm the Parallax Tourbillon isn’t particularly large by modern standards. These subtle proportions should appeal to the discerning collector. I can also imagine a watch of this size would be very comfortable to wear for most occasions. Grönefeld only manufacture a limited amount of watches, which makes this piece highly exclusive. I feel the tourbillon and the blued hands for the hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve and winding and setting indicator gives the timepiece an exciting dynamic look. The solid sterling silver dial has a frosted effect with diamond cut bevels which wonderfully displays all the intricate mechanics of the watches movement. Grönefeld have superbly relief engraved, bevelled and finished all elements of this composition by hand.

Bart and Tim Grönefeld have developed a technically brilliant and sophisticated movement to operate the Parallax Tourbillon. The Calibre G-03 is a 27 jewel set in solid gold chatons mechanical hand winding movement that comprises 278 components and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour/3Hz.

The brothers, only use stainless steel bridges for their movements as it offers hardness and durability compared to the more generally used steel and brass. Moreover, stainless steel gleams beautifully when polished to a mirror finish. And as stainless steel does not oxidise, the gleaming finish lasts longer. Bridges are bevelled and polished by hand with circular grain finish on the top. This accomplishment is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch features hours, minutes, independent central seconds and a respectable power reserve of 72 hours.

The Parallax 1912 is limited to 12 pieces and the Parallax RG is limited to 28 pieces. The wonderful Parallax Tourbillon is available in a Au750 red Gold 5N and stainless steel. Both models have hand-sewn, brown and blue aligator leather straps with steel or red gold tang buckles. The suggested retail prices start from € 134,250 for the stainless steel version. The overall result is a master class in haute horlogerie. For more info, please visit gronefeld.com

Jovan

Jovan Krstevski – Founder, Proprietor & Executive Editor

Watch collector, aficionado and a Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches. ’ His passion “jump” started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches!