Today was my last day at the Basel Trade Fair and was originally planned for jewelry visits in Hall 2. The hardcore watch fans know that they should not be stucked in Hall 1, 3 and 5. Hall 2, officially the high-end jewelry hall, also has some ‘pearl’ watch brands present there.
Since it was our last day I did not have much time to take pictures, but I do want to share this picture quickly:
One of these pearls in hall 2 is Scalfaro. Therefore, I did make some time to visit my friend Dominik Kunhle, who founded Scalfaro with his brother 7 years ago. They are born and raised in Germany and part of a jewelry maker family. The Kunhle Brothers are great WatchFreaks and in 2002 they started to turn their dreams into reality. Every since, the do not only create interesting designs, but actually manufacture 70% of all the components themselves in their factory in Switzerland.
Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time to sit down relaxed and take that many pictures. But there is something that struck me as off during this fair: the lack of options provided by the watch manufacturers for watch owners to personalize their watches. I personally believe that this is the future (or actually back to the roots) of high-end watchmaking! I salute Vacheron Constatin with the introduction of the Quai de L’Ile collection about year and a half ago. My personal dream is also to design and manufacture a mechanical watch one day. With my family we made the first steps and have a prototype of a case ready, but even I underestimated how much work it takes to get things done. So, I know why high-end watch brands are NOT eager to make custom made watches.
My questions to you, my fellow WatchFreaks:
1. Did you have the need to have your watch personalized?
2. If so, what would you like to personalize? Dial, Case, name on movement, complete model, etc?
3. How much more would you be willing to spend (percentage) to get this done?
I hope that I do not ask to many questions, any input is appreciated.
Tags: basel 2009, baselworld, personalisation watches, personalized watch, scalfaro
WatchFreaks 
May 22, 2009 at 12:12 am |
Да,aleks,побороть лень, действительно иногда очень сложно..
May 25, 2009 at 6:25 am |
Класно! Нашел, наконец толковый блог на просторах интернета) Ура!
July 8, 2009 at 6:06 am |
BaselWorld 2009 sounds great and a good resource especially for watch lovers out there. My favorite brand is Rolex. Are there any new models or developments introduced by this specific watchmaker?
July 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm |
True! I would love this piece: Jaeger-LeCoultre Ideale to be personalized too. I love this brand, but I wanted to change the dial to light pink mother of pearl and the hour markers be embellished with full-cut diamonds. In addition to this, I was thinking why not change the fold-down clasp to a bangle bracelet clasp type.
September 21, 2009 at 8:53 am |
The Hall 2 of BaselWorld reminds of Aladdin’s treasure cave: precious metals, diamonds and unique movements. It makes a real gem of the Fair.
October 17, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
I personally would not want my watch personalized, I like them in their unmodified state. I suppose if you new for a fact you would keep a piece forever then it might be something to consider. I do like some of the PVD mods that are being done, but again I would rather have it be PVD from the manufacturer. This is not always possible for one you might already own the watch or it is not offered with option. I think a lot of mods look great, but I will not do any.
November 2, 2009 at 1:42 pm |
if you think im with you
January 18, 2010 at 8:38 pm |
Hi, I am planning on heading to BaselWorld 2010, am wondering if you can give me some ideas on how long I should make my trip. I would like to do a mix of things; check out the big brands and their new toys, meet private label watch makers, packaging companies, etc.
February 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm |
Man I would love to go to Baselworld. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the most out of it? I know that’s kind of ambiguous, but you only have so much time and I’m sure there are some spots you wouldn’t mind missing. Much appreciated.