Presenting a unique opportunity for the discerning collector, the Kallinich Claeys Einser Zentralsekunde Founders Edition watch introduces a dynamic new independent company into the horological landscape. Limited to only 8 pieces, and crafted entirely in-house using old-school methods, this is a momentous timepiece that captures the spirit of contemporary Glashütte watchmaking, and the model displays a significant level of Haute Horlogerie detailing and original styling nuances. Residing in a stainless steel casing, and featuring a dial of Grand Feu enamel, the watch is powered by a beautifully finished manually wound in-house movement, featuring German silver and yellow gold components.

Although relatively youthful, one can be in no doubt of the pedigree of the founders of the company, Johannes Kallinich and Thibault Claeys, who have both spend years honing their skills at the prestigious A. Lange & Söhne Manufacture. Proof if it were needed that newly talented individuals can quickly mature into masters of their craft, the duo realised their ambitions of becoming independent watchmakers when they established their Kallinich Claeys atelier, which is based in Glashütte, in 2022. Forming part of a series of which only 30 pieces will be crafted, the Einser Zentralsekunde Founders Edition model is strictly limited to 8 pieces, offering the reassurance of exclusivity to the client.

The watch carries a stainless steel casing measuring 41mm across and with a height of 11mm. Elegant yet distinctively modern, its profile is enhanced by alternating finishes and it is fitted with an engraved crown. Adding a wonderful touch of originality, the case middle holds a sapphire section displaying the power reserve, and its inclusion gives an additional viewing angle through to the movement that lies within.

Consistent with the unique identity of this new company, the dial showcases a superb interplay of varying tones, textures and finishes. Reserved for the 8 individual Founders Edition pieces only, the surface bears a grey transparent Grand Feu enamel section which showcases a graphic motif, and which is crafted in-house. Placed within, a circular sector is finished with tremblage, with the grainy appearance of the detailing lending further interest, while a plaque which is finished with a brushed technique, and which is secured by visible screws, bears the provenance of the watch. The chapter ring that holds the Roman hour markers and the minutes and seconds scales is rendered in deep blue with a hand hammered texture, giving the face a resolutely contemporary personality, and this characteristic is further reinforced by the scale line which curves to accommodate the double digits of the minutes - a subtle feature that not only demonstrates well thought design, but which also exhibits a confidence not usually seen by such a youthful atelier. Finishing the arrangement, the in-house hands are perfectly proportioned and delightfully minimalist, with the hours and minutes hands displaying tapered ends and recessed middles, and an elongated needle-like example for the seconds.

Inside, and viewable through the case back sapphire crystal, the Kaliber KC001.1 Manufacture movement beats at a leisurely 18’000 vib/h, and delivers a reserve of power of 45 hours via a single barrel. Exhibiting a satisfying level of Haute Horlogerie refinement, and designed from the ground up by Kallinich Claeys, the calibre is a joyful representation of the purity of a traditional Glashütte movement, seen through the fresh eyes of these two young masters. Comprising of German silver plates, bridges, screws and wheels, with contrasting polished yellow gold chatons, it is finished with grained, sandblasted and black polished techniques, and with the inner angles featuring excellent sharp bevelled edges.

A visually rich timepiece that bears a high level of fine finishing, and one that offers an opportunity to acquire an exclusive piece from a new independent watchmaking atelier, the Kallinich Claeys Einser Zentralsekunde Founders Edition is strictly limited to only 8 pieces.