sham1
8990
Less is more!
Mar 04, 2019,04:40 AM
I have always been partial to simple two handed or three handed watches and had heard of Christian Klings but have never really seen any of his watches. I believe since he started making watches in 1996, he has only produced two to three timepieces a year. This means there are no more than sixty six time pieces with his name in the whole world. We all know how rare a RW Smith is a an annual production of ten pieces a year so a Christian Klings timepiece is ultra rare. The main reason why only so few pieces are made every year is because all the parts are hand made by Mr Klings himself as he was inspired by George Daniels and Derek Pratt, both of whom were leaders of the totally hand made watch.
I was therefore most keen to read about Christian Kilngs' latest watch known as the Visibility. I have always liked smaller watches and this 37mm timepiece could easily be mistaken for a Breguet at first glance but the short lugs and superlative guilloche work are quite something. The watch is very thin which is quite rare among independents who generally prefer a thicker more robust case. This thinness is accentuated by the narrow case band and lugs, as well as the domed case back. The movement is based on a vintage hand wound movement produced by A. Schild from Switzerland.The prototype in stainless steel has been sold and the production version will be available by the end of this year. The watch to me is a near perfect example of a well finished manual winding three handed wrist watch. The only qualm I would have is the price which is likely to be USD40,000 to USD50,000 which is not insignificant. This is partly due to the low production numbers but for this price, one might be tempted with a Gronefeld or Laurent Ferrier. Both however will not be as exclusive and rare as a Christian Klings timepiece.
Photos borrowed from SJX
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Less is more!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-04:40
I have always been partial to simple two handed or three handed watches and had heard of Christian Klings but have never really seen any of his watches. I believe since he started making watches in 1996, he has only produced two to three timepieces a year...
Thanks my friend!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-05:13
I think the short lugs will make the watch suitable for the smaller wrist but I think you can easily pull it off. I would interested in buying one but the price is a bit intimidating. Yes I have read about the brand but had never seen one before. I guess ...
Fair comment!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-05:15
Thanks for the feedback. UJ tends to be on the larger side - that Alfred would be ideal if it was 38mm instead of 42mm. Maybe it is just me but I feel dress watches should be no more than 39mm.
Crazy watchmaker
By: nwk00 : March 4th, 2019-05:11
that surely deserves more attention for his experimental ideas. It would be an honor to have his watch grace anyone's collection, especially if you started collecting in the late 90s and 2000s.
That sounds like the tour that Mike H organised
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-08:04
which I missed out on! Aaargh!!! The timing was bad as I was just about to retire from my job in the UK. I think when we look to spend USD40k to USD50k, we tend to look at what else is out there in the market and I must confess I am partial to a Gronefeld...
Ah, good old Claudio!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-12:28
I missed his exhibition last year on the independent watchmakers. I must stop missing these events!!
Great review
By: Jurry : March 4th, 2019-07:16
Great review. I can see how the dual at first glance reminds of a Brequet but the case itself is completely different. Price level on one hand seems justified given the fully hand made proces and limited edition. Yet on the other hand, it is so limited th...
Thank you for your feedback!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-08:09
And I agree with all your points especially that of continuity. The only plus point I guess is that the movement seems quite straight forward to service should the 62 year old Mr Klings not be able to do so. I always feel a bit apprehensive when an indepe...
Thank you for your reply!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-12:26
I agree with you that for that price that there would be stiff competition even among the independents but it all bores down to how much one values the making of a watch without the use of any machinery and also the rarity factor. I must confess I am not ...
Thanks Sham.
By: Euroasianstar : March 4th, 2019-12:54
You are one of the most seasoned independent collectors here and I highly respect your opinion. If true handcraft without machines is the goal then nothing beats Haldimann H11/H12 I think...even at this price bracket.
You are too generous with your compliment, thank you!
By: sham1 : March 4th, 2019-20:05
The Beat Haldimann H11 is indeed a lovely looking piece. I think it is priced lower than the Christian Klings and can be ordered in 39mm or 42mm. Lovely hands, lovely thin roman numerals and I like the crown main criticism of this watch is despite the we...
Thanks Claudio for your input!
By: sham1 : March 6th, 2019-11:15
And I am particularly excited and looking forward to the exhibition you are planning next year! This time I shall not miss it!!!
I am afraid I have
By: sham1 : March 7th, 2019-03:26
asked for the delivery of the RW Smith to be postponed until 2022!
The man is an unsung genius...
By: pplater : March 16th, 2019-21:07
It is a tragedy that he does not get the recognition he deserves in his lifetime. Hopefully that might change soon. There is a strong resemblance here: a design that Christian worked up in 2011: It became this watch: Redcorals says, fairly, that a brand s...