Tim & Bart Gronefeld are rock stars in more than one way, not just highly talented Independent Watchmakers, but Bon Vivants who know how to live and have a good time doing it. I've had the enormous pleasure of working with Bart & Tim for several years now and have found homes for their watches. The first piece was a One Hertz Dune, their 18K RG independent jumping seconds watch that housed their first fully inhouse created caliber. The recent model that they have had much success with is the 1941 Remontoire, initially released with a couple of dial options. Since last year (2017) this watch has been available with a brilliant Guilloche & Enamel dial courtesy of Kari Voutilanen's Comblemine dial company in Switzerland. The outer chapter is grey guilloche with a blue or red enamel option and the other variations are blued fish scale guilloche all over the dial or light blue lacquered guilloche dial.
The final version of the One Hertz is cased in 18K RG with an off white & silver chapter dial. Blued steel hands set this off in a classic and quite elegant way for a technical watch. Matching this aesthetic is a RG version of the Parallax Tourbillon limited to 28pcs, elegant and classic too! As is always their way, Tim & Bart casually chatted with me and showed their watches whilst keeping an eye out for potential new clients and press that needed their attention. This is all part of the Baselworld experience, where exhibitors are focused on the annual exposure and sales opportunity that mustn't be missed, after all it is a tough world to exist in as a business. Tim & Bart not only create stunning watches under their own name, but run a thriving service business that employs several highly skilled watchmakers, so a balance must be made that allows for both avenues of their business to thrive.
I then, ambled over to where Vianney was seated and asked him about the 20th Anniversary Classic and if there was an option to get a second piece for stock. As we sat and chatted, suddenly a cake appeared clad in lit candles, placed on my table in front of Vianney and "Happy Birthday" or "Bon Anniversaire" was summarily sung by all present to Vianney. What a treat to be there for such a moving and precious moment. Another reason why I always make the enormous effort, timewise and financially to attend Baselworld. These vignettes into life as an Independent Watchmaker are why I do what I do. The simple moment of reality, where a man has his birthday celebrated publicly at a trade show, is important and being there at his table was quite an honor. "Salut mon ami, Vianney!"
I write this with his RG Classic strapped to my arm as it has been for the past week. Falling in love with it all over again! Shortly after the candles were blown out, the beers appeared and I enjoyed many a fun conversation with my friends and colleagues for an hour prior to my Irish friends arriving. Meanwhile as is the custom, many a watchmaker or friend of the tribe shows up towards the end of the day for the requisite beer prior to heading out to dinner. Peter Speake-Marin popped by and I had a chance to catch up.
For dinner on Saturday, I made my way home to my English family-in-law's apartment in Basel and enjoyed a stunning dinner with John McGonigle and his friend Graeme, a potential future business partner. They regaled my hosts with many a watchmaking story and gave them a taste of Irish Independent watchmaking, McGonigle style! It isn't every day one gets to dine with a world class watchmaker when you are not in the business and my family were fascinated. John & Graeme were delighted to have a home cooked meal and lovely non-watch business folk for company. I finished the evening with a wee dram as Tom likes to offer it, John seemed quite at home with the fiery brown water of the highlands to round out the evening. Huge thanks to my hosts, Katie & Tom!