David Candaux 1740 Half-Hunter BaselWorld 2018

DonCorson · 2018-03-31T09:06:21Z

Explore the David Candaux 1740 Half-Hunter, declared 'Best of Show' at BaselWorld 2018. Discover its innovative titanium movement, telescopic crown, and unique design.

DonCorson's enthusiastic review of the David Candaux 1740 Half-Hunter at BaselWorld 2018 highlights a significant moment for independent watchmaking. His detailed observations on its design, innovative features, and superb finishing provide a valuable first impression of a watch he declared his "Best of Show." This article delves into why this particular timepiece garnered such high praise and what makes it a standout in the world of haute horlogerie.

The 1740 Half-Hunter is flat out tremendious. My "Best of Show" for this year.
Great design, surperb finishing and super-light with the movement, not just the case in titanium.
The tourbillon at 9 and the convex dial at 3 are coverd by separate small sapphire domes. The rest of the dial including the guilloché is open and can be touched.
It is uncanny, those small domes are almost invisable, one has the impression the dial is completely open.
The telescopic crown is at the bottom of the dial. A light push and it telescopes up for winding and time setting. Another push and it descends down and out of the way again.
The balance wheel in the tourbillon is at 30° to the tourbillon base. If that really increases the accuracy is, IMHO, not that important, but it sure looks good with it's blued cage.
I congratulate David on a very successful watch.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 1740 Half-Hunter represents a definitive evolution for David Candaux, shedding similarities to established brands and showcasing a more original design, particularly with its titanium movement.
The telescopic crown mechanism is a highly appreciated feature, though the case size of the watch was initially unclear to some interested collectors.
David Candaux's work is recognized for its originality, ambition, and the watchmaker's fanatic vision and skill, making his website a recommended resource for further exploration.
A notable technical feature, a 5-second remontoire attached to the central seconds hand, was present in the original prototype but unfortunately not included in production pieces due to technical difficulties.
The 43mm case size is considered appropriate, as a smaller size might diminish the watch's distinctive style and character.
While appreciating the watchmaking artistry, one contributor suggested that the hands and tourbillon cage should match in color for a perfect aesthetic.

The Discussion

Tim_M

Mar 31, 2018

Excellent, and much-improved

This feels like the definitive version of the 1740. Although the original was beautifully made, impressively engineered, and worthy of its GPHG nomination, objections of similarity to works by established brands were well-grounded and must have grated on David. With this model, the 1740 sheds most of the glaring similarities to others, and it strikes me as a more original effort. The addition of a titanium movement ensures that the new model is more than just an aesthetic update, too. Well done.

Incandenza

Mar 31, 2018

Great analysis

I love this watch. But I have one reservation. The original prototype had a 5-second remontoire attached to the central seconds hand, which gave a beautiful display. Sadly. it seems that technical difficulties prevented that feature from being included in production pieces. That said, I met DC at SalonQP 2017 and he is a true gent. I wish him success!

SALMANPK

Mar 31, 2018

Look forward to his time only piece....

As beautiful as this piece is I am not convinced by Tourbillons even from an artistic point of view. S

Walter2

Mar 31, 2018

Congratulations !

I have never seen this watch before. This is excellent art of watchmaking with a clear statement to the roots. Only the hands and the cage must have the same color, than it is perfect. Best Walter

ztirual

Mar 31, 2018

I met David

only too late at the last dinner of the independants watchmakers and collectors held during the SIHH. Alas I was on my way out of the restaurant but I was completely fascinated by the watchmaker, his watch and his ethos. David's work is so original and ambitious. A complete fanatic with vision and unbelievable skill. I strongly recommend a visit of his website that presents his 1740. Well worth a look in. Best Z'

VMM

Mar 31, 2018

Very nice timepiece. Love it.

There are many things I like about it. Beautiful movement, love the crown mechanism, cool feature. Do you know what's the size? I've been checking his website where there is a lot of information about the watch with great pictures but I can't find the case size. Thanks for sharing. Vte

David Candaux 1740 Half-Hunter BaselWorld 2018

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation