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WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Independents

A special dinner at Kees Engelbarts

 

During the Geneva Watch Days we were invited to have a nice cheese fondue dinner at Kees Engelbarts. 


For those you are not familiar with Kees, hereby a small introduction from his website: 

Geneva based Dutchman Kees Engelbarts creates unique hand made watches. Engelbarts uses an ancient Japanese technique called "MOKUME GANE", which literally means "wood grain metal". Kees Engelbarts, initially a hand-engraver is until today commissioned by various high-end Swiss Watch Brands to engrave dials, movements, cases etc.

In 1997 he decided to begin creating his own watches thinking; Why should a watch wear the name of the watchmaker (the technician) if the important thing is aesthetic aspect of the watch; the engraved dial or the beautifully decorated movement? Wouldn't it be more logical to name the watch after its creator? This reasoning proved Engelbarts right; he creates unique watches for people that are looking for "something different".

Kees makes only very few pieces per year using only the best materials and movements for his watches. When you have a close look at a watch made by Kees Engelbarts you can tell that it has been made by hand with passion and love. For Kees Engelbarts "hand made" is not just a marketing slogan.

After the delicious dinner (and wine) we had the rare opportunity to see the latest creations of Kees, the Dragon Gate Trilogy. 

The Dragon Gate Trilogy is a three-piece set of watches, each featuring a unique, hand-engraved and enamelled decoration that charts the carp’s transformation from fish to dragon. They are presented in an equally lavish box that’s hand made by a French cabinet maker and decorated by an award-winning lacquer artisan.

Maybe these watches are not for everyone but the level of craftsmanship is incredible. 

Enough words, hereby the pictures. (the watch pictures are from his Instagram account)
























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Truly inspired works of horological art.

 
By: ArmisT : September 26th, 2021-11:48
Even the presentation box is thoughtfully made. In particular I love the Japanese motif. What is the case material such that it has a grainy character to it in the picture, or is it just the pictures? Thanks for sharing this. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I have never held his watches nor have met him in person but.....

 
By: Spencer Karrington : September 27th, 2021-22:43
I absolutely love his work! it is so cool/unique and I always appreciate unique! I also had the lovely opportunity to talk with him and he was such a nice guy too! Very jelly you were able to handle his new collection!