The Delta Works is a series of construction projects in the southwest of the Netherlands to protect a large area of land around the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta from the sea. Constructed between 1954 and 1997, the works consist of dams, sluices, locks, dykes, levees, and storm surge barriers located in the provinces of South Holland and Zeeland.
Taking several years to construct and regarded as a triumph of engineering, the Delta Works provided the inspiration to the latest creation of Dutch watchmakers Bart and Tim Grönefeld.
Named 1969 DeltaWorks, with a reference also to the year Bart was born, this sports utility watch has been designed to have no fear of water and shocks.
The new model comes in a 45 mm x 12.5 mm stainless steel case featuring two inserts integrated within each caseband and offered in two formats: stainless steel, matching the case material, or titanium shrouded in coloured FKM rubber, designed to match the shade of the strap.
Contributing to guarantee water resistance to 100 metres / 330 feet, the triple-seal, screw-down crown features an ingenious safeguarding system: when the Grönefeld logo on the crown is perpendicular to the dial and pointing upwards, the triple-seal, screw-down crown delivers maximum protection.
Protected by a thicker than normal sapphire crystal, the dial – available in black, salmon or khaki – has been designed to indicate the essentials of time in the clearest possible way with large hands and hour markers, filled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1that glows in blue in darker environments.
The seconds are indicated in the small subdial at 6 o’clock that, like the central dial are, sits on a lower plane than the hour track. The country of origin is proudly proclaimed at the base of the dial.
The 1969 DeltaWorks is offered in black, olive, blue, white or orange rubber straps. Grönefeld has selected FKM rubber in preference to conventional rubber as it proves more supple, more resistant and it retains its colour for longer. The exterior of the strap features a wave pattern, while the inside of the strap is decorated with a motif formed of numerous Grönefeld logos, allowing the wearer’s wrist to breathe.
It is secured to the wrist by a micro adjustable clasp (7 increments over 9 mm) in stainless steel with embossed Grönefeld and logo engraving.
The sapphire crystal caseback offers a view of the self-winding movement, the calibre G-06 that was first used within the company’s 1941 Principia Automatic. However, it features some additional elements which enhance robustness. One is the openworked oscillating weight with four stainless steel arms, presented in a double-spoke design. These arms are connected to an 18K gold mass adorned with a wave motif.
The rotor is completely hand finished and turns on ceramic ball bearings, preventing wear and eliminating the need for lubrication. The stainless-steel bridges replicate the façades of traditional Dutch houses, termed ‘bell gables’. Bridges are characterised by a micro-blasted central section, framed with a hand-bevelled gleaming edge.
The free-sprung balance mitigates positional influence and delivers superior rate stability. The escapement is adjusted to heat-cold, isochronism and six positions.
Each movement is fitted with a plate engraved with ‘ΔW’ (signifying DeltaWorks) along with its unique movement number. Around the glass we find ‘GRÖNEFELD’ and ‘DELTAWORKS’ in relief while the name ‘Oldenzaal’ is engraved opposite the crown as a reminder of where the Grönefeld family’s watchmaking story began.
The Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks has a price of Euro 49,800. gronefeld.com
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