Ornatus-Mundi introduces Valerii Danevych, an AHCI candidate renowned for crafting mechanical wristwatches entirely from wood. This article delves into Danevych's unique approach to horology, showcasing his Retrograde Flying Tourbillon as a testament to his innovative spirit and meticulous craftsmanship.
Being dissatisfied with the current courant normale of your trade is often a great stimulus for really fascinating and unusual outcomes. The story of Valerii Danevych, a cabinet-maker from Kiew, Ukraine, is a case in point.
As qualified precision joiner normal wooden constructions, restorations or artisan articles didn't give him satisfaction any more. From childhood on he was fascinated with wooden miniatures, such as a guitar with only only 3 cm size using hair as strings. Thus, the desire and ambition to manufacture complicated mechanical crafts, miniaturised and fashioned completely of wood wasn't going out of his mind. In 2005 he had the idea to make clockworks out of this material - all this without formal education as watchmaker. It is not only that he manages to create movements from wood, he also uses this material for dials, cases and bracelets.
This year the Ukrainian master presented a complicated wooden wristwatch that does not only substantiate his claim for an AHCI membership but also serves as a role model demonstrating how well-thought-out and mature his creations are: The Retrograde Flying Tourbillon:
This watch features a flying 1min tourbillon (with a straight line escapement) and a retrograde time indication on a ? 120° display. The hands are fixed to a central pinion and are driven by two cams (more further down). Note the finely sculptured 3-dimensiality of the dial, particularly the shape of the minute hand, crossing under the dial:
The closer view below is quite educative: Focussing on the left part you see the entire retrograde time mechanism. The two hands are controlled by two ratchets (both concentrically fixed on one axis) who are itself driven by the two concentric cams on the very left. The two wooden fingers of the ratchets that glide over the cams are remarkable.
The detail work on all of these gears and levers is amazing, just look closely at the bevelling work on the cams. Note also that (i) all the axes are fashion from wood and (ii) no screws are used to secure plates, dial etc.!
On the bottom and right side of the image you'll find the flying tourbillon. Also here the detail work (e.g. the rims of the escapement wheel) are mind-blowing!
The image actually shows three of the four metal parts: Two springs on the retrograde ratchets and the balance spring. The fourth one would be the mainspring. Everything else is made from wood!
The next two images highlight the time display. The indices are separately made from wood and then applied to the dial ring.
The crown btw has only one position. To set the time one has to activate the pusher at 2 o'clock (set it up and afterwards back in the down position).
This short video demonstrates the watch in action, including the retrograde flyback time as well as time setting and winding. The precision of fit and function is remarkable as is the solid sound of the watch!
The movement is secured via two eccentric screws (wood!) in the case. A display back reveals its true beauty. Again, note that there is no screw to secure plates of wheel bearings!
In total, the timepiece is composed of 188 pieces, of which 154 (with hands) make up the movement. Planning/construction took up 1800 hours within 7 months.
Mr Danevych attests his watch a power reserve of 24 hours and an accuracy of 2-3 minutes in 24 hours which I think is outstanding!
At this point I should stress the fact that each single element of the watch received due attention as to the correct type of wood to use. Overall, the watch is made of the following wood types: canker of apple-tree, plum-tree, walnut and birch, wood from Australian Guaiacum, Crimea box, bamboo, African Bubinga!
The diameter if the movement is a solid 36 x 13 mm. The smallest parts from wood are composed of a pinion with 0.9 mm diameter (8 teeth, Crimean box) and a bearing pin with 0.12 mm diameter (Guaiac). Eight springs are used in total, four of them made from metal (the only metal parts) and the other from bamboo (as I mentioned already)!
But there are also fairly large wooden pieces, such as the case - and the bracelet! This must be one of the coolest folding clasps I ever strapped on my wrist. Again, stellar details to be admired, just pay attention to the tight tolerances of the bracelet's elements. It is very comfortable as well.
Which brings me to the last part of my article: the wrist presence!
To wear such a watch is totally without precedence. The warmth and lightness of the entire watch, the colours, the sound - one is certainly unprepared for such an experience. As you can see its not exactly small and thin (46 x 18 mm) but who cares?!
Bottom-line: How refreshing it is so realise that there are still people how do not automatically look into a nanomaterial lab when searching for 'new' materials to use in watchmaking. This watch really lives on several accounts:
- from the incredible artistry and skills needed for its creation
- from its natural materials that have/had a life on their own
- from its tremendous sensual cues it exudes, be it smell, tactile feelings, sound and its organic warmth
I am really glad for having stopped at Mr Danevych's showcase and would like to thank him for his openness and for letting me play with the watch free of any restrictions!
I hope you like this article. Thanks for reading,
Magnus
P.S.: A special thanks to Marc Jenni for letting my use his scarf as prop!
Key Points from the Discussion
Concerns are raised about the practical wearability and longevity of wooden watches, particularly regarding the effects of humidity on timing, balance poise, and potential contamination from sweat, suggesting it's more of an art piece.
Another artisan shares their own work on organic watches, showcasing pieces made from ivory, indicating a shared interest in non-traditional watchmaking materials.
The watch's accuracy of only two minutes per 24 hours is highlighted as astonishing for a wooden mechanism, marveling at the artist's ingenuity.
A reader expresses shock and admiration after realizing the watch is a fully working model, not just a static display, emphasizing the incredible achievement.
It is suggested that certain types of hardwood, especially if treated, can be humidity resistant, though the watch is still not expected to be a daily wear item.
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The Discussion
TI
tick tock doctor
Jun 3, 2013
Hello Ornatus-Mundi, Metal is cold, compared to materials that were once living and breathing. I too have an interest in organic watches. Here is one I've been working on. Old piece of Ivory. Kind regards Anthony
AN
Andy
Jun 3, 2013
I was reading this thinking it is just a non working model but was then shocked by the video..!! Incredible what can be achieved :) Thanks for the review, Yours, Andy.
RO
Ronald Held
Jun 3, 2013
With a wooden case and movement parts?
OP
Ophiuchus
Jun 3, 2013
How would humidity affect the timing of this watch? Poise errors created by expanding, ovalizing wood of balance, the possibilities are endless. I would be very afraid to wear this, even the sweat from your arm would eventually contaminate and rot it. If we look at it as an art piece, however, and not something for practical wear, due to its makeup and inherent qualities for error, much less termites, this is an AMAZING piece. Hats off for showing it can be done! Now I'll have to one up him- and
ED
Ed. W
Jun 4, 2013
upon seeing the wooden watch. Please keep us updated as it progresses. Ed.
ED
Ed. W
Jun 4, 2013
there are types of hardwood that can be humidity resistant, especially if treated. However, I still don't assume the watch is meant to ever be a daily beater.
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