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DonCorson's report on the Manufakturmesse in Baden-Baden offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of independent watchmaking, a crucial segment for preserving traditional craftsmanship. This article highlights the fair's dedication to handmade products, showcasing the intricate work of artisans like Jochen Benzinger and Rainer Nienaber. DonCorson's coverage underscores the growing importance of smaller watch fairs as platforms for independent brands to connect with enthusiasts.
Manufakturmesse Baden-Baden
As
the dominance of the big brands has become overwhelming the smaller
watchmakers have been finding new outlets in smaller watch fairs. One
of these new fairs in Germany is the Manufakturmesse (Manufacturer Fair)
in Baden-Baden which took place last weekend. Not only about watches,
this fair is dedicated to hand made products ( manufaktur=made by hand)
and included also writing implements, jewelry, cutlery and silverware.
Baden-Baden
with its famous thermal baths, casino and festival theatre provided a
fitting atmosphere for this event. Let's take a walk around and see
what we can find.
Jochen Benzinger's engraved and with
guilloché decorated watches will be well known to many PuristS. He
brought many stunning watches and also a work bench to show how the work
is done.... by hand.
Jochen Benzinger at work with his graver.
The movements are hand skeltonised after engraving. When the skeletonising is finished the edges will be engraved too.
Rainer Nienaber is an AHCI member that we meet at the Basel Fair every year.
Rainer has 2 versions of his regulator, here with seconds on top, like a clock.
If you really want to think every time you look at your watch the Nienaber Dezimalzeit watch is for you. A decimal time watch.
A "watch regulator" with the seconds at the bottom of the dial and a 24hour indication.
Retrograde seconds
Regulator with retrograde minutes.
My favorite Nienaber watch, the
Anterograd. It is a one hand (with seconds two) watch. The hand jumps
forward over the sector at 9 oclock.
Retro 2
As Rainer says he made this watch
using a chinese tourbillon just for fun. It is his "Hummer", a monster
watch, for people with "big arms".
Chronoseum is an exclusive dealer
representing several high end independents. This armillary sphere is an
elegant astronomical sculpture.
Irene Bruckmann makes jewelry from nobel metals and also stainless steel. Her designs are light and airy.
The watches of Dirk Dornblüth are well known on our forum.
The two level dial
Dirk Dornblüth
Torsten Nagengast's Timekeeper
Chronometrie is based in Asslar Germany and makes some very handsome
watches using well decorated several NOS movements.
Timekeeper is working on their own
movement which will be released soon in their first sporty watch. The
movement plates are milled in aluminum which allows great freedom in the
possible colors through anodising.
A prototype
Modeatelier Bischoff, Thorston
Bischoff offers individual tailored suits and travels to his customers
in the German speaking countries.
Click here to go to part 2.
This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2011-10-22 07:13:25 Key Points from the Discussion
- The Manufakturmesse in Baden-Baden serves as a vital platform for smaller, independent watchmakers to showcase their handmade products, offering an alternative to the dominance of larger brands.
- Jochen Benzinger's work, featuring engraved and guilloché decorated watches with hand-skeletonized movements, demonstrates a high level of traditional craftsmanship, with the engraver showing his process at the fair.
- Rainer Nienaber, an AHCI member, presented various regulator watches, including a unique decimal time watch, showcasing innovative approaches to time display within traditional watchmaking.
- Christine Genesis is highlighted as one of the few female watchmakers with her own brand, producing watches with clean lines and subtle color accents, embodying a distinct German style.
- The allure of handmade products, especially in an era of mass production, is emphasized, with attendees appreciating the craftsmanship and unique nature of the watches presented.
- The decimal time watch by Rainer Nienaber is noted as an interesting novelty, though challenging to comprehend, prompting reflection on the standard timekeeping system.
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