Since launching its first piece in 2008, Dutch watchmaker Grönefeld has become one of the most popular non-Swiss firms in the world, perfecting the art of horology with its highly-complicated movements and eye-catching dials. However, until now, the company, established by brothers Bart and Tim Grönefeld, has been known for elegant dress watches and the like.
Today, Grönefeld has unveiled its first-ever sports watch, the 1969 DeltaWorks. Named after the Delta Works construction projects that help protect the land in the southwest Netherlands, as well as the year Bart was born. Naturally, the timepiece is very much for the active wearer, with a robust 44.5mm stainless steel case, 100m of water resistance, an integrated rubber strap (available in 5 color options), heightened shock resistance, and a self-winding movement.
The caliber G-06 is exposed via the caseback and features 231 parts and 56 hours of power reserve. Previously equipped in the popular Principia, the automatic movement sports stainless steel bridges, a micro-blasted center, and a hand-decorated rotor that turns on ceramic ball bearings for better wear prevention. Likewise, the dial, which comes in three style options, features a raised outer track for the hours, with the center dial and subdial together on a lower plane. For better legibility, the hour and minute hands have been given a boost in size with a lance spear aesthetic.
Available on Grönefeld’s website for €49,800 (~$49,315), the 1969 DeltaWorks watch has a limited production of just 20 pieces per year.
