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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 5
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Gronefeld or Armin Strom or other independent
Hi,
I’m looking to add an independent to my collection, and have been deciding between gronefeld principia or armin strom tribute 1. Currently, I’m looking at movement finishing, as well as a smaller sized watch. Does anyone have experience with either of those, or any other suggestions below 40k? Thanks! |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,843
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I'm in Vancouver too and have an Armin Strom Resonance Mirrored Force en route. Happy to meet up if you'd like to see it? It should be here in August. I have a few friends with Armin Stroms too in Vancouver, a few of us are meeting this Wednesday.
Used to have a Principia btw. Personally I would go with Armin Strom because I like their style of finishing more, the aesthetic is more interesting, and customization options are available. They are both about the same quality wise. Gronefeld is a very somber dress watch though VS something like an Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force...which is very modern and sporty by comparison. |
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#3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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IMG_0918.jpeg
I picked up my Principia a few weeks ago. I’m still in the honeymoon phase but I love it. The strap is extremely comfortable and the finishing is sublime. Although it wasn’t cheap I think it’s very fair for what it is. But then again ask me again in a few months and maybe my opinion will change lol. I’ve never owned an Armin Storm but I’m a fan of the brand and I think it’s a great watch as well. |
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 5
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Unfortunately, I'm no longer in Vancouver, but thanks for the offer!
I also prefer smaller watches and think the Gronefeld is the largest I can comfortably wear though, that's why I was more focused on the Tribute 1 for the Armin Strom. My current largest watch is only 39mm (46-48mm lug to lug) for the fpj cb. Yeah, I was thinking the Armin Strom could be a bit more casual compared to the Gronefeld. Have you tried more casual straps with the Gronefeld, and could it be worn more casually? Because of the smaller size I prefer, I couldn't find too many other independents with this level of finishing, so would definitely welcome other recommendations too! |
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#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Europe
Posts: 631
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A Laurent Ferrier Classic, while nominally 40mm, will wear smaller. Excellent finishing.
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#6 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 5
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#7 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2022
Real Name: Bazil Brush
Location: Star Gazing
Watch: Any Daytona
Posts: 3,186
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Garrick ? Worth a look …
__________________
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#8 | ||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,843
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Quote:
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The gronefeld can be dressed down no problem for sure. I tried it on a few straps and all looked good on it. I just meant moreso that the Armin Strom can't really be dressed up too much if that is an issue. For personally, not really a problem or something I care about. Even in formal business settings, it's never been an issue. Tribute1 is a lot of bang for buck, but IMO I'd rather save a bit and buy a used Gravity Equal Force. YMMV of course. |
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#9 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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My wrist is a little bigger than 6 1/2. But I feel like I always measure it wrong lol. The watch is very close to being too big for me but I don’t mind.
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#10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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#11 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 2,104
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Tribute 1 is cool and also half the price. I love my GEF, ordered it with a custom baseplate and engraving on the plaque on the movement. Customization prices have gone up and doing too many makes the price go up rapidly. Both are fairly casual. I'd say the principia is nicer but armin is like 99% In house and can do all kinds of neat stuff. Went to a dinner with Serge Michel and Jean Marc Bories, even my wife commented that hard not to want to buy watches from these guys, super nice. I plan on ordering a custom tribute maybe next year.
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#12 | |
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2024
Real Name: Mike
Location: USA
Watch: Swiss Made
Posts: 596
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#13 | ||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 5
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#14 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Basel
Watch: LF Sport & Pepsi
Posts: 978
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Neither are my cup of tea. I like and respect the watches, just not something I would personally wear.
That aside, I love this thread. Great comparison of two excellent time pieces. And an interesting pair. Beats the hell of another Patek v Lange or Rolex v Omega thread. Thanks for posting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#16 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 2,104
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#17 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,843
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#18 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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Quote:
You can get a pre-owned Principia below retail which is great if you’re looking for a deal. |
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#19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 90
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That's a strange either/or in my opinion. I've owned my Tribute1 First Edition for almost 2 years now and am exceedingly happy with it. Suitable for my dress watch needs, but usable for a daily wear if I so want. I've recently put it on a Delugs CTS rubber strap and really love wearing it that way. The only reason I would trade it out would be to get one with one of the Comblemine dials. I think the size is fantastic and the finishing is about as good as it gets in this price range.
I really dig the Principia as well, but those feel like a completely different watch desires...more classical design with haute horologie movement finishing. ![]() ![]() |
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#20 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: usa
Posts: 19,318
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I’ve owned an AS and GF. The GF felt way more special to me and it was much more money so not sure these are competitors. The AS too chunky for true dress. It’s more all rounder but then again with no waterproof. That makes it a bit purposeless to me. The one above is a bit smaller and thinner than what I had. I had gravity EF. This has been mentioned before on here but the chin to engrave is weird to me. Most are bought without an engraving, at least the ones I’ve seen and the AD doesn’t ask if you want it engraved so what’s the point of it. Maybe point of sale bad service, idk.
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#21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Philly, USA
Watch: PP
Posts: 583
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Never getting tired of this beauty. ! The precision and workmanship of the Brothers Gronefeld is top 5 , imo
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#22 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Real Name: Tyler
Location: usa
Watch: 16613 Sub
Posts: 885
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Both Gronefeld and Armin Strom are excellent choices. The Gronefeld Principia is known for its impeccable movement finishing and elegant design. The Armin Strom Tribute 1 also offers outstanding craftsmanship with a modern twist. If you prefer smaller-sized watches, the Principia might edge out slightly due to its refined dimensions.
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#23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: US
Posts: 675
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For independents i would recommend either a Rolex or a Patek Philippe. Nothing else.
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#24 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: US
Posts: 322
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Quote:
Rolex as independent? I wouldn’t group them in that category in spite of some technical aspects of which you may be referring but wouldn’t say Rolex had any sort of independent concept or feel at all unfortunately. Seems like a huge brand and far beyond the many true independent brands out there. |
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#25 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Real Name: John
Location: Australia
Watch: WG BLRO, Sub C, WG
Posts: 1,610
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Quote:
I think he was joking Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#26 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: Steven
Location: Glocal
Posts: 20,310
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Yes, looks like he was joking. Anywho, back on topic....
What's EPIC great is that we have MANY choices here in 2024 for a WIDE variety of TRUE independent manufactures who each have their own 'style language'. Imho this is the best time to be alive as a lover of horology ![]()
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__________________ Love timepieces and want to become a Watchmaker? Rolex has a sensational school. www.RolexWatchmakingTrainingCenter.com/ Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory. |
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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,344
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#28 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NY
Watch: Voutilainen (2030)
Posts: 713
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#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: US
Posts: 322
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#30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 31
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It's a tough call. I prefer the dial side of the Armin Strom and the movement side of the Gronefeld. Both are fantastic though. I have been considering Pascal Coyon. There are lots of dial options and the movement finishing looks top notch.
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