Loading...The internet and social media are great places to learn and meet new people. To find things you never knew about. And in the realm of watches to meet watchmakers who are unique and different and who create watches and possess watchmaking skills that you rarely see. One such watchmaker has to be Moebius in Barcelona. I found him by accident on Instagram.
Atelier de Chronométrie, artisanal watchmaking in Barcelona
After more than 5 years of hard work,Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona appears on the independent watchmaking scene launching its first timepiece; a hand made chronometer made like in the bygone days with dedication, time and passion. The Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona timepieces are exclusively created by hand, using age old ancient watchmaking techniques, without the use of modern machines, such as CNC. With an aesthetic influenced by the glorious era of the watchmaking – the 30’s and 40’s, the Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona timepieces are characterized by their simple and minimal case shapes that enhance the beauty and forcefulness of the dials. The manufacture of all the components such as the cases, dials, straps, buckles, boxes, etc. are also made by small artisanal companies, located in Barcelona
and Meyrin.
Unique timepieces made to measure
Every Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona wristwatch is made to measure at the buyer´s request. Customers can choose the case material, type of dial design, overall a wide range of options to customize the calibre, etc. The main idea is to create a unique piece for each customer. Each wristwatch is designed exclusively for a client and will not be duplicated for another customer. In addition to this, during the wristwatch creation process, the customer will have an opportunity to check its evolution and exchange opinions with the Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona’s team.
A small team passionate about the artisanal and traditional watchmaking Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona is composed of three members:
- Santiago Martínez (@mimandcroket)
Collector and a vintage watch dealer expert in Patek Philippe, co-Founder of
Mimandcroket Vintage Watches in Barcelona, specialized and focused on
important vintage timepieces and minor brands such us Longines, Movado,
Omega, etc.
Co-Founder of Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona, responsible for the watch
design and sales.
- Moebius Rassmman (@rassmman)
A master watchmaker with more than 20 years of experience specializing in the
restoration of complicated timepieces.
Co-Founder of Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona and responsible for the
calibre creation.
- Montse Gimeno (@montsss)
Expert in marketing, advertisting, communication and financial issues, cofounder
of Mimandcroket Vintage Watches in Barcelona.
Responsible for the communication and administration.
The Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona number 1;
an Observatoire Chronometer
Over a number of years, based on years of experience of the team, Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona has developed their own requirements and standards to create and execute unique artisanal timepieces.
Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona´s main drive is to return to time honored ways of handcrafting timepieces, and therefore demonstrating that in the XXI century it is possible to creating handmade wristwatches without renouncing quality or accuracy.
The design is characterized by a minimalist shaped case that focuses the attention on a two tone Sector dial that offers an easy and precise time measurement and big sub-seconds like the antique competition chronometers. The hypnotic blued steel hands – an essential part of the time indication, which enhance the whole concept of the chronometric look. Unique timeless timepieces.
Technical characteristics of the Observatoire Chronometer
The calibre
• The calibre is based on the mythical Omega 30mm, (calibre 266). It has
been chosen because of its parts´durability and stability. We can reinvent
it by creating a unique calibre each time, changing the aesthetic
appearance and also technically.
• Taking as a base a simple Omega cal.266 we have crafted a
chronometer. The calibre has 23 pieces completely handmade (the
bridges are made of German Silver, rachet click, balance stud plate,
hands, etc.) The rest of the calibre parts are completely modified and
decorated by hand (the wheels, the teeth, pinions, anchor, etc.).
• The calibre finish includes techniques such as handmade “frosting” (real
frosted), not sandblasting. As well as hand beveling and black polish.
The calibre (13 lines and 4mm height) as shown in the picture, includes:
• 3 superior bridges made of Arcap entirely crafted and decorated by
hand using artisanal methods.
• The rachet click, inspired by the antique high-grade pocket watches, is
completely handmade in one unique piece and finished by file. Despite
its delicacy, it offers high reliability and excellent sound; the typical “click”
that caracterises the Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona chronometers.
This rachet click is greatly appreciated by “connoisseur” and can be
modified at the buyer´s request.
• The rachet and the crown wheel are black polished, the crown wheel
core is fully handmade. We offer a choice of mate finish and/or
combined with polished detailing. There is also the possibility of changing
the quantity of the screws of the crown wheel core as well as the finishes.
• The balance is a “free sprung balance” regulated by inertial screws and
two “massellottes” made of 18k white gold. The shock system is the three
points contact KIF.
Customer can also choose between Incabloc or non
shock system similar to antique pocket watches.
• Train wheel: Original from the Omega cal. 266, reformed and improved.
The brass wheels are golden to avoid corrosion. The customer can choose
the color for the train wheel.
• Anchor scape original from the Omega calibre, remade to achieve the
maximum efficiency.
• The calibre it’s going to be chronometer certified by l’Observatoire de
Besançon in France.
The Case
• It’s handmade 18k gold, measures 37’5mm (without crown). It is available
in 18k yellow, rose and white gold as well as combined, for instance, case
in white gold with bezel and crown in rose gold. Also available in stainless
steel.
• The diameter can be adapted from 35mm up to 38’5mm as per customer
request.
• The chronometer comes with two case backs: one see-through back and
one snap on back.
• The option of snap on back instead of screw back is as a part of the
Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona philosophy. The movement beats at
18.000 vph just like in the old times. This wristwatch has this amazing
possibility to be heard, this slow hypnotic tick tack sound brings the piece
alive, something which would be impossible with the waterproof case.
The dial
• So far, we have designed 3 dial options: silvered two tone, rose two tone
and gilt glossy black dial (with silver signature and scales). All the dials
have engine turned sub-seconds and are “galvanic” like in the 40’s.
• There is also the possibility of creating a cloisonné dial.
• Like all the parts of the Atelier de Chronométrie Barcelona wristwatches,
the dials can also be made to measure at the customer’s request.
Straps and bracelet
• The leather straps are hand made in Barcelona and come with 18k
handmade buckles in yellow, rose, white gold and stainless steel.
• There is a wide variety of leather: reptile leather, oak leather, ostrich
leather, etc.
• There is also the bracelet option. It’s a “beads of rice” bracelet entirely
hand made in 18k gold. The customer can choose the material; 18k white,
rose or yellow gold and also combination of both. The finish can be high
polished or satin.
Delivery time
• The delivery time for the chronometer as shown in the attached photo (or
similar) is 8 months.
Customer services
• All our timepieces have 5 years warranty and lifetime free services
(periodical time service predetermined by the team).
For more information contact: info@atelierdechronometrie.com