Hans Zbinden: A Horological Pioneer Remembered

Ornatus-Mundi · 2016-10-24T10:34:44Z

Remembering Hans Zbinden (1961-2016), a pioneer in online watch appreciation and a beloved mentor, whose contributions shaped the horological community.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

30 replies8136 views1 photos

Ornatus-Mundi shares the somber news of Hans Zbinden's passing, reflecting on his profound impact as a pioneer in online watch enthusiasm and a personal mentor. The post highlights Zbinden's legacy in shaping the early digital landscape of watch appreciation and his warm, humanistic character.

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Dear PuristS:

just today I learned the sad news that our dear friend from Zurich, Hans Zbinden, has passed away prematurely on Friday, 21 October 2016. Over at TZ Brane Cop put it words which cannot express this loss better, and therefore I am just copying his post here:

"Dear fellow WIS,

I'm so sad to have to tell you this, but Hans' family asked me to.

Our friend Hans died last Friday, Oct. 21st 2016 peacefully in the Zurich Universitätsspital where he spent the last four months.

For half a decade he has been suffering from trouble with his weak heart. He had to endure a number of operations and got an artificial heart. Last week there was a small progress and he was even released from intensive care.

But he suffered a cardiac arrest on Wed, although reanimation was successful his brain damage proved to be irreparable. Since Hans expressed will was renouncement of life-extending measures in need of care or impaired mental capabilites, the family met his will and Hans peacefully died in his sleep.

I'm devastated but Hans' suffering, preventing him to lead the life he wanted and deserved, has ended and he's in a better place now.

His contributions here don't need to be mentioned. The ones of us who had the luck to know him and to be friends with him will miss him tremendously.

Rest in peace, Hans. I'm so happy I met You 20 years ago.

Brane"

Hans as a true pioneer of online watch enthusiasm (having posted the first ever online watch photo on a watch forum, back then indeed a scan, thereby coining the term 'scan' for watch images), he also was my personal entry ticket and later mentor into the world of fine watches. Without him my personal horological journey would have been tremendously less rich and enlightening, and I also would have missed one of the most genuine, warm-hearted and truly humanistic persons one could imagine.

I feel blessed of having had the opportunity to know and learn from Hans. His contributions to the art of watch appreciation are legend. Here is a link to his early 'Chronometrie' blog (much earlier than the existence of such things like 'blogs').

Below a very early image, showing Hans surrounded by Michael Hickox, Peter Chong and Jeff Kingston:

RIP Hans, and keep on ticking!

Magnus

Key Points from the Discussion

Hans Zbinden was a pioneer in bringing horological knowledge to the internet, with his postings offering great perspective, wit, and entertainment.
Zbinden's influence extended beyond watches, inspiring readers to explore Asia through his 'Chronometrie' blog articles, such as 'The Colors of Asia,' which detailed his travels in Hong Kong and Japan.
Beyond watches, Hans Zbinden was known for his eloquent musings on wine, food, and other epicurean delights, particularly his insights on chocolate and whisky.
Described as a 'typical Swiss' by one contributor's wife, Zbinden was known for his calm demeanor, decent speech, and deep passion for travel, making him a great companion.
Many contributors recall Zbinden as a warm, kind, and generous individual who freely shared his extraordinary knowledge of life, food, and watches, leaving a lasting impression on those he met.
Zbinden's writings were a significant entry point for many into the world of watches, with his contributions on platforms like Timezone being remembered for nearly two decades.

The Discussion

Horology75

Oct 24, 2016

Indeed it\'s a great loss and I can relate to the feeing you are going thru now . RIP

Ares501 - Mr Green

Oct 24, 2016

Still remember my last visit to you and how highly you spoke about Mr. Zbinden My condolences to family, friends and you Cordially D

Anatol

Oct 24, 2016

I have always enjoyed Hans' writings, right from when I started my travel into the watch world on Timezone, almost 20 years ago. My sincere condolences to his family!

kkwn98

Oct 24, 2016

I met Hans 16 years ago in Basel and then several times thereafter, including in Le Brassus and here in London. I remember Hans as a funny, kind, generous and genuine human being. Always smiling and always happy to share his extraordinary knowledge of life, food and watches. Farewell and rest in peace, my friend. I will miss you tremendously. Kevin

Mostel

Oct 24, 2016

I recognize his name as one who taught me so much about watches and collecting. Love to his family. Sorry to hear this.

MTF

Oct 24, 2016

I never met Hans in person but his musings on the PuristS Wine, Food and other Epicurean Delights forum were most eloquent. Especially about food and chocolate. Hans Zbinden on Chocolate Hans Zbinden on Whisky R.I.P. Hans Zbinden MTF

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