Jochen Benzinger Subskription Blue Joy

The Benzinger Subskription Blue Joy is very similar to Jochen's Subskription III Blue Illusion — but with a twist. 

While the blued guilloche pattern on this watch, like the Blue Illusion, is created by hand with a straight line machine, the movement and dial of this watch have been rotated 30 degrees counterclockwise.  As you can see, the onion crown on this model can be found at 2 rather than 3.

Also, Jochen chose to take the skeletonization a step further by removing the lower left edge to reveal the skeletonized ground plate below.

This watch immediately catches the eye and demands closer inspection.  The level of craftsmanship and artistry found on this piece requires an immense amount of skill, and few are as capable as Jochen Benzinger.

He continues to exceed our expectations time and time again with his exquisite work.

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The Dial

From a distance, the spiraling dial of this watch suggests the use of a traditional rose engine to create the guilloche pattern.  However, when viewed up lose it becomes evident that the sterling silver dial with blue Galvano lacquer is hand guilloched using a straight line machine.
 
A straight line machine deviates from the conventional use of circular movements. This machine starts from the seconds register and cuts outward, creating a vertical motion. Through this method, intricate patterns are engraved into the dial, with precise details that are scarcely perceptible without magnification. 

The distinct semicircles formed by these fine engravings give the impression of a more conventional technique when viewed at a book reading distance. This process, though meticulous, results in a fascinating effect where the pattern appears to change depending on the lighting and viewing distance.

The top dial displays white Roman numerals which provide contrast and legibility against the black PVD chapter ring.  Next, Jochen adds the skeletonized sub-seconds dial, which can be found at 5 rather than 6. 

This design element is where Jochen Benzinger's Subskription Collection gets its name, and it is often associated with mechanical movements of the finest design.  This configuration requires that the seconds function be separate from the hour and minute display, most notably where the hands are off center. This modification to the movement has been completely made in-house.

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The Skeleton Movement Design

Jochen Benzinger is considered one of the world's best watch artisans for engraving, guilloche dials and skeletonized movements. 

With this watch Jochen proves again why his old-world craftsmanship skills are among the elite in his profession.


Other important features include:

• Hand guilloched blue dial using straight line machine
• Skeletonized movement and dial, bridges and ratcheted crown wheel
• Swan neck fine regulation and screw balance
• Flame blued screws
• Stainless steel case
• Sub-seconds display with 44 hour power reserve