HTH ‘Homage to Harrison’ (Breguet numerals)

From one of the most outstanding young watchmaking talents to emerge in the past few years, the HTH ‘Homage To Harrison’ by Berlin based independent watchmaker Felipe Pikullik is a quite exceptional wristwatch of breathtaking beauty, uncompromising attention to detail and immaculate finishing throughout. Inspired by the legacy of eighteenth century English Master John Harrison, the young watchmaker has created this lovingly produced tribute to one of the great horological pioneers of all time, and with its frosted dial and meticulously engraved movement, the HTH is both a piece of contemporary watchmaking art, while also displaying the traditional craftsmanship which are the hallmarks of a true artisanal watchmaker.

The rounded stainless steel case features elegant, sculpted lugs which, like the bezel and underside bezel, are polished, creating a tasteful contrast with the band of fine brushed finishing around the flat-sided waist of the case. Measuring 41mm across and 10.5mm tall, the HTH ‘Homage To Harrison’ has a distinguished presence on the wrist. The slender rim of the bezel gives way to a gently curved sapphire crystal, and the grey dial beneath. The classical frosted texture and slate grey colour of the surface is achieved via a process of sandblasting on the brass disc, which is then plated in black rhodium. The hour markers, small seconds partition and chapter ring are crafted in one delicate piece, which has been black polished to a mirror finish and applied to the surface, adding depth of field to the dial and complementing the similar finish of the tapering spear hour, minute and second hands.

A sapphire caseback reveals a breathtaking vista of contrasts and elaborate hand engraving, which adorns the manual winding HTH movement. Based on the ETA 6498 calibre, the watchmaker has disassembled the original and transformed it into a métiers d’art masterpiece, using in-house manufactured components finished to the exacting standards of haute horlogerie. Featuring flawless anglage polishing to define the curvature of its leading edge, the main plate is plated in black rhodium while the balance cock is plated in yellow gold, and holds the screw balance is another classical nuance, which Beating at 21’600 vib/h it boasts a power reserve of at least fifty hours. Presented on a calfskin leather strap with pin buckle, the HTH ‘Homage to Harrison’ by Felipe Pikullik is a wonderful piece of exquisite hand crafted watchmaking, with the exclusivity of being manufactured individually in a limited production of no more than fifty pieces.