Winnerl Tremblage, White Gold

Having run his own atelier for the best part of two decades, Bernhard Zwinz is undoubtedly a veteran of the Swiss watchmaking industry, and has developed a reputation for being the person to come to when a difficult task needs to be pulled off. He has worked alongside some of the best-known names in the independent space: Philippe Dufour, Greubel & Forsey, Roger Dubuis, Andreas Strehler, Maximilian Büsser and Gerd-Rüdiger Lang, just to name a few.

Zwinz has begun producing his own watches under his fellow countryman’s name, bringing J. TH. Winnerl's work into the 21st century. The watches benefit not only from Zwinz's extensive expertise, but his obsessive dedication to perfection. He works alone, making this serial production all the more impressive.

Created entirely by hand, the watch draws inspiration from a 19th century marine chronometre created by J. TH. Winnerl, from the appearance of the dial to the layout of the movement. The Tremblage Series consists of a very limited number of six watches, of which this number 601 is the first. The numbering of the watches reflects a continuation from the serial numbers of the last known clocks produced by J. TH. Winnerl.

The series was named after the fascinating style of finishing found on the dial, and is derived from the French word "trembler", or “tremble” in English. The Tremblage texture is created by a lightly tapping a burin across the surface of the dial, more than 200,000 times, creating small dimples that give the dial a subtly shimmering quality when viewed as a whole. While this method may seem reminiscent of a hand-hammered dial, Zwinz elevates the style, giving the randomly placed dimples a sense of uniformity and steadiness, ensuring a beautifully even texture throughout. However, each dial remains truly unique, as the dimple pattern on no two timepieces is exactly the same. Despite the fact that the back of the dial is very rarely seen, it is beautifully finished with a tessellated and brushed pattern.

The dial features a sub-seconds register at 12 o'clock, rather than the typical 6 o'clock placement – this is in keeping with the marine chronometre dial layout Zwinz worked from. The construction of the dial furniture is especially fascinating as Zwinz has created everything – the black polished Roman numerals and chemin de fer minute track – from a single, contiguous piece of 18kt gold. This eliminates the need for separately applied markers, that could loosen or detach in case the watch receives a shock. These choices demonstrate Zwinz’s approach to innovation and solving issues, pursuit of excellence and long-term thinking. The extraordinarily slender, delicately made, blued steel Breguet hands are yet another refined touch to an already visually rich dial.

Zwinz continues J. TH. Winnerl's heritage even within the movement of the watch, as he remains faithful to the layout of the gear train and bridges. A notable feature of the movement is the bowl-shaped balance wheel, with its 45-degree slant, that allows the watchmaker to adjust the inward-facing screws – a rather unusual feature – without removing the wheel from the movement. Additionally, this arrangement allows for more refined timing adjustments to be made.

In keeping with the style of the marine chronometre, the movement is largely covered by a three-quarter plate, but Zwinz covers it with mesmerising waves of Geneva stripes, executed in a startlingly even pattern. The glimpse we get into the movement also displays beautifully executed perlage underneath the balance wheel, as well as Zwinz’s unique anglage technique, with sharply bevelled, chamfered and polished edges throughout.

From a broader point of view, Zwinz has often been known for his watchmaking skills, but his vision encompasses the finer details, down to the design of the buckle, and even when it comes to the construction of the marine chronometre-style box, which has been carefully sourced from specialist manufactures and makers.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Winnerl Tremblage will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition & Warranty

This Winnerl Tremblage is brand new watch and comes as a full set, with box, papers and all other accompanying materials. It is guaranteed for authenticity by Winnerl and has the manufacture's full warranty.