Crazy Watches Roll Call: MB&F, Urwerk, De Bethune

amanico · 2019-06-21T08:14:49Z

Explore the world of 'crazy watches' from MB&F, Urwerk, De Bethune, and more. Discover avant-garde designs and horological innovations.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

69 replies17953 views22 photos

Amanico's 'Crazy Watches Roll Call' is a vibrant exploration of horological innovation, showcasing timepieces that push the boundaries of traditional design and engineering. This article delves into both independent watchmakers' avant-garde creations and surprising 'UFOs' from established brands, highlighting that horological 'madness' is a timeless pursuit. Readers will discover a curated selection of watches that challenge conventions, inviting a fresh perspective on watch design and mechanical artistry.

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When we think Crazy Watches, we have some mad creations from Independents, in our mind...

Such as:

Max Busser and Friends:

Urwerk:

De Bethune:

But not only! Even the generalists made or still make some horological UFOs.

Ulysse Nardin is the first I am thinking of, with the Freak and the Innovision:

Innovision 2007:

Innovision 2017:

Girard Perregaux, with the Laureato Tourbillon with Spinnel Bridges;

Vacheron Constantin, with the Sputnik:

And Jaeger Lecoultre, with the Extreme Lab:

Blancpain:

This is not a modern phenomenon, though, as we also had, in the Past, some surprising watches, such as:

These Audemars Piguet:

Some Jaeger Lecoultre;

Favre Leuba: ( Credit picture: Unknown ).

Omega:

Rolex:

Yes, it seems that there always was some place for madness in watchmakers' head.

That would make a nice theme, for a collection!

Now it is your turn to share some dreams, watches, or part of your collection.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The MB&F HM4 'Thunderbolt' is noted for its unique design, with one collector finding it the only MB&F model that comfortably fits a smaller wrist.
Fiona Kruger's skull-shaped watches are highlighted as examples of 'Celtic watchmaking' that embody a distinctive, artistic approach to timekeeping.
The Audemars Piguet Star Wheel, with its wandering hours display, is a beloved 'crazy watch' that many collectors admire but hesitate to acquire, often due to price or availability.
Some watches, like a specific model acquired by a collector, are 'crazy' not in appearance but in their unique, region-locked functionality, such as being specifically designed for Swiss time, making them charmingly impractical elsewhere.
Alain Silberstein's designs, characterized by their playful use of color and geometric shapes, are presented as prime examples of 'crazy' and brilliant French watchmaking.
Stefan Kudoke's Kudoktopus, a skeletonized watch, is recognized for its cool and intricate design, even by those typically not fond of skeleton watches.

The Discussion

amanico

Jun 21, 2019

Yes! And this is not the only one to qualify, from V.H. [nt]

templetowers

Jun 21, 2019

The challenge is to find one that does not Nico ...😉 [nt]

amanico

Jun 21, 2019

Good one, Will. Good one! [nt]

NickO

Jun 21, 2019

I just love that Antiqua!!

Definitely on my hit-list. One day.....

Watchonthewrist

Jun 21, 2019

A absolute crazy dream watch imho 👌🏻😘 [nt]

NickO

Jun 21, 2019

Seems an appropriate thread to introduce the new boy......

This little guy arrived yesterday. Not the craziest piece I own, but it was love at first sight...…. NickO

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Crazy Watches Roll Call: MB&F, Urwerk, De Bethune

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