Aaron Becsei Bespoke Platinum Watch

ant · 2015-09-28T07:21:46Z

Ant shares his bespoke Aaron Becsei watch journey: a platinum case, silver dial, hand-made movement, and unique guilloché. A true artisan piece.

ant

WPS member · Independents forum

36 replies4867 views20 photos

Ant shares his deeply personal journey of commissioning a bespoke timepiece from independent watchmaker Aaron Becsei, driven by a desire for a truly handcrafted and individual piece. This post offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative process of creating a unique watch, emphasizing the human element over mass-produced perfection. Ant's narrative highlights the intricate details and challenges involved in artisan watchmaking.

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Some years ago, too many by far, I had a significant anniversary approaching on the the ever accelerating taboggan ride to that final red light on the highway of life. So the big question was not: Why are we here? What does it all mean? Have I led a good life? or other philisophical and ultimately unanswerable questions. It was..."which watch am I going to treat myself to".....duh!! pretty obvious really! Now that one I can answer!

Well, not sooo easily though. I wanted a hand crafted, artisan made and designed individual piece. That ruled out, well, almost every maker. To me,,, and this is a very personal thing, I cannot get overly excited about mass production masquerading as artisan masterpieces. After all,,a spark erosion machine can make virtually perfect parts with incredible, inhuman consistency. So if one likes impersonal perfection there are squads of salesmen eager to take your order. But don't be upset if you come across others with exactly the same piece. Maybe I'm wrong but I wanted something special to me to mark the milestone.

Somewhere on this site,,don't ask me where, Thomas M did and for the life of me I couldn't remember (one of the joys of age,,,not!!),,I came across Aaron Becsei. Something about him was very appealing ( no, not like that)
the unique design ethos...everything totally hand made,, each step in consultation. Right up my street.

Contact was soon made,,,,money handed over, and the adventure began. I was invited to comment on each stage. Everything from the anglage, Geneva stripes, type of guillochet, dial colour, hand shape and finish....everything.

Here are some pics that you might find interesting;

I bet you've never seen one just like this!

Platinum case, silver dial, white gold chapter ring.

Deephand guillochet

Unfinished bridges

Screws,,,,hand made..with a bit of machine assistance

Balance wheel

Gold wheels

Unfinished barrel

The heart of the matter. Fine Geneva stripes, beautiful anglage

Side view.

Mmmm...love that guillochet

And this!

On the wrist

Same wrist, different angle

Key Points from the Discussion

Ant elaborates on the challenges and educational aspects of commissioning Aaron Becsei's first production watch, highlighting the watchmaker's dedication to quality despite setbacks.
A user praises the thought process, choice, and execution of the watch, asking for more technical details about the movement, balance wheel, and the timeline from commissioning to completion.
Another contributor shares additional photos of the watch, further showcasing its intricate details and craftsmanship.
A member comments on the balance between artistry and wearability, noting that while many of Becsei's pieces are elaborate, this specific watch is 'fabulous' and remains very wearable.
Ant proudly connects Aaron Becsei's craftsmanship to a rich Hungarian tradition of genius artists and musicians, urging pride in this heritage.
A user inquires about the base movement of the Bexei watch, seeking to understand its technical foundation.
Further questions arise regarding whether the movement is entirely in-house, including hairsprings, and details about the complete package (box, papers) and the delivery process.
Ant shares a photography tip, explaining how orienting the watch vertically reduced reflections and made capturing detailed images easier.

The Discussion

Warrenjared1

Sep 28, 2015

That's one

Of the most beautiful timepieces I have ever seen! Great choice. Wear it with good health.

ant

Sep 28, 2015

Thank you,,but

it's not really my doing. I'm just a punter with his own priorities,,,,the guy with the talent, imagination and guts to see it through is Aaron himself. A nicer guy you could not hope to meet,,,if you'll excuse the double negative.

Ornatus-Mundi

Sep 28, 2015

Posts (and watches!) like this are the epitome of watch collecting...

and there is little I can add - your thought process, your choice, the execution - can it get any better? Very, very well done all involved. Individual artists like Aaron are the icing on our horological cake. Could you share a bit more on the technical details of your watch? That balance wheel looks fascinating, and it appears that Aaron produces it himself as well. How long did it actually take from commissioning to completion? Was there any obstacles? Did you pick up the watch personally? Tha

Ornatus-Mundi

Sep 28, 2015

One more: did you also find Aaron's pieces incredibly difficult to photograph? [nt]

ant

Sep 28, 2015

Yes, almost impossible until...

I hit on the idea (I'm sure not original) to have the watch vertical and not flat, face up. This reduced the reflections dramatically and made it physically much easier to handle the camera on it's tripod. Fuji XM1 and 35mm prime lens. Kind regards Antony

ant

Sep 29, 2015

Re Fuji X M1

I forgot to mention that it has very easy to use in camera cropping,,,,works a treat! Antony

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