WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
November 22, 2019
The first rectangular model to feature a newly developed rectangular movement | MORITZ GROSSMANN
MORITZ GROSSMANN
A New 2019 Creation Embodying Glashütte Tradition with a 60-Hour Power Reserve
Moritz Grossmann skipped the 2019 Baselworld exhibition. Instead, they sequentially unveiled new models in Dubai (January), Tokyo (March), Hong Kong (May), and London (July). The "Cornerstone," the brand's first rectangular model, was announced in Tokyo.
The Latest Model Born from Traditional Craftsmanship
Moritz Grossmann was founded in 2008 in Glashütte, Germany. The brand name honors the watchmaker Moritz Grossmann (1826-1885), who was active in Glashütte during the 19th century. Its defining characteristic is the adherence to Grossmann's original philosophy of crafting everything by hand.
"Over 90% of parts, including gears and the escapement, are manufactured in-house. We are also the only watchmaker in Glashütte capable of producing our own hands."
says CEO Christine Hutter, who is also a watchmaker herself. "We want to convey the most beautiful German craftsmanship and the value of the handmade creations they produce," she adds, introducing the "Cornerstone" as their latest work.
The "Cornerstone" is Moritz Grossmann's first rectangular model. The development was initiated about three years ago following a request for a rectangular watch from Japan. As the company did not have a rectangular movement, they began by designing a new movement.
The responsible Constructing Engineer, Mike Fondaaaburg, explains, "Our goal was to extend the power reserve. The case size was determined from the outset, so we needed to achieve a sufficient power reserve within those dimensions."
The new movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. The layout, with the free-sprung balance wheel positioned in the upper left, is particularly distinctive. The balance cock is adorned with exquisite engraving by artisans, and the main plate is etched with Glashütte stripes, offering a continuously captivating display of intricate detail. It fully conveys the "ultimate handmade work" that the company strives for.
While the Cal. 102.3 presents a distinct impression compared to other movements, this is partly due to the use of transparent sapphires instead of red rubies for the jewel bearings. Their transparency allows the metallic hues and engraved patterns to shine through without obstruction, enhancing the movement's refined appearance.
A characteristic feature of Moritz Grossmann movements is the use of pillars. This involves connecting the two main plates that sandwich the movement with column-like components, offering the advantage of allowing the movement to be inspected from the side. This technique, used in old pocket watches, provides a structure that enables assembly technicians to work with greater precision. Even if users don't see it daily, these meticulous details reveal Moritz Grossmann's philosophy of watchmaking.
Common Specifications
Movement | Manual winding (Cal. 102.3), 60-hour power reserve, small seconds with stop-seconds function
Case Size, Thickness | 46.6 x 29.5 mm, 9.76 mm
Ref | MG-002145
Case Material, Dial Material | 18k RG, Silver
Price | ¥3,600,000 (excluding tax)
Ref | MG-002144
Case Material, Dial Material | 18k WG, Silver
Price | ¥3,600,000 (excluding tax)
Ref | MG-001910
Case Material, Dial Material | 18k WG, Black lacquered silver
Price | ¥3,500,000 (excluding tax)
Ref | MG-001950
Case Material, Dial Material | 18k RG, Grand Feu enamel
Price | ¥4,200,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Edition | World limited to 25 pieces
Ref | MG-002142
Case Material, Dial Material | 18k WG, Grand Feu enamel
Price | ¥4,200,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Edition | World limited to 25 pieces
