Description
Benzinger Pure
Jochen Benzinger, has gained a reputation for his skills as a Master Watch Ennobler by applying his talent to the fine aesthetics of horology.
Jochen’s signature treatments of hand-engraving, guilloching and skeletonising represent the epitome of watchmaking customisation. True to tradition, Jochen replaces the tools of high turnover, used in modern production methods, with historical machines and tools that are more than 100 years old. Each Benzinger timepiece is manually crafted with intricate attention-to-detail giving it a unique character and highly prized finish.
Timepieces in the Classic collection are recognised for their restrained, minimalistic design and emphasis on clean lines and subtle finishes. For this reason they are highly prized the world over and, as such, are not only a joy to wear but also represent a solid investment in watchmaking tradition.
Benzinger’s Pure pieces feature a beautifully guilloched silver dial showcasing one of the most classic motives known as the barley/corn pattern. This elegant, soft pattern is further enhanced with a Breguet frost finish. The enclosed dial features Roman numerals and contrast markers to enhance legibility without compromising the streamlined design. The movement within this piece is completely ennobled, a treat for the wearer while the eye is calmed by the refined, symmetrical pattern of the dial. The overall effect is an exceptionally elegant timepiece whose style will never date.
Dial
- Sterling silver, guillochéd and skeletonized by hand
- Ray guilloche pattern in the small second
- Barley pattern on main dial
- Original Breguet frost
Base Plate
- Black rhodium plated (grey)
- Rose gold plated movement parts
- Flame-blued screws
- Guillochéd and skeletonized by hand
Movement
- ETA-6498 manual winding movement with in-house re-design (small second at 5 o’clock)
- Guillochéd, engraved and skeletonized by hand
Upgrade options
- Swan neck fine regulation optionally
Hands
- Flame-blued steel hands in Breguet style
Strap
- Hand-sewn alligator leather strap (with red stitches)
- Pin buckle / folding clasp
- Screwed-in strap lugs
Case
- High-grade steel case made in Pforzheim
- Onion crown at 2 o’clock position
- Diameter of 42 mm
- Sapphire glass on both sides
What is the art of Guilloche?
Guilloché (or guilloche) is a decorative technique whereby a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved into an underlying material. It was developed between the 1600-1700s as part of the “royal craft” of art-reversing. From these princely beginnings, the watchmakers of the 18th and 19th century developed the beautiful Guilloche machines, with which, for example, Breguet cut its unique dials. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the court jeweller of the Russian Tsar, Fabergé, brought the art of Guilloche to its fullest perfection. He used the guilloche technique as a base for his famous enamel work, which culminated in the renowned Fabergé eggs. Today, thanks to the renaissance of mechanical clocks and watches, a limited number of high-quality manufacturers are still offering their products with hand-guilloched dials, which are still unmatched in their classic appearance. Jochen Benzinger is a master in this field.
What is the art of engraving?
Engraving is as old as mankind itself. People used cutting tools at all times to decorate jewellery and utensils. The engraving art in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries reached its climax when armour and weapons were artfully engraved. In the sixteenth century, Albrecht Dürer brought this work to a new heyday when, using the same tools as Jochen Benzinger uses in his studio today, he cut the copper-printing blocks for his famous prints. Nowadays there are very few specialists who know the techniques of this craft. Hand-engraving in horology is a highly valued attribute on any timepiece. Benzinger watches feature this finish with flourish and skill.
What is the art of skeletonising?
Skeletonising is a refinement method for giving a new, individual character to closed movements. Parts of the movement are removed by a goldsmith’s saw to reveal the direct view into and through the mechanical movement. The view of the movement is made possible by a sapphire crystal, exhibition case back in all models. The imbued creative energy of Jochen Benzinger is brought to the fore in his bespoke skeletonising creations. Each piece is skilfully crafted to highlight the beauty of the mechanical movement beating within – a pleasure to observe and a privilege to wear.
