Independents
Watch Commission's acquisition of the Felipe Pikullik HTH offers a timely exploration into the work of an emerging independent watchmaker. This article delves into the HTH, a piece that elegantly bridges traditional horological artistry with contemporary design. Watch Commission's personal connection to the Berlin-based artisan further enriches this review, highlighting the growing appeal of localized, artisanal craftsmanship in the luxury watch market.
Today I received a very special watch, the HTH by Felipe Pikullik.
Earlier this year I discovered the work of Felipe Pikullik. I was really fascinated by the work, with an emphasis on traditional styles and respect for the grand masters of horological history. So I began my typical due diligence, which really just means watching a lot of YouTube and TikTok videos, and scouring a few websites.
I love my hometown, and so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that one of the lauded emerging watchmakers was German. Thus I expected Pikullik to be from Glashütte, but was really excited to find out that he’s from right here in Berlin.
I got in touch via the website to see if there was anywhere I could see his work in person, I couldn’t tell if there was a showroom or an authorised dealer in Berlin. I was pleasantly surprised when the young master responded personally, and promptly invited me over to his office. Added bonus: Big City Kids know how much neighbourhood pride matters. I was happy to find out he was only a few blocks away from where I live and grew up.
There is a lot of tradition embedded in what Felipe Pikullik does, but all with a modern sensibility. To paraphrase a Sales Page from an AD:
“Inspired by the watchmaking of early English pioneer John Harrison, the inventor of the marine chronometer, the HTH is Felipe Pikullik’s first interpretation of classical watchmaking. Honouring Harrison’s H4, the timepiece that was the forerunner to the marine chronometer, the HTH is hand engraved, finished in black rhodium, and features a gold-plated balance cock to add contrast to the movement’s color palette.
In keeping with traditional elements Felipe presents a frosted non-lacquered brass dial. The texture of the dial is created through sandblasting, to reach a grainy texture with black rhodium plating. The Chapter ring is applied on the base dial and finished through black polishing. Eastern Arabic, Breguet, Roman or Chinese numerals are available on demand.“
And so is Hebrew numbering!! I obviously went for that. Look, I am not religious, but Pikullik and I are both from two of the better-known Abrahamic religions who currently don’t get along in certain parts of the world, so it was fun for us to make this watch while being proud citizens of our progressive modern hometown Berlin.
The HTH series was limited to 50 pieces and is fully allocated, so it’s no longer shown on his website (bummer.) I know Pikullik is gearing up to meet his success, and my understanding is that a repositioning of the major design lines is being considered. I know he has a lot of great ideas, and even more people ready to support him. I’m certainly in line for whatever comes next.
Case: Stainless steel with open, sapphire crystal caseback
Case Dimension: 41mm in diameter, 10.5mm in height
Power reserve: ~50 hours
Dial: Frosted rhodium-plated brass
Functions: Hours, minutes
What did he charge for his first batch and do you know what his idea is for his next watch in terms of movement and functions?
He runs a good community and an opt-in Channel where he talks about his on-going development. €14,500 net for the HTH
Do you know what movement he uses?
That's the point ;-)
I assumed that he was using a base module and it was ebauched.
Beautiful watch. It looks quite legible even though the hands and dial are of the same colour.
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