Grönefeld 1944 Tanfana
The Netherlands based Horological Brothers Bart and Tim Grönefeld present their first ladies’ timepiece, the 1944 Tanfana.
For their first ladies’ watch, Bart and Tim Grönefeld found inspiration in the Tankenberg, a tiny mountain approximately 2 km from Saint Plechelmus. On the northern slope of the hill sits a gazebo. The structure was erected on the site of a former temple where ‘Tanfana’, a goddess, once stood. Tanfana is considered a guardian of peace and harmony and is referenced in Bart and Tim’s latest creation, their inaugural ladies’ model.
The dial of the 1944 Tanfana is formed of aventurine, a glossy midnight blue material incorporating numerous glinting metallic inclusions. Its geometric motif, known as the ‘Flower of Life’, enhances the dial’s visual depth and texture. This pattern is linked to Sacred Geometry, an ancient discipline that explores the spiritual meaning of shapes and proportions often found in nature.
Extended Lancette hands, a style employed on the majority of Grönefeld timepieces, converse with applied trapezoidal indexes to pronounce the time clearly. The hands are formed of red gold, matching the indexes.
A small display sits at the base of the dial. It eschews the customary seconds hand and track combination in favour of an animated floral motif. As time passes and the floral motif rotates, it creates a mesmerising moiré effect, reminiscent of a flower endlessly blooming.
Measuring 37.5 mm in diameter, the case of the 1944 Tanfana is intricately shaped. It incorporates a multitude of heights and unites different lines and curves, bestowing areas of brilliance and shade. The case execution is nuanced and sophisticated while contributing to the harmonious appearance of the watch. The crown features an aventurine cabochon mirroring the appearance of the dial.
Offered in Red Gold Au750 5N, gleaming surfaces abound. The 1944 Tanfana has a gem-set case and pin buckle, providing an additional quotient of sparkle. For example, the Red Gold Au750 5N Tanfana is specified with 233 brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.73 carats gracing the bezel, case and pin buckle.
The 1944 Tanfana is offered with a wide array of straps to choose from. Through the sapphire crystal case-back, the peerless hand finishing and the automatic Calibre G-06 can be admired.
The 22-karat red gold oscillating weight is open-worked, runs on ceramic ball bearings and features ‘The Tree of Life’ symbol in white gold. It is also engraved with ‘Goddess’ and ‘Tanfana’. The Tree of Life symbolises strength, growth and resilience. Its roots represent family and foundation, while the branches reflect dreams and self-discovery.
The movement is endowed with a free-sprung balance, a more precise means of regulating the rate than the simple index-adjusted balance. By employing a variable inertia balance, the rate is less susceptible to positional influence.
The stainless steel bridges replicate the appearance of the aforementioned ‘bell gables’ and feature microblasted centres, various engravings in relief and gleaming hand-bevelled edges. The 5-arm double spoke gear train wheels efficiently transmit force while imbuing the movement with a contemporary look.
The mainplate is adorned with spotting, the screws are mirror polished with chamfered rims and slots, while the use of gold chatons reinforces the sense of refinement and pays tribute to watchmaking tradition.
