Ondrej Berkus Unveils His First Rectangular Watch: A Deep Dive into Independent Horology

Key Points from the Discussion

• The watch features a 40x28x11mm case crafted from re-forged stainless Damasteel with a titanium backlid. The movement is an original architecture utilizing titanium for the plate and bridges, and steel for the dial, balance, escapement cocks, and chatons.
• The geartrain and escapement are adapted from a Unitas 6498 movement, modified to accommodate a two-tier architecture where the seconds wheel is positioned below the pallet fork. All hand train and subsequent gears for the date and 3D moonphase are handmade by Ondrej Berkus.
• The moonphase complication is a 4mm meteorite iron ball, heat-colored and engraved to resemble the moon. It's driven by a 10-leaf pinion and a 59/20 tooth castle wheel mobile, advancing once a day.
• A fellow collector highlighted other intriguing pieces by Ondrej Berkus, noting their agreeable pricing and encouraging the watchmaker to continue sharing his progress and creations with the community.
• A community member expressed curiosity about Ondrej Berkus's professional journey, inquiring about his watchmaking education and background to understand how he reached this level of craftsmanship.
• Ondrej Berkus clarified that he primarily uses Unitas geartrains and jewels, integrating them with his own custom cases, dials, hands, plates, bridges, and complication parts, showcasing a blend of established components and bespoke craftsmanship.