Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion

Guilloched by hand using a straight line machine
• Watch diameter (mm): 42.0
• Watch height (mm): 11.0
• Lug width (mm): 22
• Lug to lug (mm): 51
• Case back: Transparent
• Case metal: Stainless steel
• Dial color: Blue
• Front crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Manual mechanical
• Strap or bracelet: Strap
• Manufacturer's limited warranty: 2 years
• Warranty service: RGM or Benzinger

WatchPoint Rewards Logo
Learn how to earn 20240 WatchPoint Rewards

WatchBuys Price: $10,120

Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion
Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion

(Click Image to Enlarge)
Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion
Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion
Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion
Jochen Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion
Product Details

Drawing A Crowd

Jochen Benzinger watches do not just catch the eye, they tend to draw a crowd.  

And although we have quite lofty expectations for Jochen at this point, he continues to exceed them time and time again with his exquisite work.

The Benzinger Subskription III Blue Illusion is no exception, and we were particularly excited to receive this addition to the Subskription Collection as it is his first Subskription to feature a guilloche pattern created with a straight line machine.



The Illusion

From a distance, the 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 illusion where the pattern appears to change depending on the lighting and viewing distance.

The top dial displays white Arabic numerals which provide contrast and legibility against the black Rhodium chapter ring.  Next, Jochen adds the skeletonized sub-seconds dial, which can be found at 6.  This design element is where the collection of Jochen Benzinger's Subskription watches gets their names, and it is often associated with mechanical movements of the finest design. 

This design requires that the seconds function be separated from the hour and minute displays, most notably where the hands are off center. This modification to the movement has been completely made in-house.



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, bridges and ratcheted crown wheel
  • Swan neck fine regulation
  • Flame blued screws
  • Stainless steel case
  • Sub-seconds display with 44 hour power reserve

Sapphire crystals on both sides. The presentation box is elaborate, and naturally features engraved plates describing and naming the watch.

This watch ships with a black rubber strap.



Watch specifications are provided by the respective watch manufacturer and/or other sources. Although we use best efforts to provide accurate information, we reserve the right to make corrections when advised of specification changes and/or content errors.


The Rose Engine


The rose engine is a type of geometric lathe, many of which date back more than 100 years.

Operated entirely by hand, each cut must be precisely made or the entire watch component is ruined and must be started again.

There are very few craftsmen in the world who are trained as experts in the operations of rose engines, engine turning and hand guilloche, and these techniques are employed in all Jochen Benzinger watches.


Rose Engine

















The Graver


This hand tool is the same as employed by the 16th century German painter and engraver Albrecht Durer.

Jochen Benzinger uses these graver tools to cut and decorate movement parts.

Watch Graver















Skeleton Saw


A skeleton saw (or "fine fretsaw") is usually associated with work done by master goldsmiths, but Jochen Benzinger use this tool to create the skeletonizing of the bridges.

Watch Skeletonizating