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Back to the future: the rebirth of the watchmaker Master J. TH. WINNERL

  • 22 oct. 2024
  • 2 min de lecture

Dernière mise à jour : 6 nov. 2024


Back to the future: the rebirth of the watchmaker Master J. TH. WINNERL

The revival of J. Th. Winnerl’s legacy marks a significant moment in the world of watchmaking. This historic watchmaker, known for his exceptional marine chronometers and pocket watches, left an indelible mark on horology. Now, a contemporary watchmaker, inspired by parallels between his own life and Winnerl’s, has brought this legend into the 21st century through meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for traditional techniques.


Born and trained in Austria, much like Winnerl himself, the modern-day watchmaker has taken a personal approach to resurrecting this legacy. The research process was rigorous, driven by a desire to honor Winnerl’s principles and ideas. The culmination of this journey resulted in the creation of a ‘foundation series’ of wristwatches a collection intended for serious collectors.



These timepieces, made from 18K white gold, 18K red gold, and platinum, exhibit extreme attention to detail, from the innovative balance wheel design to the intricate finishing of components that may never be seen by the wearer.


Each watch in this series has been painstakingly crafted, with every part, down to the smallest screw, polished by hand to perfection. Even the undersides of the dials are finished, taking up to two days to achieve the desired effect.


The unique design of the watches extends beyond just technical excellence. The tremblage dials, developed for current production models, use thousands of micro-taps with a jewelry hammer, giving the dials a distinctive, shimmering texture. This intricate process requires extreme focus to ensure uniformity across the dial.


Comfort has also been prioritized, with thoughtfully designed cases and buckles ensuring the watches fit well on the wrist and maintain their elegance over time. Additionally, the watchmaker has created eco-friendly straps from non-animal materials, balancing sustainability with luxury.


By reviving J. Th. Winnerl’s legacy through innovative wristwatches, this project offers a modern homage to traditional watchmaking, creating timepieces that reflect both the heritage and future of horology.



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