Jochen Benzinger stands as a singular figure in independent watchmaking, mastering skeletonization, engraving, and rose engine guillochage entirely by hand. In this article, jlux presents his recently acquired Benzinger Subskription 'Black-Orange,' offering an intimate look at the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Benzinger's unique aesthetic. This piece explores why Benzinger's work, with its distinctive hand-finished details and use of a reliable Unitas movement, continues to captivate collectors seeking true artisanal horology.
Let me present my recently acquired Benzinger Subskription "Black-Orange".
Jochen Benzinger is renowned to be one of the very few persons (maybe the only one) to master all-together the arts of skeletonization,engraving and rose engine guillochage,...all 100% hand-made.
He has developed a unique design that is easily recognizable.Certainly no mainstream and definitely nothing for the "steel sports watch instagram crowd".
Again to be mentioned,the whole decoration process is 100% hand-made with no use of CNC machines!
Even the tiniest parts are decorated.
For my watch,the case is made with black DLC coating : a typical "no-nonsense" german case design.
To be noted however that the watch at 42mm and with rather long straight lugs is wearing big.I would not recommend this watch for wrist sizes less than 16cm!
The movement is the trusted and proven Unitas,although barely recognizable after the decoration process.
I salute the use of this movement as it helps to control the costs and for the ease of future servicing.
To be noted is the very good regulation with a deviation of less than 1 sec/day!
As Jochen Benzinger would say :"if you want 100% perfection then you have to go with CNC machines".
That being said,if you go into super-macro you will notice the fine signs indicative of a purely hand-made decoration process.
No imperfections but rather small variations that make every watch unique!
For my part ,I am that impressed by Jochen Benzinger's work that I am considering to order another watch from him.
Thanks for looking,
Gerard
