Description
Benzinger GAP 1 – Ice Blue Edition 2023, 5-piece Limited Edition
This stunning 5-piece edition of Jochen Benzinger’s sublime GAP 1 model has been exclusively created for Define Watches.
Conceived and designed by Peter Petzold, Lydia Dalle Nogare and Jochen Benzinger, this collection features classic watchmaking elements and contemporary design.
The in-house movement, based on Habring2’s own A11 calibre has been ennobled by Jochen on century-old machines making this timepiece is as precise as it is visually stunning. A highlight for those who appreciate detail is the custom-made snowflake ratchet wheel which ties the visually impressive movement to the dial and adds an element of whimsy for its wearer to enjoy in private.
The ice blue dial colour, reflecting elements of Define’s own colour palette, is a timeless hue that works well in all settings. Brought to life by the skilled hand-guilloching of master ennobler Jochen Benzinger, the main dial features a classic barleycorn pattern that is geometric and gentle on the eyes. Contrast on the sub dials is achieved via an intricate ray pattern the radiates from each dial’s heart. To acknowledge the aesthetic and heritage of fine watches, elegant Roman numerals have been incorporated onto the main dial and simple partially skeletonised hands indicate the hour and minute.
This collection is unique, not only because of its harmonised and bespoke design but also because it unites important characters in modern watchmaking and ennobling: Jochen Benzinger and Richard and Maria Habring. To own a piece of watchmaking history is a thrill but to own a beautiful and significant timepiece for generations is a treasure. The GAP 1 ICE Blue is such a treasure in the world of horology.
Background on the GAP 1
The hand-wound movement inside the GAP 1 was specially designed for this striking collection, resulting from a collaboration between renowned watchmakers Habring2 and master ennobler, Jochen Benzinger. The unusual name of the collection is directly derived from this illustrious pairing and marks a small revolution at Benzinger.
To date, Manual winding movements from the Swiss manufacturer ETA have been used almost exclusively in Benzinger timepieces. Traditionally, Jochen took these Swiss movements as a starting point and then technically rebuilt and refined them in his signature BENZINGER style. As such, the realization of the GAP 1, which features a manufactory movement, is breaking new ground. Together with the Austrian watch manufacturer Habring2, the special hand-wound movement was developed according to Benzinger’s specifications and built especially for him. GAP stands for nothing more than German Austrian Partnership – a straightforward and proud announcement of collaboration.
Subtle elegance… Housed in a 39 mm, steel case, this timepiece is streamlined and compact, well-suited to slimmer wrist sizes. In contrast to the usual opulently designed movement, the stainless steel case manufactured in Pforzheim is functional, minimalist and straightforward. On the slightly broader edge of the watch back there is an elaborate 3D engraving, as well as on the diagonally fluted crown with the company signature ‘JB’, that is atypically positioned at 2 o’clock. The date pusher is thoughtfully framed by a protective cover at 3 o’clock, enhancing robustness and security.
The ticking heart… The GAP 1 movement is a hand-wound manufactory calibre. At 28,800 oscillations per hour, the power reserve delivers an enduring 48 hours. Outstanding are special features such as a tangential screw fine regulation for good accuracy and the KIF shock absorber, which protects the GAP 1 from external influences. It goes without saying that the movement is once again guilloched and skeletonized by hand, has flame-blued wheels and gold-plated movement parts, making it instantly recognisable as a BENZINGER creation.
Breguet-style dial… The GAP 1 retains a simplicity in the design of the dial. The main dial, which shows hour and minute, does not cover the entire space. Slightly shifted towards 12 o’clock, it gives the small second at 8 o’clock and the date display at 4 o’clock enough space to be clearly readable. The overall result is one of refined elegance and classic beauty.
Technical Specifications
Case:
High-grade steel case made in Pforzheim, with 3-D-engraving
Crown at 2 o’clock
Pusher for date correction at 3 o’clock
Diameter of 39 mm, height of 11.5 mm
Sapphire glass case front and exhibition case back
Movement:
In-house manufactory, hand-winding movement, off-centre hour and minute indication
Small second at 8 o’clock, date indication at 4 o’clock
Diameter of 30 mm, height of 5.1 mm
28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
48 hours power reserve
Tangential screw fine regulation
Carl Haas sprung balance set to chronometer accuracy
KIF shock absorber acc. to DIN and NIHS
19 jewels
Special feature:
Bespoke, hand manufactured, blued ratchet wheel in customised snowflake design
Dial:
Stunning, electro-plated, guilloched, ice blue dial with silver chapter rings with dark blue, printed markers
Hand guilloched dial finish in geometric barleycorn pattern on main dial and ray guilloche pattern on sub dials
Hour and minute indication, slightly shifted towards 12 o’clock
Hands:
Polished steel, skeletonised hour and minute hands and stainless-steel counter hands
Strap:
Special band set: 2 colour-matched, curated leather bands: black Alcantara with ice blue stitching & black alligator with ice blue stitching.
1 x deployment clasp, 1 x pin buckle
Screwed-in strap lugs
What is the art of Guilloche?
Guilloché (or guilloche) is a decorative technique whereby a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved into an underlying material. It was developed between the 1600-1700s as part of the “royal craft” of art-reversing. From these princely beginnings, the watchmakers of the 18th and 19th century developed the beautiful Guilloche machines, with which, for example, Breguet cut its unique dials. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the court jeweller of the Russian Tsar, Fabergé, brought the art of Guilloche to its fullest perfection. He used the guilloche technique as a base for his famous enamel work, which culminated in the renowned Fabergé eggs. Today, thanks to the renaissance of mechanical clocks and watches, a limited number of high-quality manufacturers are still offering their products with hand-guilloched dials, which are still unmatched in their classic appearance. Jochen Benzinger is a master in this field.
What is the art of engraving?
Engraving is as old as mankind itself. People used cutting tools at all times to decorate jewellery and utensils. The engraving art in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries reached its climax when armour and weapons were artfully engraved. In the sixteenth century, Albrecht Dürer brought this work to a new heyday when, using the same tools as Jochen Benzinger uses in his studio today, he cut the copper-printing blocks for his famous prints. Nowadays there are very few specialists who know the techniques of this craft. Hand-engraving in horology is a highly valued attribute on any timepiece. Benzinger watches feature this finish with flourish and skill.
What is the art of skeletonising?
Skeletonising is a refinement method for giving a new, individual character to closed movements. Parts of the movement are removed by a goldsmith’s saw to reveal the direct view into and through the mechanical movement. The view of the movement is made possible by a sapphire crystal, exhibition case back in all models. The imbued creative energy of Jochen Benzinger is brought to the fore in his bespoke skeletonising creations. Each piece is skilfully crafted to highlight the beauty of the mechanical movement beating within – a pleasure to observe and a privilege to wear.
