Kerbedanz Maximus
What’s in a name? Well, quite a lot actually, and when you’re committed to producing avant-garde, ultra limited pieces, the name you choose must be both meaningful and significant. Step forward Kerbedanz, one of the most formidable watchmaking brands we’ve come across. Based in Neuchâtel, the brand was founded by Tigran Kerbedanz who paid tribute to his ancestor, a respected blacksmith, in the name he gave to his brand. He was celebrated for his incredible ability to shape metal at his will, as well as for his generosity, and his reputation quickly grew. The antique clocks he repaired meant horology was always in the Kerbedanz blood, and the name is a warm accolade. Even more appropriately, its etymological meanings – leader and precursor – succinctly sum up the ethos of the brand. Precursors in the concept of the products themselves, they also class themselves as leaders, as the very limited number of models they make are reserved for an exclusive audience only.
Kerbedanz Squama
The watches themselves live up to the hype. Paying due respect to centuries of Swiss Haute Horlogerie tradition, they incorporate only the best materials, and aim for the highest standards possible when it comes to all aspects, from design and constructing to finishing. The tribute to the high jewellery traditions in the Kerbedanz family is the perfect foil for the contemporary materials used. Micro-sculpture, bas-relief detailing and relief in hollow – a technique widely used by the ancient Egyptians to create volume by digging depth – are just some of the intricate techniques the watches undergo, and they have put their own touch on commonly-used techniques. Take enamelling; it is typically a glaze composed of materials including silica and metal oxides that are subjected to very high temperatures. Kerbedanz glazing takes the process a step further, making particular compositions of coloured powders to obtain dazzling shades.
Kerbedanz A’Ghrian
The results are astounding. Everything from the Squama, where a beautiful black and rose gold skeleton and textured dial take centre-stage, to the A’Ghrian, which takes the name of the sun and is just as invigorating, will take your breath away. With their unique pieces, there is nothing that can’t be customised by the client – everything from the structure, to the numbers and the colour and decor of the base dial, is up to you. For Tigran Kerbedanz, it really seems there is nothing he can’t do. In his own words, he tells us about his latest creation, Maximus.
What were the technical achievements in the creation of Maximus?
“Not only does the Maximus flying tourbillon by Kerbedanz allow one to better observe and understand the subtleties of this fascinating mechanism, thanks to its sheer size, but it also demonstrates the extent of the company’s watchmaking competencies. This watch required the conception and manufacturing of a special balance spring, a rack with a screw for fine adjustment and a balance wheel. The cage of this watch makes a full rotation once every six minutes, and not in sixty seconds, which is usually the case. In terms of energy, the Caliber KRB-08, with its giant central flying tourbillon, in-line pallets, and 27-millimetre cage, boasts four parallel barrel springs that drive a central wheel mounted on ball-bearings. This produces enough power for a tourbillon of such size.”
“It runs at a frequency of 2.5 Hertz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour. The feat lies in being able to develop a power reserve of 54 hours, which is displayed on a separate indicator. The watch is made up of 415 carefully assembled components, of which 73 are dedicated to the tourbillon cage. The latter is made entirely of titanium and only weighs 1.35 grams. Achieving such perfection requires the expert hands of select watchmakers.”
The Maximus has the largest tourbillon ever seen in a wristwatch at 27mm wide.
What is special about Maximus?
“It is a world premiere in a limited edition of 99 pieces. Maximus is the world’s largest tourbillon cage, measuring 27 millimetres across. The Maximus masterpiece of horological micromechanics was introduced to the media and all the world’s buyers at the end of March at the Baselworld trade fair. It is an unusual timepiece that breaks the mould. With its large cage, which is almost twice the size of the largest one known to date, it is the biggest wristwatch with tourbillon in the world. It couldn’t have been called anything but Maximus.”
Find out more at: www.kerbedanz.com
