Presented in an exclusive release of only ten pieces, the Cédric Johner Abyss 1056/4 TLE 10th Anniversary Limited Edition watch pays tribute to the art of contemporary Independent Watchmaking and to one of its most significant artisans. Featuring the signature styling references of Johner together with his renowned hand finished detailing, this is an effortlessly stylish special edition model created in celebration of the tenth anniversary of The Limited Edition. A characterful piece of immense charm, the model features an exquisite champagne toned dial decorated with hand guilloché and is presented in the maker’s distinctive curvaceous tonneau shaped case. The exceptional aesthetic composition of both the dial and also the hand made stainless steel case of the model are further complemented by the old-school refinement which has been devoted to the manual winding mechanical calibre at the Cédric Johner atelier.

Keeping the Craft Alive

One of the forerunners of contemporary Independent Watchmaking, Cédric Johner has been working diligently at his bench keeping centuries old watchmaking techniques alive for more than thirty years. Known to only the most seasoned collectors of fine watchmaking, he is nonetheless of profound importance within the industry and is widely renowned as a vanguard of the independent watchmaking genre. Since their inception in 2005, Independent watch specialist retailer The Limited Edition have displayed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of both the Masters and also the rising stars of Independent Watchmaking sector, and in celebration of their tenth anniversary, the company has released a series of unique collaborative pieces. They are honoured to work with Cédric, a legendary watchmaker who has a significant place within the history of Independent Watchmaking, to bring this remarkable hand crafted special edition piece to their clients.

Contemporary Traditions

Just like the artist’s personality arises from the first brush stroke of paint from the palette, Cédric Johner’s watches are also an extension of the maker’s identify. Beginning with only the raw material, each watch case is sculpted at his hands, as the artisan turns hard metal into the subtle tonneau profile that is unmistakably Johner. Reflecting his talents for jewellery making and exhibiting remarkable purity of form, the architecture of each piece is shaped to display contours that flow seamlessly from lug tip to lug tip, until perfection is achieved. Measuring 39mm across and 47mm in length, each case is individually crafted from 316L stainless steel, and its avant garde design is complemented by a sapphire crystal that rests flush upon the tactile bezel.

Unique to this celebratory edition, the champagne-toned dial is crafted over two levels so that it evokes wonderful depth and beauty. Following the design cues of the softened hexagonal profile of the bezel and the sapphire crystal, the outer section is adorned with art deco style arabic numerals rendered in deep blue, while the intricate guilloché on the recessed inner section has been achieved entirely by hand on a vintage rose engine machine from the 1940s. To finish, the steel hand-cut and hand-chamfered hands for the hours and minutes curve seductively to teardrops leading to fine needle pointed tips, and the provenance of the piece is declared just beneath the swirled 12 o’clock numerals.

A Calibre Reimagined

Beating at a leisurely rate of 18’000 vib/h, and with a power reserve of 38 hours, the calibre began its life as a classic Cyma Cal 586 K manual winding movement from the mid-20th century. Significantly revised, reimagined and refined, the calibre has been stripped down to its component form at the Cédric Johner atelier, then enhanced with ruthenium plating, satin finishing and gleaming anglage. Beautifully proportioned, with a generous pink ruby at its centre, the calibre displays immaculate Haute Horlogerie detailing which can be appreciated through the rear sapphire crystal.

An exquisite example of masterful horological elegance from one of Independent Watchmaking’s most prestigious ateliers, each Cédric Johner Abyss TLE 10th Anniversary watch will be a Pièce Unique due to the hand-crafted processes involved. Strictly limited to only ten pieces, the watch wears on a leather strap hand made in Geneva secured with a pin buckle.