Independent Watchmaking: Hand-Finished Simple Watches

Ichiran · 2026-04-05T00:51:00Z

Explore the Sylvain Pinaud Origine's hand-finished movement and learn critical advice on photographing watches safely. Discover independent watchmaking craftsmanship.

Ichiran's original post offers a rare glimpse into the Sylvain Pinaud Origine, a timepiece celebrated for its exquisite hand-finishing. Beyond showcasing the watch's aesthetic appeal, Ichiran's experience serves as a crucial cautionary tale for collectors, highlighting the often-underestimated risks of modern electronics on delicate mechanical movements. This discussion underscores the importance of careful handling and photography to preserve the integrity of high horology.

Apols for the crappy quality because I took them for afar as I do not want to risk magnetizing the movement. There are also distortions/noises in the picture due to the further distance and poor lighting. The watch is absolutely fine.

Sylvain Pinaud Origine

This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2026-04-05 01:10:46

Key Points from the Discussion

The original author experienced a significant timekeeping issue with their Sylvain Pinaud Origine after taking close-up photos with a smartphone, leading to a bent component and a five-month return to the manufacturer for repair.
A bent hairspring is the most likely component to be affected by magnetism or shock, though a phone's magnetic field is unlikely to cause a physical bend; 'overlap' might be a more accurate description of the issue.
Turning a smartphone to airplane mode can mitigate potential magnetic interference during watch photography.
Collectors should maintain a distance of at least 30cm between their watches and smartphones when taking photographs to prevent potential magnetization or damage to the movement.

The Discussion

quattro

Apr 5, 2026

This is spectacular finishing.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful watch. And you are very right to be careful not magnetizing it! Best, Emmanuel

Ichiran

Apr 5, 2026

I took very close before and magnetize

the movement. I used a demagnatize machine but doesn't work as a component was bent. The watch was returned to the manufacturer and I only got it back 5 months later.

quattro

Apr 5, 2026

Oh, how frustrating! So you have every reason to be very careful now!

Ichiran

Apr 5, 2026

Yes indeed. Hope this also

serves as a reminder to other collectors not to photo their watches too near their hp. Keep at least 30cm apart.

piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)

Apr 5, 2026

How strong does a magnetic field need to be to bend a part?

Ichiran

Apr 5, 2026

Manufacturer didn't say which component

but I think it's the hairspring. My timing was off by 10 min a day after the magnetism.

Independent Watchmaking: Hand-Finished Simple Watches

Key Points from the Discussion

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