Learning from the Masters

Last month we enjoyed a short break in Switzerland where we met some of our contemporary horological heroes and companies we currently or plan to work with.

This included meeting one of our dial manufacturers, Comblémine, and being treated to a tour of their facilities. Photographs and technical drawings are great but nothing beats the invaluable experience of being able to see how processes works and handle physical samples. Comblémine is owned by Kari Voutilainen whose approach to collaboration with master artisans has been hugely influential for us. It was an honour to be able to spend a few hours with him and have him share so much of his knowledge and experience with us.

Craig and Rebecca with Kari Voutilainen

We also met with Nathalie Jean-Louis, a movement decorator and trainer, who we will be spending some time with next year to learn more about the Swiss approach to finishing.

It was a pleasure to be able to discuss case making with Rexhep Rexhepi as there are so few watchmakers traditionally making precious metal cases in-house, and we look forward to continuing that conversation.

 
Craig and Rebecca with Nathalie Jean-Louis and Rexhep Rexhepi

We even managed to squeeze in a tour of Greubel Forsey’s hairspring manufacturing facilities guided by the lovely and immensely knowledgable David Bernard who shared their state-of-the-art approach to such a traditional craft.

We were overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone we met in opening their workshops and sharing their knowledge with us. Having followed the work of some of these artisans for so many years remotely it was a pleasure to finally meet people in person.

We returned with new friends and feeling even more inspired than usual.

Craig and Rebecca with David Bernard