Independent Watchmaking: Hand-Made Tourbillon

quattro · 2026-03-24T16:07:23Z

Explore Kaj Korpela's 'Timepiece No. 1,' a hand-made rectangular tourbillon inspired by 1920s designs. Discover its unique aesthetic and collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

29 replies828 views15 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, brings to light Kaj Korpela's 'Timepiece No. 1,' a hand-made rectangular tourbillon wristwatch from 2016. This article explores the unique design and craftsmanship of Korpela's creation, which, despite its horological merit, has remained largely underexposed. Emmanuel's post serves as a vital record, ensuring this independent watchmaker's work receives the attention it deserves from the collector community.

Back in 2016, Kaj Korpela, a watchmaker with a Finnish name but born in Sweden in 1982, created his “Timepiece No. 1”.

This rectangular Tourbillon wristwatch, inspired by some timepieces of the 1920s by Rolex or Patek Philippe, was made entirely by hand.

The case measures 25.7 x 43.4 x 8.5 mm.

The rectangular 3Hz / 21,600vph movement focuses exclusively on the one-minute tourbillon and its complex bridge.

I find the case profile very appealing.

Another very different dial was made.

Unfortunately, this watch seems to have been completely unsuccessful and we no longer hear about this watchmaker.

The watch seems to sit a little too straight on the wrist, instead of conforming to its shape.

Kaj Korpela

credit: Kaj Korpela (1-2 & 8), Tim Jackson on independentintime.com (3-4), Monochrome & Sjx

I don't particularly like front tourbillons and this watch is obviously a first attempt that could have been improved.

But I really like the general idea and it seemed interesting to show it here, as it has very rarely been mentioned before on our site.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Timepiece No. 1' was not intended for commercial success but rather as an artistic demonstration of horological skill, as evidenced by its debut at Baselworld.
Kaj Korpela, despite the obscurity of 'Timepiece No. 1,' remains active in the industry, operating as a 'horological ronin' who assists other brands with their projects, preferring to stay out of the limelight.
A key design critique is the watch's straight fit on the wrist; a curved case or shorter lug-to-lug distance would improve wearability and conformity to the wrist's shape.
Some collectors, like Bruno.M1, argue that the beauty of a tourbillon should be openly displayed, comparing a hidden movement to keeping a beautiful painting in a cabinet. However, quattro expresses a preference for solid dials, appreciating the movement's beauty privately.
The watch's design, with its prominent tourbillon, raises questions about the prioritization of technical display over the primary function of time-telling, especially since tourbillons are not essential for accurate timekeeping.
Despite its perceived lack of commercial success, the 'Timepiece No. 1' has a lasting impact on some collectors, with one member actively seeking to commission a similar piece from Korpela, highlighting its unique appeal.

The Discussion

Bruno.M1

Mar 24, 2026

well that'w what I think. It’s comparable to having a very beautiful painting and not hanging it on a wall, but keeping it in a cabinet so you never see it ... only when you open the cabinet, or in other words, when you take off your watch and turn it over. Beauty must be seen. That aside ... I don't think I saw that watch before so thanks for showing it. And I have to say I like it a lot and Kudos to real independent watchmakers that make something from scratch

bruckner4

Mar 24, 2026

Dial, stripes, cage. This is a watchmaker I'd be happy to support if he were in my neighborhood.

quattro

Mar 24, 2026

beauty which must be seen, and I know that I might be in the minority but I feel differently because what I’m looking for in a watch first and foremost is an understated, familiar, elegant, time-telling device. For that reason, I don’t want the technical ingenuity and beauty to come in the way and I almost always prefer solid dials. For example, I love the 1142 chronograph caliber of my Cornes de Vache, but I wouldn’t like it at all to be visible through an open dial: looking at it when I take m

quattro

Mar 24, 2026

And I have a hard time deciding which dial I prefer! Best, Emmanuel

Blansky

Mar 24, 2026

Almost like the actual time display is secondary which is sort of strange because the time display is the purpose of the watch. And then when you consider that tourbillons aren't even necessary for proper timekeeping it becomes an exercise in misplaced priorities. There, chew on that. you movement lovers you....lol

quattro

Mar 24, 2026

but there’s no point of doing a small tourbillon, is there? And I personally like the design and balance between upper and lower part. Best, Emmanuel

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Independent Watchmaking: Hand-Made Tourbillon

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