elliot55
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Horological Rock Stars
If you are reading this it is safe to say you are part of a special group of people who truly appreciate the fine art of haute horology. In a world where all too many believe their mobile phone is the best way to know the time of day, people like us much prefer to spend thousands of dollars (over and over again, I might add) on these tiny mechanical wonders that run strictly on human power.
JLC a'Tryptyque - A Most Magnificent Timepiece
No batteries needed or wanted. It’s a passion none of us can explain, nor should we try. At the end of the day, it is the talented folks conceiving and manufacturing these so-called works of living art who are the brilliant minds behind that which mesmerizes us. To me, they are total Rock Stars!
Willy Schweizer from Girard Perregaux
Who are these geniuses? What do they look like? Who are the real artisans behind these monster brands? I am glad you asked. Now more than ever, there are a lot of very talented folks making timepieces that capture our hearts and imaginations, always pushing the boundaries on what can be accomplished in such a very small space. If you are the proud owner of a Girard Perregaux Chronograph, there’s a good chance it was conceived and assembled by Jumping Second front man, rock star Willy Schweizer, who also happens to specialize in the foudroyante complication.
GP Chronograph
Speaking of the foudyorante complication, when I look down at my Habring2 Foudroyante I can’t help but think of rock star power couple Maria and Richard Habring. By the way, their Doppel 2.0 Chronograph was recently awarded Best Sports Watch at the Gran Prix D’ Horlogerie (which is sort of like The Grammy’s of the watch world), beating out major makers like Panerai, Zenith, Tag Heuer, Bucherer and Bovet.
Maria & Richard Habring
Habring2 Foudroyanrte
Habring2 Doppel 2.0
Some manufacturers have a long history of executing certain complications. Vacheron Constantine, for example, has manufactured stunning minute repeaters for well over a-hundred-and-fifty years. If you are among the lucky few who own one of these gems, there’s a better-than-even chance it was constructed by VC rock star Chrystian LeFranco – shown here at his workbench (Stratocaster and black Spandex pants out of frame).
Chrystian LeFranco from Vacheron Constantine
VC Patrimony Traditionelle
If you’re like me, then you were also born under a “Sun” sign and the Equation-of-Time complication is more up your alley. Audemars Piguet offers this difficult-to-execute timekeeping feature through the genius of Sergio Leone. Just like the rock star that can play several instruments, Sergio also builds AP’s Perpetual Calendar (shown).
Sergio Leone from AP
APs Equation of Time
In the world of Perpetual Calendars, if your wrist is fortunate enough to be occupied by a Roger Dubuis Excalibur, a young and very talented watchmaker by the name of Hugo Maia likely put it together – shown here at his workbench. Is it just me, or does he look to be about the same age as Justin Bieber?
Hugo Maia from Roger Dubuis
Hugo Maia Doppelganger, Justin Bieber
Roger Dubuis Excalibur
RD Excalibur - Construction View 1
RD Excalibur - Construction View 2
But if you’re into major complications (and you’ve got the resources), perhaps you are rocking a Bulgari Masterpiece Grande Sonnerie, a truly unique artisan timepiece from the hands of master watchmaker, Bernard Aeschlimann. Like Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney, Bernard’s a living rock star legend in his own right.
Bernard Aeschlimann from Bulgari
Bulgari Grande Sonnerie - Construction View
Bernard Aeschlimanns Workmanship
Last but not least, it takes a team of horologists to create a major complication like the Reverso a’ Tryptyque from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Enter platinum rock star designer Jean-Claude Meylan (shown here at his desk, CAD drawings on computer)...
Jean-Claude Maylan from Jaeger-LeCoultre
... and over-the-top rock star watchmaker Mathieu Barra. With three different faces and coming in at over 700 parts, just like being up close at a U2 concert, this breathtaking example of horological wizardry dazzles in every single way.
Mathieu Barraud from Jaeger-LeCoultre
Mathieu Barraud from Jaeger-LeCoultre
JLC Reverso a' Tryptyque 1
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso a' Tryptyque 2
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso a' Tryptyque 3
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso a' Tryptyque 4
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso a' Tryptyque 5
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso a' Tryptyque 6
Reverso a'Tryptyque CAD Drawing 1
Reverso a'Tryptyque CAD Drawing 2
Thanks:
HauteHorologerie.org for posting such amazing content.
Any/all those Purists whose pictures I may have inadvertently used.
Independent In Time for the Doppel 2.0 shot (and everything in general).
To all the Purists. Keep posting great stuff. Much appreciated.
- Scott
This message has been edited by elliot55 on 2013-01-16 11:19:12
Horological Rock Stars
If you are reading this it is safe to say you are part of a special group of people who truly appreciate the fine art of haute horology. In a world where all too many believe their mobile phone is the best way to know the time of day, people like us much ...
I totally agree...
... of that there is no doubt. These guys are total celebrities. Only they don't have all the paparazzi following them around... which is a good thing, me thinks. - Scott
A worthy tribute...
All too often, the names behind the brands are lost - you are right to draw them to our attention; thank you very much. On the subject of names, Vacheron Constantin should definitely take up your suggestion and align themselves with St. Constantine; indee...
Okay, now that's a good chuckle...
... because I have never been a fan of the skeletonized movement. But I sure appreciate the work that goes into one. - Scott
Cool post, Scott.
I am not sure JC Meylan is a designer, I'd rather see him like a watchmaker, involved in the R and D Team. But I got your point. Your post reminded me the " mise en scene" organized by GP to hilight their young talents, recently. Good points! Best, Nicola...
Thanks so much, Nicolas...
... As you know, putting together and interesting and compelling post is one of the biggest challenges of being a Purist. Sometimes it takes way more time than it should, and generally I'm up until two a.m. trying to get the post exactly right. Your input...
And I appreciate that a lot. Thank you, my friend.
As for 2013, we'll find the time to meet! Best, Nicolas
Great post ...
Scott, A pleasure to read. Congratulations. After reading I go to feel better with my GP chronograph on my wrist and you increased my desire to have a Habring Doppel. Thank you very much, Nilo
Nilo, I strongly suggest...
... a Doppel 2.0. Fantastic piece for sure. I'm betting your GP is simply perfect. - Scott
These are the unsung heroes!
Not those fly in business class, stay in 5 star hotel, wear tailored-made branded suit, drink fine wine and dine in fine reastaurant. Thank you for the post. Regards Ling
Hi Ling...
... I'm thinking some of them might fly in business class and stay at 5 star hotels... but for the joy they bring I think it is well deserved. - Scott