Description
Benzinger Subscription Blue Illusion
Jochen Benzinger’s signature Subscription collection showcases every element of watch ennobling in a timeless design. The elegant combination of a steel case and deep blue guilloched dial conveys an air of sophistication and is destined to become a favourite in any collection!
Understated and reserved… the Subscription series combines Jochen Benzinger’s skills as a master ennobler with his aesthetic eye to create a stunning timepiece that pays homage to the fine traditions of watchmaking.
The sterling silver dial, coated with an amazing blue Galvano lacquer, is hand-guilloched with a striking geometric ribbon pattern and finished with a Breguet Frost treatment, adding an element of elegance. The manual movement within is hand engraved, skeletonised and guilloched. The hour/minute and small second dials balance each other to the top and bottom of the dial. On this model Jochen has chosen to open the small second counter to showcase the craftmanship within the movement. The dial is finished with Breguet-style steel hands surrounded by Arabic numerals to enhance legibility.
This piece is the perfect combination of bold design choices and watchmaking prowess and will delight its wearer for years to come.
Dial
- Sterling silver, guillochéd and skeletonized by hand
- Ground dial: guillochéd by hand, galvano blue
- Top dial: plated with black PVD, Arabic numerals in white
- View to the hand-guillochéd ground plate
Base Plate
- Black PVD plated
- Guillochéd and skeletonized by hand
Movement
- ETA-6498 manual winding movement with in-house redesign
- Hour and minute moved towards 12 o’clock
- Guillochéd and skeletonized by hand
- Flame-blued crown and ratchet wheel
- Flame-blued screws
Upgrade (optional)
- Swan neck fine regulation and screw balance
Hands
- Polished steel hands in Breguet style
Strap
- Black rubber strap, optionally also Alligator leather
- Screwed-in strap lugs
- Folding clasp
Case
- High-grade steel case made in Pforzheim
- Diameter of 42 mm
- Screwed-in smooth bezel
- Prismatic crown
- 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.
