Boutique watch brand Ochs und Junior was established in 2006 by the extraordinarily talented Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. Originally the company was developed as an outlet to combine horological ideas into a cohesive range of watches. Essentially Ludwig was instrumental in the modern day progression of Ulysse Nardin. As well as being a brilliant watchmaker he is also a qualified mathematician, astronomer, archaeologist and Doctor of Theoretical Physics.
In contrast to Dr. Ludwig Oechslin work at Ulysse Nardin, the concept of Ochs und Junior is very simple. The whole premise of the company is to produce high quality range of watches in small numbers. Fundamentally this allows the flexibility and freedom to make adjustments where necessary. This rational has resulted in the production of some beautiful timepieces including the magnificent Moon Phase Patina.
My first contact with Ochs und Junior was via enigmatic co-owner Beat Weinmann. Over the last six months we have engaged in numerous conversations about the long-term development of the company. Last week the fabulous Moon Phase Patina was delivered and definitely lived up to my expectations. The watch itself isn’t particularly large by present standards (there is also a 39mm model available) measuring only 42mm x 11mm. Generally it felt very comfortable and lightweight to wear. Primarily this is down to the perfectly formed case and use of high performance titanium in production. I feel this watch will definitely appeal to a broad audience including female buyers. My wife was especially seduced by its elegant and unique design.
Visually the Moon Phase Patina is very enticing and highly original. The dial is composed of two layers constructed out of brass and titanium. What makes these incredible watches so exclusive is that they can be customized to the client’s specifications. Realistically this means the customer can choose the colour combination they desire. Other striking features include the die cut minute, sun and moon apertures. Despite the simplistic façade the watch has the most mathematically precise moon phase indication in the world. Ultimately this is down to an ingenious system (consisting of only five components) created by Ludwig Oechslin. All elements of this sublime timepiece are designed and hand assembled at the company’s headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland. Overall I would say the quality and composition of this timepiece is absolutely superb.
Ochs und Junior have equipped Moon Phase Patina with a modified caliber ETA 2824-2. This mechanical automatic movement comprises 25 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The watch features hours, minutes, seconds, date and moon phase indication. It is also pertinent to mention that this model is water resistant to a depth of 50 metres and has a power reserve of 38 hours.
The Moon Phase Patina is presented with an Eco-tanned leather strap (available in a range of colours and lengths) and hand made leather pouch. The suggested retail price is: CHF 8000 (approximately $8,528).
http://www.ochsundjunior.ch
