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Meet the Watchmaker – Benzinger

Jochen Benzinger welcomes Define Watches into his world of guilloching

Master ennobler and watch skeletoniser, Jochen Benzinger, gives Define Watches a peek into the intricate world of rose engines and guilloching at his Pforzheim headquarters in Germany.

In the realm of watchmaking, where artistry meets precision, one name shines brighter than most—Jochen Benzinger. Renowned as a master watch ennobler, Benzinger creates some of the world’s most exquisite bespoke timepieces, elevating horology to a level of unparalleled craftsmanship. At Define Watches, we proudly offer a highly selective range of Benzinger’s masterpieces, each a testament to his artistry and dedication to the craft.

 

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
Jochen Benzinger in his creative element

Unveiling the Master’s Artistry

Jochen Benzinger’s journey in the world of watch ennobling, skeletonising, and guilloching is a testament to a lifelong dedication to perfecting his craft. With each stroke of his hand and each turn of the wheel, he transforms ordinary timepieces into extraordinary works of art. Benzinger’s mastery lies not only in his technical precision but also in his innate ability to breathe life into every watch he touches.

Crafting Uniqueness, Tailored to You

At Define Watches, we offer a unique opportunity to embrace the artistry of Jochen Benzinger. Our highly selective range of his creations can be tailored to your exact wishes. Imagine owning a timepiece where every component is individually engraved and skeletonised, a canvas for personal expression. With personalised rotors and made-to-order designs, your watch becomes a reflection of your unique style and preferences.

Benzinger: Where Every Watch is a Masterpiece

What sets Benzinger watches apart is the unparalleled attention to detail and stunning aesthetics that define each piece. These timepieces are not mass-produced; they are unique works of art, handcrafted with precision and passion. Every gear, every cog, every intricate design element is painstakingly created by the hands of a true master.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Jochen Benzinger’s watches are not just timekeepers; they are a legacy of craftsmanship and artistry. Each watch tells a story, a testament to the hours, days, and weeks that go into perfecting every tiny detail. When you wear a Benzinger timepiece, you carry a piece of history, a piece of a master’s soul.

‘What is a rose engine and what does it look like?

A rose engine is a specialised type of ornamental turning lathe used to make geometric patterns by mechanically (manually) moving the tool or object surface to produce an ornamental effect. The name comes from the ‘rosette’ discs mounted along the barrel which are used to define the ornamental pattern. One of the main differences of rose engine lathes is that the headstock is hinged (not stationary) allowing the user to pivot the work surface back and forth in a rocking motion while the lathe spindle rotates thereby allowing greater control of pattern depth, definition and detail.

What does a rose engine do?

Rose engines are used to make ornamental geometric, symmetric and floral-style patterns, including a process known as guilloching. Some common guilloche finishes include: barleycorn, Clous de Paris (hobnail), sunburst, tapestry and basketweave.

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
Some early stages of prepping and working on a guilloched dial for the GAP model

 

Where can you find examples of guilloching?

Due to the manual, time-intensive and skilled nature of the process, guilloching in horology is typically found on higher-end dress watches and more decorative design pieces.

 

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
Jochen Benzinger explains the guilloching process on one of his vintage rose engines to Lydia Dalle Nogare of Define Watches. Note the various rosettes and spacers along the barrel at the centre of the lathe.

 

Where can I see examples of Jochen benzinger’s work?

Explore our comprehensive collection of Benzinger timepieces and experience their exceptional quality firsthand.

 

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
The Benzinger GAP 1 Deep Blue luxury watch

 

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
Benzinger Frosted Barley II

 

Meet the Watchmaker - Benzinger - Define Watches
Close-up of the Faberge egg detailing

 

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