The young, independent brand, Grönefeld The Horological Brothers, may be a name unfamiliar to many enthusiasts, however over the last decade they have established a strong reputation of innovative watches manufactured with a mission to “build elegant timepieces with surprising mechanisms”. The Dutch brothers, Bart and Tim, come from a watchmaking family first established in 1912 by Johan Grönefeld, and are passionate for exceptional watchmaking, creating complications that will be cherished for years to come.

The Hertz One wristwatch was released in 2010 as the world’s first serially produced watch made with independent deadbeat seconds. While the complication is not unique in horology, it was Gronefeld’s secondary gear train powering the deadbeat seconds that added a novel ideal to modern horology. This dedicated gear train permits seconds to be driven from one independent mainspring barrel, while the hours and minutes are driven from a second mainspring. The dial’s unique design expressed the importance of this complication with its prominent display of the seconds comprising the majority of the dial, while the time, indicated in a small sub-dial at 2 o’clock, is relegated to a smaller role. The completely in-house movement is of the highest quality, with exceptional hand finishing of its stainless steel bridges throughout, and the use of a free-sprung, variable inertia balance with Phillips overcoil. One of only 30 limited edition examples produced in titanium, the present lot was the first of the series with serial number 1.

Today, collectors are looking to independent watchmakers for timepieces that retain their traditional past, but add a 21st century sensibility. The Hertz One Classic is an exemplary example with a new and innovative independent deadbeat seconds mechanism. Consigned by the original owner and preserved in wonderful original condition, this rare titanium timepiece is an exciting watch certain to delight.