Independents

I’m told my Christian Klings timepiece is now complete and all that remains is for Christian to regulate and ensure everything is functioning as it should before releasing it to one excited customer.  I’ll post some wrist scans when I receive it, but for the time being, here are some photographs which Christian graciously agreed to photograph during the course of building this watch.  I enjoyed receiving each and every one of these, as it really personalized the experience.

 

Hope you enjoy.

 

Darren

 

Original mock – up (obviously done by hand, as tends to be the case with everything Christian does)

 

 

 

Original base movement, with the first bit of modification to add the power reserve (note, the movement started as an AS 1130)

 

 

 

 

Movement and moon-phase disc after more significant work on it

 

 

 

Movement deconstructed (original parts created by Christian are on the left, with parts modified / finished by Christian on the right)

 

 

 

Case, crown and buckle, all created by hand.

 

 

 

Dial side coming along.

 

 

 

Dial side coming along further.

 

 

 

Finished Movement.

 

 

 

 

And finally, the other side of the timepiece.

 

 

 

Finally, as I thought these explanations might be of interest (and in response to various questions I’ve had e-mailed to me over the past week), below are Christian’s words rather than mine as I would undoubtedly twist and/or botch at least one of these concepts in trying to paraphrase:

 

“All of my watches have certain feature of design and construction, what makes them different (unique).

 

Design and some technical details:

 

Dial:  The blue is a high quality silk, which is resistant to light.  The material is melted onto the dial plate.  The texture looks like guillochee, it has a soft appearance.  I used the backside of the material.  It looks more mellow.

 

Winding indicator:    The mechanism  is fitted on top of the ratchet wheel. (large winding wheel).  The planetary gears go through the mainspring arbor.  One wheel is connected to a tube, which goes through the screw and mainspring arbor.  Through the tube goes another arbor connected to the second winding wheel.  This construction does not take additional space.  Also the winding wheels can be seen on top of the ratchet wheel.

 

(free sprung) Balance with regulation screws.”

 

 

 

I always enjoy your reports on the independents from Basel.  Looks live you've had a first hand look at Christian's work which, as of right now, is more than I can say for myself!

Darren

Very nice, indeed! But what a movement is it? Why is it signed SWISS? And how is the silk melted onto the dial plate?

although the final movement is quite a ways from the starting point.

makes it super desirable. It's very old school and perfect. May I ask what's the case size of this piece?
And is there a reason to use this specific movement?
*CL

Case size is 39mm.

The movement was Christian's choice - he felt it was a solid base movement from which to begin.

Darren

A great addition to your collection - heartfelt congratulations!

 

Cheers,

pplater.

Congratulations from me to. Looks brilliant all around. Thanks to Christian and yourself for taking us through the development process.

 

Like CL, I am also interested to know the size of the finished watch. 36mm? Does it keep the slow 18000vph rate of the original Schild 1130? If so, with the free-sprung balance it will be beautiful and calming to watch and listen to. How long was the development process of this project?

 

Andrew

Thanks for all of the kind comments.

In response to a question asked by a couple of you, the diameter of the case is 39 mm without the crown.

I'll pass along a few of the more detailed movement questions to Christian for his response.

Darren

 

was approximately 1.5 years.

Really not a long wait when you consider what went into the project.

Darren

Looks like it was worth the wait, congrats and wear it in good health!

-MW

nt

I like the simple design and classic yet elegant movement. 
Am much interested...  Looking forward to more info....

Ken

and information once the watch is in my hands (or, more accurately, on my wrist).

Darren

Congratulations!

Every so often I read a post and see a watch that really moves me.  The watch itself + the context (you working with CK, his vision and execution, etc.) is quite impactful.

It is obvious to me that you have purchased part of the soul of a watchmaker, which makes you either a god or a devil. I hope for CK's sake that you will handle his sould with love and care.

But in all seriousness, what a watch! What a beautiful watch.

Jeff

I do believe that Christian's personality and persona are evident both inside and outside of thie watch - that was one of the reasons I chose Christian for this timepiece.

Darren

you could realise wit one of the great masters in horology. I really applaud you for completing this journey, for your vision to create this personal piece together with Mr Klings.

As some have already said, this is an emotionally very touching watch. I'd be eager to learn more about its gestation, particularly the dial, and the modifications he made to the movement. Finally, having followed your teasers, I'd be hugely interested to read and see more about the case.

Thanks for your efforts and enjoy this timepiece!
Magnus

the journey has been rather enjoyable.  I know my wait was somewhat modest relative to the waiting periods one sometimes experiences in the world of independent horology, but either way, seeing the timepiece take shape over the months was an experience in and of itself.

Darren

Klings?

Like many of us here, I am drawn to the world of independent watchmaking.  While scans of his work tend to be somewhat sparce relative to other watchmakers we discuss so frequently at ThePurists, those of Christian's timepieces I was fortunate enough to view over the past couple of years always stuck with me.  There seemed to be an integrity to his work, and his watches, at least IMHO, are also fairly easy on the eye.  Christian always seemed to combine forward-thinking, avant-garde watchmaking techniques with classical, timeless designs in a way that really struck a cord with me.  Finally, it held a special appeal to me that Christian would be creating the vast majority of this watch from scratch with his own 2 hands.  In this case I didn't want CAD drawings or detailed specs - rather, I was interested in having Christian craft a piece of artwork from his mind's eye.

I suppose one other reason that I chose to work with Christian is that he agreed to create this timepiece!

Darren 

...a very good choice, IMO

Best regards
Suitbert

I believe it was one of your posts a few years ago which really got me thinking about Christian's watches.  Your scans were something to behold, and ultimately played a large role in my decision to work with Christian.  So, thank you!

Darren

NT

and the process of going through an independent watchmaker, and the relationship that is established from it, is wonderful.

Congrats!

 

Bill

I'm sure you're still floating with your JDN - I enjoyed reading your story and can't get enough of the scans of your masterpiece.  Your story makes me want to pick up my watch personally, but alas, I'm not sure it's in the cards.

Darren

thanks for showing.

Beautiful dial.

Best

Andreas

That is a beautiful watch from a talented watchmaker.

- SJX

I love those hands, and the interesting power reserve mechanics.
Enjoy,
Don

I like the transparency.  That important information gives the buyer an opportunity to judge how much time and effort the watchmaker has put in.

I wonder how many watchmaker care or dare to do that.

Regards

Ling