Grönefeld Introduces Its First Sports Utility Watch
The Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks is bringing a sporty twist to the traditional brand
Written by Theo Baker
October 25, 2022
Known casually as the “Horological Brothers,” Bart and Tim Grönefeld are the familial duo behind the namesake brand, Grönefeld. The brothers specialize in producing detailed complications through their haute horological creations, gaining a notable reputation in doing so since the launch of the brand in 2008. The manufacture’s latest release is a step in a different direction with the Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks, marking the brand’s first sports utility watch.
The Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks is a tribute to the Dutch Delta Works project across the Netherlands that effectively created the world’s biggest storm surge barrier. Not only does the model name pay homage to the homeland of the Horological Brothers, but it also references the year Bart was born, 1969. Designed to withstand the pressures of water ingress and shock, the watch upholds the elevated standards of traditional craftsmanship that are intrinsic to the Grönefeld brand.
Displaying the Grönefeld attention to detail is a unique case design, with four interchangeable flanks around the dial. The steel case includes case flanks at roughly 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock that are customizable between steel or rubber coated-titanium inserts that match the color of the rubber strap options (black, blue, olive, orange, and white). Including the flanks, the case measures 44.5mm in diameter, while the bezel diameter is 43.3mm.
Grönefeld prioritizes both color and choice throughout the design, opting for three variations of the dial in black, khaki, and salmon. The layout itself is relatively simple, with only one Arabic number at 12 o’clock and the remaining indices taking a geometric form. Completing the design is a small seconds subdial in the 6 o’clock position.
Grönefeld is renowned for its fine finishing work from the outside-in of its creations, and with the movement driving this model, the caliber G-06, this sentiment is no different. The caliber is an automatic mechanism that has been specially designed to manage shock, with it decorated entirely by hand. To prevent damage, the extremities of the four arms of the movement and winding mass are extended and guided by the case. Moreover , the optional rubber inserts on the case sides can also further function to deflect shock from the movement. The time-only mechanism is capable of a 56-hour power reserve, with it protected by the case with a 100m water resistance.
The Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks is currently sold out, though there is a waitlist available via the brand’s website for hopeful collectors. Between the three different dial designs and colors, the five different strap options, and the choice of stainless steel inserts or color-coordinated FKM rubber-clad inserts, the pricing of the watch remains constant at €49,800 (approximately $47,600).
