Independent Watchmakers: Prototypes & Insights

WPS member · Independents forum

18 replies2999 views0 photos

Jasny offers an exclusive glimpse into a 'clandestine encounter' with independent watchmakers Beat Weinmann, Ludwig Oechslin, and Paul Gerber. This post provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at prototypes and the creative minds shaping the independent watchmaking landscape, offering valuable context for understanding the development process of unique timepieces.

18 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Beat Weinmann and a powerpointish presentation

A ludwig Prototype.......

More Prototypes......... Oh and a special note. Beat told me that Ludwig has a CNC machine in his basement.. lol... I told him I have a bicycle.

Here we have Paul Gerber and a representative from the Evil Empire

This is one of the craziest cool watches of all time. No picture can show what it does. When you press the button at 2 o'clock, it goes between a sweep seconds and a dead beat seconds hand. I asked Paul if it wasn't going between mechanical and quartz, but he assured me that was not the case.

Here it also shows its 3 rotors. I think it works in zero gravity

Ok Mr. Davis wanted this so badly for his watchmakers bench. It is a skeletonized floating Tourbillon. I think I have the floating right. I remember something about 10 tiny wheels.

Ok, my photographic skills are limited. Thank you to Douglas for having me. It might have been the best watch event I ever attended. I love NY.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Paul Gerber watch, with its switchable sweep and dead-beat seconds, is noted for its 'coolness' factor, though its practical value is debated. The Ochs und Junior concept is interesting, but the legibility of its date display might be an issue over time.
Clarification is provided that the MIH and the Paul Gerber clock are not prototypes, while other pieces shown are. The Ludwig prototype might be a concept for a women's watch, with circles representing moon phases.
The outer two watches are identified as production models (Ochs und Junior Anno 50 and Settimana Junior), with their respective prototypes in the middle. Paul Gerber's Dead-Beat seconds watch shares its base movement with the Ochs und Junior Anno 50.
Seeing rough prototypes offers a profound appreciation for the extensive work involved in developing new products, especially noting the funky straps on the prototypes.
The development of the MIH and Ochs und Junior watches involved significant time, with the Anno 50's base movement positively influencing Paul Gerber's new watch.
Paul Gerber is praised as a mechanical genius who is incredibly modest and a genuinely kind individual, a rare combination in the watch world.

The Discussion

amanico

Jul 16, 2009

Crazy, Jasny!

Wow, that was a crazy exhibition, indeed! Even the straps are original! This last Oeschlin opus is killing me. Thanks for inviting us there! Best, Nicolas

Ornatus-Mundi

Jul 16, 2009

Nicolas, the Tourbillon Paul Gerber's creation...

and has a fascinating depth. I promise to post some image soon! Cheers, Magnus

amanico

Jul 17, 2009

Can't wait to see your post, Magnus. Thans a lot, my friend.

Douglas

Jul 16, 2009

Thanks for Posting the Pictures, Jay. [nt]

No message body

DonCorson

Jul 16, 2009

Jay, do you know more about all those prototypes?...

are those steps up to the current watches or new ideas for upcoming watches? Oechslin is so obsessed, they must be fascinating. Don

jasny

Jul 16, 2009

They are all prototypes before the Ox und Junior except the small one.

I am not sure I heard this right, but it might be a concept piece for a womens watch, and the circles might represent moonphases. But this was me with my bad hearing listening while I was in another conversation, so do not take it as fact. Also, the MIH and the Gerber clock are not prototypes. Everything else is a prototype. Hope this helps, Jay

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 18 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →