Aditya Sambhare Skeleton Watch Commission

Whirling · 2013-01-07T20:14:54Z

Discover Whirling's custom skeleton watch by Aditya Sambhare, an independent Indian watchmaker. A unique story of bespoke craftsmanship and supporting new talent.

Whirling

WPS member · Independents forum

21 replies6189 views8 photos

Jon, known as Whirling on the forums, shares his unique experience commissioning a bespoke skeleton watch from independent Indian watchmaker Aditya Sambhare. This article highlights the personal journey of supporting emerging talent in horology and the rewarding process of custom watchmaking, a decade after its original publication.

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Dear Fellow Purists,

About six months ago I was looking through the AHCI & Independents forum here and came across the work of a self-taught watchmaker. He had received impressive feedback from some highly respected Purists, including gentlemen such as Vianney Halter, David Walter, and Don Corson. Though no expert, I liked the looks of what I saw, so I decided to order a watch from Mr. Aditya Sambhare of Pune, India. As it so happens, I am proud to be his first overseas customer.

It is a skeleton watch based on a ETA/Unitas movement. He does all of his work by hand. Speaking of hands, he customized them to my preferences (with useful guidance from him). He even cut and stitched the "Buffalo hide" band himself, not to mention making the box himself too. Then, because I'm kind of a worrier, he went above and beyond packing the watch securely.

The sad part is that my digital SLR's battery is dead and I just had to put up some pictures, so here they are from iPhone 4GS. I used a magnifying glass for some of them. (It is technically a thread counter, which I purchased in Denmark, but that's another story.) I will try to post some better photos in the near future.

Regards,

Jon

Key Points from the Discussion

Supporting independent watchmakers is crucial for the trade's innovation and survival, akin to investing in early F.P. Journe pieces. The skeletonization on this watch is well-conceived, showing consistency rare for an early piece, with matching hands and dial ring.
The author emphasizes the satisfaction of supporting Aditya's independent business and the personal connection formed during the customization process, despite being a demanding client.
The author appreciated the organic mechanical consistency of the design, finding it more appealing than many artificial-looking skeleton watches.
A key benefit of independent watchmakers is the opportunity to know the person crafting the watch and the rarity of encountering the same watch on others.
A fellow Purist from India expresses pride in seeing such craftsmanship from his country and is tempted to order a watch from Aditya Sambhare.

The Discussion

Ed. W

Jan 7, 2013

Great to hear that we can help support independents.

Congratulations on the purchase!

Whirling

Jan 8, 2013

Thank you.

It is nice to get to know the actual person making one's watch. Plus, with the independents, one needn't worry so much about meeting somebody else wearing the same watch--barring PuristS get-togethers, of course. Regards, Jon

ei8htohms

Jan 8, 2013

very nice

The skeletonization is very thoughtful and attractive to my eye. Congrats! _john

Whirling

Jan 8, 2013

My first skeleton watch.

A lot of skeleton watches seem a little artificial. The thing I liked about this one was the certain organic mechanical consistency to the design, but I just made that description up...In short, it just looked nice. Regards, Jon

kpk

Jan 8, 2013

Congratulations on your purchase. I too am from India,

and it is definitely a sense of pride to see mechanical craftmanship of this level originate from my country. I would love to hear from Aditya. Looking at your pics, I too am tempted...

Whirling

Jan 8, 2013

He follows this forum.

If he doesn't contact you directly, send me a private message and I can forward you his contact details. Regards, Jon

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