My specifications:

  • Starting from scratch: calculation and layout of wheel train. Drawing the movement and case

  • Crafting each component by hand, without using CNC machines

  • High end decoration of each component

  • Grand Feu enamel dial

  • Simple movement: hours, minutes at center, small seconds at 6 o'clock

  • The mainplate with thicker proportions to ensure movement rigidity

  • Original, simple bridge design, revealing the gear train and the mainplate

  • Flat teeth bottoms

  • Movement diameter to properly fill the case

  • Controlled height for a watch that's comfortable to wear every day

  • Hidden case clamps screws

  • Frequency 18'000 vph

  • Time-setting mechanism designed in such a way that none of the setting pinions would turn unnecessarily while the watch is running.

  • Dial-side winding mechanism

Decorations

Just like the other stages of manufacturing, the decoration of each component has received special attention. These finishing operations account for a third of the component manufacturing time.

Polished angles, Geneva stripes, sunray or black polish, each surface is decorated by hand.

From idea to realization

Restoring antique watches has been an important source of learning for me, immersing myself in the manufacturing techniques of watch components and enriching my knowledge of horological history.

Becoming a watchmaking teacher gave me the opportunity to deepen my theoretical knowledge, thus complementing my practical experience.

Going from a sketch to a finished watch component is a satisfaction I never tire of. Gradually, the desire to create mechanisms, and eventually to design a watch movement according to my own criteria, became apparent.

For me, choosing to carry out this first project without CNC machining was part and parcel of the challenge: to test my ability to make each part of the movement by myself, and to turn it into a reliable watch.

Although I particularly appreciate complicated watchmaking, I wanted this first movement to be simple because a reliable base is an essential starting point before adding any other mechanism.

I am looking forward to moving on to the next step.

I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me along the way. Whether it was advice, an opinion or simply for believing with me

THANK YOU!