Another New Grönefeld?

[sgrossma]

Originally Posted by chet1022

didn’t realize Gronefeld was that hot on the market. I ordered another independent and it takes 18 months to deliver which sounds ok considering the handwork and allows me to save up more. But 4-5 years… that is just outrageous.

They are one of the hottest independents. And they only make ~70 watches per year with hopes of making 100. So they have like a 300 order back log? It doesn’t seem that crazy.

[enjoythemusic]

Exactly Scott. Love this article... and it gives food for thought when it says:



Testing a batch of 100 watches at Tudor. For context, this tray could hold the total annual production of Kari Voutilainen, Roger Smith, Akrivia, Bexei, and Raul Pages combined. Image – Tudor

https://watchesbysjx.com/2022/11/wat...-map-2022.html

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For context, according to Max MB&F makes a bit less than 300 timepieces a year and Max hopes to make at most 350 a year (at most, ever, regardless of demand).
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[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Exactly Scott. Love this article... and it gives food for thought when it says:

Attachment 1340504

Testing a batch of 100 watches at Tudor. For context, this tray could hold the total annual production of Kari Voutilainen, Roger Smith, Akrivia, Bexei, and Raul Pages combined. Image – Tudor

https://watchesbysjx.com/2022/11/wat...-map-2022.html

.
.
.
For context, according to Max MB&F makes a bit less than 300 timepieces a year and Max hopes to make at most 350 a year (at most, ever, regardless of demand).
.
.

Great post!!!!

[startrolexendrolex]

Really puts it in prospective.

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[Lukla]

I've gone through collecting and enjoying Rolex, IWC, ALS, VC, etc and now turning my eyes onto independents realizing I have near zero chance of purchasing one at retail price. Frustrating and sad...

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Lukla

I've gone through collecting and enjoying Rolex, IWC, ALS, VC, etc and now turning my eyes onto independents realizing I have near zero chance of purchasing one at retail price. Frustrating and sad...

If you requested this day one you had your chance. It’s not cheap and the wait was eternity but retail it is. I mean you can grab a gronefeld for a reasonable price on the secondary market as is. There isn’t some huge pump right now on anything. That’s part of the reason I wasn’t waiting 3 years for this thing. I could get a principia today for similar money.

[Stranger]

A large downpayment and a long wait means the wait list is bankrolling the operation. As others have said, this is always risky, irrespective of impeccable credentials & ethics. I completely understand a downpayment to clear the wait list of uncommitted people, but beyond that it gets dicey.