Collaboration with Luc Monnet

Collaboration has always been a fundamental part of our watchmaking process. As historians, we know our industry traditionally grew from networks of talented artisans working together to create timepieces that celebrated the skills of the different craft disciplines that contributed to them.

While we’ve always collaborated with specialists for the aesthetic details in our watches, like engraving or enamelling, our 2nd Edition of Project 248 has grown this network to include some some of the finest horological talent too.

We are honoured that Luc Monnet, a specialist component and prototype creator, agreed to work with us on the execution of our English-style pinions. Luc has worked for many of the great and the good in independent watchmaking, from Greubel Forsey to Simon Brette, so we feel humbled to join his client list.

English-style pinions are unusual and more complex in their creation than those used by most of the contemporary industry. Their tooth form is different, with flat bottoms to each tooth gap requiring specialist cutters and finishing. They also include undercut pivots which add a hidden level of design finesse by reducing weight and, quite simply, looking beautiful.

As we wouldn’t trust a cargo this precious to the post, we visited Luc at his workshop in Le Monastier, Bourgs sur Colagne, France to collect. We’re immensely grateful to Luc for his generosity; both with his skills and in sharing his knowledge.