Alexander Shorokhov and Jochen Benzinger unite visionary design and traditional hand-finishing

Dear watchlover,

You may ask yourself: “Why did it take so long?” And for the first time, even Alexander Shorokhov is left speechless. Jochen Benzinger has no answer to that either. But perhaps that is exactly the right answer: they have come together – and that is a good thing! After years of friendship and mutual respect, two personalities with a clear vision have finally joined forces: “We are making a watch together!”

When two artists meet, the result is not simply a timepiece – but a handcrafted work of art. A model in which decades of expertise and genuine craftsmanship come together: the master engraver and guillocheur from Pforzheim, Jochen Benzinger, and the bold avant-garde designer and engineer Alexander Shorokhov. The result is more than a watch – it is almost a theater of design, emotion, precision and perfect handcraftsmanship.

But first, let us turn to the artists:

Jochen Benzinger is an absolute specialist in hand-engraved, skeletonized and guilloché dials. He is one of the few in the world who still masters these traditional techniques at the highest level, and he taught himself the expertise of the almost extinct craft of guilloché. He deliberately works with machines that are over 100 years old and with traditional methods. His creations are often unique pieces or extremely limited editions.

Alexander Shorokhov is a true artist of Haute Horlogerie and has been for almost 35 years, transforming his mechanical models into extraordinary unique pieces. His eponymous brand is strongly artistic in character, often featuring bold dial designs combined with classical mechanical watchmaking and modern, sometimes surreal design. Most models are limited editions with collector appeal and are regarded as a clear departure from classic “mainstream” luxury watches.

And anyone who has still not understood that this background and the artistic, unique direction of the two simply belong together will definitely recognize it clearly and unmistakably in the result.

After several exchanges, including discussions that had already taken place beforehand, the two met in mid-April of this year at Benzinger’s workshop to discuss the final steps as well as further ideas for the realization of their joint “baby.” There was intensive discussion, coordination and refinement – and the first sketches and design ideas were already recorded.

Even now, one may take a first small glimpse at the emerging work of art. An initial sketch offers an immediate impression of the collaboration and clearly shows how the worlds of both artists merge. The new model combines Alexander Shorokhov’s avant-garde design DNA with Jochen Benzinger’s traditional, hand-executed art of finishing. The result will not only be a watch that tells the time, but one that tells a story – of passion, precision and the courage to follow one’s own path.

A limited edition of only 30 pieces, nearly half of which have already been pre-reserved by retailers, stands as an example of a special form of collaboration within the independent watchmaking scene: shaped by respect for craftsmanship, the pursuit of individuality and the desire to create lasting values.

And the final result will undoubtedly win the hearts of all watch lovers, as well as people with an appreciation for details and collector value. Stay tuned.

There is already a great deal of interest in this extraordinary project: Nearly half of the available copies have already been pre-ordered. If you are interested, please contact us directly at: [email protected]