Independent Watchmakers: Prototypes & Insights

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Jasny offers an exclusive glimpse into a 'clandestine encounter' with independent watchmakers Beat Weinmann, Ludwig Oechslin, and Paul Gerber. This post provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at prototypes and the creative minds shaping the independent watchmaking landscape, offering valuable context for understanding the development process of unique timepieces.

Beat Weinmann and a powerpointish presentation

A ludwig Prototype.......

More Prototypes......... Oh and a special note. Beat told me that Ludwig has a CNC machine in his basement.. lol... I told him I have a bicycle.

Here we have Paul Gerber and a representative from the Evil Empire

This is one of the craziest cool watches of all time. No picture can show what it does. When you press the button at 2 o'clock, it goes between a sweep seconds and a dead beat seconds hand. I asked Paul if it wasn't going between mechanical and quartz, but he assured me that was not the case.

Here it also shows its 3 rotors. I think it works in zero gravity

Ok Mr. Davis wanted this so badly for his watchmakers bench. It is a skeletonized floating Tourbillon. I think I have the floating right. I remember something about 10 tiny wheels.

Ok, my photographic skills are limited. Thank you to Douglas for having me. It might have been the best watch event I ever attended. I love NY.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Paul Gerber watch, with its switchable sweep and dead-beat seconds, is noted for its 'coolness' factor, though its practical value is debated. The Ochs und Junior concept is interesting, but the legibility of its date display might be an issue over time.
Clarification is provided that the MIH and the Paul Gerber clock are not prototypes, while other pieces shown are. The Ludwig prototype might be a concept for a women's watch, with circles representing moon phases.
The outer two watches are identified as production models (Ochs und Junior Anno 50 and Settimana Junior), with their respective prototypes in the middle. Paul Gerber's Dead-Beat seconds watch shares its base movement with the Ochs und Junior Anno 50.
Seeing rough prototypes offers a profound appreciation for the extensive work involved in developing new products, especially noting the funky straps on the prototypes.
The development of the MIH and Ochs und Junior watches involved significant time, with the Anno 50's base movement positively influencing Paul Gerber's new watch.
Paul Gerber is praised as a mechanical genius who is incredibly modest and a genuinely kind individual, a rare combination in the watch world.

The Discussion

amanico

Jul 16, 2009

Wow, that was a crazy exhibition, indeed! Even the straps are original! This last Oeschlin opus is killing me. Thanks for inviting us there! Best, Nicolas

DonCorson

Jul 16, 2009

are those steps up to the current watches or new ideas for upcoming watches? Oechslin is so obsessed, they must be fascinating. Don

jasny

Jul 16, 2009

I am not sure I heard this right, but it might be a concept piece for a womens watch, and the circles might represent moonphases. But this was me with my bad hearing listening while I was in another conversation, so do not take it as fact. Also, the MIH and the Gerber clock are not prototypes. Everything else is a prototype. Hope this helps, Jay

Jul 16, 2009

I love those prototypes, so much charm and so wonderful. Beautiful pieces and such super gentleman Paul Gerber is *CL

Mitch K

Jul 16, 2009

I think that it may an interesting watch once the final product, with finishing and improved dial treatment, is available. He is a true master and it is nice to see that, in a sense, he is showing a sense of humor, putting in a complication (the choice of running second vs. dead second) that really has minimal value except the "coolness" factor. The Ochs is interesting in concept but I am not sold on it and think that the reading of the date may get bothersome over time (being a dye-hard fan of

Ornatus-Mundi

Jul 16, 2009

the outer two watches are the production watches (left, Ochs und Junior Anno 50, right, Ochs und Junior Settimana Junior); in the middle the respective protos. The movement of Paul Gerber's Dead-Beat seconds watch is based on the Ochs und Junior Anno 50 watch (or vice-versa, if you like!). Cheers, Magnus

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Independent Watchmakers: Prototypes & Insights

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