There currently is an especially interesting exhibition at IWC Museum in Schaffhausen. Entitled “Apprentices, Tomorrow's Masters”, it features especially interesting work by watchmakers when they were students at IWC's watchmaking school, mostly a few years ago.
One piece that interested me was Raphael Frauenfelder's wristwatch with a skeletonized calibre 9720 pocket watch movement. Raphael, who was an apprentice from 2001-2005, is now a project manager in IWC's industrialization department.
Another really nice skelton project from another calibre 9720 was done by David Moragon: David was an apprentice from 1998-2002, and now is a department manager in final assembly.
Many of you know Markus Bühler from his special limited edition Big Pilot's watch. But he actually did what, at least for me, is a horologically more interesting project. He took a calibre 9721 and made it into a tourbillon marine chronometer. Markus is now department manager, industrialization and movement assembly.
There are several other watches shown by former apprentices. These include a tourbillon by Michael Dubs, an especially blackened movement by Brian Unger, a “vintage” ref/ 811 Yacht Club by Christine Schlatter, and a work by a current apprentice. Mario Dunst, who remarkably won second place in the 2012 Cartier competition with his animation on a Unitas calibre 6497 movement.
These watchmakers also were require to build many of their own tools, and several are on display.
If you happen to be in Schaffhausen, this is a “don't miss”. It's educational, beautiful and also just a lot of fun.
Waimar Wrote:Very Nice! Exactly what I needed! A reason to go to Schaffhausen a third time this year :) Do you know until when these pieces will be displayed?
This exhibition will continue until Spring 2013 (probably April or May).
1,631 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 16, 2002
Do these pieces belong to IWC or the apprentice and are loaned for the exhibit? Always wonder if skeletonising a movement makes it potentially unbalanced as any skeleton work on wheels has to be totally balanced both as to what was removed and what is left without destroying any required rigidity. Good workmanship as far as my iPad can reveal and from an apprentice rather than someone with decades of experience. Have to admire craftsmanship be it a watch maker a carpenter or an artist.
The UK Greg Wrote:Do these pieces belong to IWC or the apprentice and are loaned for the exhibit?
As far as I know, they belong to the student. Several years ago, I was offered a piece which a student made. The "deal" didn't work out, which was just as good since these pieces really shouldn't be sold. I do see some for sale from the Technium in Le Locle, a watchmaking school in Western Switzerland.
One piece that interested me was Raphael Frauenfelder's wristwatch with a skeletonized calibre 9720 pocket watch movement. Raphael, who was an apprentice from 2001-2005, is now a project manager in IWC's industrialization department.
Another really nice skelton project from another calibre 9720 was done by David Moragon:
David was an apprentice from 1998-2002, and now is a department manager in final assembly.
Many of you know Markus Bühler from his special limited edition Big Pilot's watch. But he actually did what, at least for me, is a horologically more interesting project. He took a calibre 9721 and made it into a tourbillon marine chronometer.
Markus is now department manager, industrialization and movement assembly.
There are several other watches shown by former apprentices. These include a tourbillon by Michael Dubs, an especially blackened movement by Brian Unger, a “vintage” ref/ 811 Yacht Club by Christine Schlatter, and a work by a current apprentice. Mario Dunst, who remarkably won second place in the 2012 Cartier competition with his animation on a Unitas calibre 6497 movement.
These watchmakers also were require to build many of their own tools, and several are on display.
If you happen to be in Schaffhausen, this is a “don't miss”. It's educational, beautiful and also just a lot of fun.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Nelson
Greetings, Martijn
Last edited: 18 June, 2013 - 19:31
Do you know until when these pieces will be displayed?
Waimar
This exhibition will continue until Spring 2013 (probably April or May).
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Thanks for posting something most of us don't even know about, much less get to see.
Dick L.
whichwatch at roadrunner dot com
Always wonder if skeletonising a movement makes it potentially unbalanced as any skeleton work on wheels has to be totally balanced both as to what was removed and what is left without destroying any required rigidity. Good workmanship as far as my iPad can reveal and from an apprentice rather than someone with decades of experience. Have to admire craftsmanship be it a watch maker a carpenter or an artist.
Cheers Greg Chalk
Cvanwhite at aol dot com
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 13:47
As far as I know, they belong to the student. Several years ago, I was offered a piece which a student made. The "deal" didn't work out, which was just as good since these pieces really shouldn't be sold. I do see some for sale from the Technium in Le Locle, a watchmaking school in Western Switzerland.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com