Two German watchmakers, Lukas Pohlmann and Josef Bresan-Rehor, have joined forces to create a masterpiece. But this isn't just any collaboration; it's a meeting of the old and the new, a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. And when they teamed up with the renowned Jochen Benzinger, the result was nothing short of extraordinary.
The story begins with Pohlmann and Bresan-Rehor, who, after honing their skills under the tutelage of Marco Lang, established their own atelier, Junge Uhrmacher. Their debut, the Prestige, showcased their talent and ambition with its in-house movement and minimalist German design. But they didn't stop there. Under the new name Pöhlmann-Bresan, they've taken their craft to the next level.
Enter Jochen Benzinger, a master guillocheur whose name resonates with watch enthusiasts. Benzinger's hand-engraving skills are legendary, and his contribution to this unique piece is no exception. He adds a layer of ornamental beauty to Pöhlmann-Bresan's clean and architectural watch design.
The collaboration has given birth to a timepiece that is a feast for the eyes. The 40mm stainless steel case, with its hand-guilloche 18k white-gold bezel, exudes sophistication. The curved sapphire crystals provide a clear view of the intricate in-house movement, a true work of art. And the dial, crafted from fine silver, is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a rose-engine-turned barleycorn pattern and a rich cobalt blue lacquer.
But here's where it gets controversial: the watch is powered by the JU26-01, a hand-wound calibre first seen in the Prestige. Some might argue that this is a step back, reusing an existing movement. But is it a sign of efficiency and consistency, or a missed opportunity for innovation? The movement, with its open bridges and stop-seconds mechanism, is a sight to behold, and every component is meticulously finished by hand.
This unique piece, co-designed by a US collector, comes with a hand-stitched black calfskin strap and a steel pin buckle. It's a limited edition, and the price is available upon request. So, what's your take? Is this collaboration a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, or do you wish they had pushed the boundaries even further?
