Just back from a few days in Budapest, Hungary.
Had an appointment with one of these independents that still make true art. Without naming other independents cause it's not fair to start comparing them I can say Becsei or Bexei is one that belongs in my top 5 and probably top 3. I knew his watches for a decade or so but never had one of them in my hands. That just had to change.
I saw pictures on websites but you must hold these watches in your hands to make a final judgement. Take a loupe and take your time ... You'll be mesmerized
The finishing is beyond my expectations and comparable with or even better than .. ( well I told you I would not name other independents but just think about the best you know).
Know that Aaron Bexei makes ONLY 5 watches per year. 5 !!
There is the 3 hands Dignitas and the Primus which is a 3-axial tourbillon.
Every watch can be individualized as the future owner wishes. Gold or platinum, special engraving, special dial, special hands, ... as good as anything is possible. just go to his webiste and mail him for information or requests : http://www.bexei.hu/index.html
Anyway, let me take you for a little tour in his atelier. First we had a great conversation at his desk. His lovely wife (of whom I unfortunately forgot the name) joined us. Both Aaron and his wife share a passion for watches, a passion for perfection.
So some tea and some watch talk and then a look at his art
First the atelier.
Some parts but unfortunately it was pretty difficult to take good pictures cause as you all know ... taking pics and definitely macro shots indoor with artificial light is terrible
But I tried
This already gives you an idea about the level of finishing, doesn't it.
Just look at the pelage, the beveling... only this small part is already art and something I could stare at all day
Or what about the Geneva stripes and the engraving
Movement drawing
Checking every tiny part over and over again.
Put any part on this machine and it will increase many many times, not sure but I believe 50 times or so.
Than compare it with the original drawing to exclude all deviations.
Can be up to 1/1000 of a millimeter
more drawings, calculations and ... secrets LOL
As you can see, many tools from Bergeon but also pretty old stuff belonging to Aaron his father and his grandfather.
He's the third generation watchmaker
those more vintage looking tools give it imo much more charm.
It's something I miss when visiting big manufactures. This is how it was done long ago and it gives you or at least me an extra good feeling.
It's just more special.
That's what it's all about, right ?
A master like Aaron sitting on his bench starting from scratch, making ever tiny part.
Hour after hour, day after day, week after week and month after month until you get the perfect watch!
So much more than the big brands where every part is made by other people, finished by other people and finally assembled by again other people
Now let's look at some pieces.
I was lucky to be able to see 3 watches.
One of them is the famous triple axis tourbillon and thanks to 2 other lucky owners I was able to see 2 different Dignitas
I'm pretty sure one of these 2 belongs to a member from this site cause I've seen this watch on pics
Aaron was in Singapore last week for some kind of exhibition and those 2 owners gave him their watch to show it to other watch collectors.
Much appreciated !
Of course , if you only make 5 watches per year you can't expect to see stock.
Some random pics of the 2 Dignitas
once again, know that every watch is made as the owner requests so in fact you choose how it will look like.
But now the even better part ... the movement.
Remember these pics were taken inside so not as good as I use to make them.
But you just have to believe me, I inspected them with a loupe and they are PERFECT
Have you ever seen deeper and more precise inward angles. The beveling is once again among the best I've ever seen.
Those screws !!! black polished just like a few other parts
Just to give you an idea ... 7 screws takes 2 entire days !!!
2 days and were talking about only 7 screws, but then again you should look at them with a loupe. even the slots are perfect
Bexei makes everything in-house except the spring, jewels, sapphire glass and strap... Anyone doing better ? Don't think so LOL
Look at the spokes in the wheels. I know, difficult to see on my pics but these are so gorgeous, so well polished
Now let's have a look at the masterpiece : the triple axis tourbillon
Nice to see this from the side
and the back
gold chatons, blued screws, black polishing, sharp inward angles ....
The blued screws can be burgundy brown if you wish, all of this is on request
Only wish my pics were sharper lol
I told you this was the masterpiece but let's not forget this table clock
I'm more into wristwatches but this was so stunning
to give you an idea of the size it's 96,6 mm diameter
chronometer tourbillon, perpetual calendar, moon phase, thermometer, wind up indicator and world time function.
I was impressed
And if I had the money I would have ordered a Dignitas the same day. But unfortunately I play in another league
That aside it was a pleasure to see and touch these art pieces
Once again a big thank you to the family Becsei
5 pieces per year .... try to imagine owning one ....
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2017-10-28 23:29:58 
