Presented in Tokyo on 7 March, the new CORNER STONE model from Moritz Grossmann is the first rectangular watch from the independent German watch manufacture. If you pronounce the English term “corner stone” in Japanese, the words curiously sound very similar in both languages: “Kōnāsutōn”.
Grossmann Uhren GmbH wants to draw on this wonderful similarity between the two cultures and languages by naming the new model with the innovative rectangular design CORNER STONE. It is Grossmann’s first watch in this design variant that is particularly popular on the Japanese market.
The new caliber 102.3 was specially designed for the rectangular movement shape with a small second scale at 6.00 o’clock and a central hour and minute display. The flat case of the CORNER STONE with the curved lugs nestles perfectly on the wrist of both ladies and fashion-conscious men and always makes an elegant statement.
The CORNER STONE comes in three dial variants in five different versions.
Solid silver, opaline dial
In this version, the dial is made of solid silver with rose gold appliqués. The case is also made of rose gold.
Another version of the dial features white gold appliqués with a white gold case. Handmade, brown-violet hands harmonise with both variants. A special feature of this variant is the small second and centre of the dial square-shaped.
Solid silver, black lacquered dial
Another version of the dial in solid silver is offered in black with Arabic numerals and a minute and seconds display scale in white. The case is made of white gold, while the handmade hands are made of polished stainless steel. The small second has a round shape.
Dial in white Grand-feu enamel
The enamelled dial is in rich white, with the numerals, minute markers and time display scale of the small seconds in brown providing an eye-catching contrast.
As with the silver dial version, the case is also available in white gold or rose gold with handmade, brown-violet hands. The enamelled dial is furnished with a round small seconds display.
The white enamel version is limited to a run of 25 for each variation.
Moritz Grossmann calibre 102.3
A new calibre has been developed for the rectangular shape that makes optimum use of the installation space and also offers further advantages. It has resulted in a movement with a relatively large barrel. A significantly longer power reserve of 60 hours could thus be achieved. The characteristic stop-second function has been realised in a new form. The kinetic energy of the angle lever is transmitted via a coupling rod, whereby the balance is gently braked by means of the stop spring and comes to a precise standstill.
The CORNER STONE is supplied with a movement in High Artistic Finish. The typical four Grossmann stripes are applied horizontally to the two thirds plate. The writing “Moritz Grossmann” is engraved by hand.
The ratchet wheel has a particularly elaborate surface finish in the form of three band snailing. For the resulting optical effect, the teeth of the ratchet are initially given a continuous bevel. The snailing is then traditionally applied with a bronze bell. Turning the ratchet wheel creates an optical illusion: the rotation of the wheel when winding the watch is no longer perceptible.
The stepped balance cock with hand-engraved pattern, the golden chatons and the manually crafted hands tempered over an open flame perfect the extremely sophisticated impression of this watch.
The CORNER STONE comes in three dial variants:-
CORNER STONE rose gold (MG-002145) and white gold (MG-002144), dial solid silver, opaline
CORNER STONE white gold (MG-001910), dial solid silver, black lacquered
CORNER STONE enamel rose gold (MG-001950) and white gold (MG-002142), dial white Grand-feu enamel, each limited to 25 pieces worldwide.
Technical details
Model: Moritz Grossmann Corner Stone
Movement
Manufactory calibre 102.3, manual winding, regulated in five positions
No. of parts: 189
Jewels: 24 jewels, of which 2 in screwed gold chatons
Escapement: Lever escapement
Oscillator: Shock-resistant Grossmann balance with 4 inertia screws and 2 poising screws, Nivarox 1 balance spring
Balance Diameter: 10.0 mm, frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour
Power reserve: 60 hours when fully wound
Special features: Grossmann balance; space-saving modified Glashütte stopwork with backlash; adjustment with Grossmann micrometer screw on cantilevered balance cock; pillar movement with 2/3 plate and pillars made of untreated German silver; balance cock and escape-wheel cock hand-engraved; broad horizontal Glashütte ribbing; 3-band snailing on the ratchet wheel; raised gold chatons with pan-head screws; separately removable clutch winding mechanism; stop seconds for hand setting
Movement dimensions
30.0 mm (length) x 20.0 mm (width) x 3.6 mm (height)
Functions
Hour and minute, small second with stop seconds
Operating elements
Crown in 750/000 gold for winding the watch and setting the time
Case
Two-part, precious metal
Dimensions: 46.6 mm (length) x 29.5 mm (width) x 9.76 mm (height)
Crystal/display back: Sapphire crystal, antireflective coating on one side
Dial
Solid silver painted or Grand-feu enamel, indices made from gold
Hands: Manually crafted, stainless steel, annealed in brown-violet for two variants and polished
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather with prong buckle in precious metal
Versions
Reference MG-002145 and MG-002144
Case: 750/000 rose gold and 750/000 white gold
Dial: Solid silver, opaline
Hands: Manually crafted, steel, annealed to a brown-violet hue
Limited edition: 25 pieces each
Reference MG-001910
Case: 750/000 white gold
Dial: Solid silver, black lacquered
Hands: Manually crafted, polished stainless steel
Limited edition: 25 pieces each
Reference MG-001950 and MG-002142
Case: 750/000 rose gold and 750/000 white gold
Dial: White Grand-feu enamel
Hands: Manually crafted, steel, annealed to a brown-violet hue
Limited edition: 25 pieces each
