Felipe Pikullik: A Rising Star in the Watchmaking Galaxy
In the world of haute horlogerie, where time is measured in the dance of intricate gears and the delicate balance of springs, a new star is rising: Felipe Pikullik. This young watchmaker, based in Berlin, is captivating collectors and connoisseurs with his unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and celestial inspiration. His timepieces, more than mere instruments to mark the hours, are miniature universes, each telling a story of meticulous handcrafting and astronomical fascination.
Pikullik’s journey began in Glashütte, the heart of German watchmaking, where he honed his skills at the renowned watchmaking school. Apprenticeships and collaborations with independent watchmakers like Kudoke and Rolf Lang further enriched his expertise, allowing him to master the art of prototyping, part manufacturing, finishing, and servicing timepieces.
In 2017, at the age of 23, Pikullik launched his eponymous brand, introducing the “Prius Collection,” a series of five skeletonized timepieces that showcased his exceptional talent. Working from his living room workshop, he meticulously handcrafted each piece, demonstrating his dedication to the art of watchmaking.
Since then, Pikullik has continued to push the boundaries of horological innovation, releasing five distinct models, each a testament to his evolving vision. His timepieces are characterized by their astronomical complications, intricate hand-engraving, and meticulous finishing. The “Mondphase 1,” the first complicated timepiece in his collection, marked a significant leap forward, paving the way for his first in-house, complicated movement.
And now, Pikullik is set to unveil his latest masterpiece: the “Mondphase 1 Meteorite.” This exclusive timepiece, limited to just 20 pieces, is a testament to Pikullik’s celestial inspiration and his unwavering commitment to handcrafted excellence.
A Meteorite Dial: A Touch of the Cosmos
The “Mondphase 1 Meteorite” is distinguished by its extraordinary dial, crafted from fragments of a meteorite that graced the Earth some 80 million years ago. The Widmanstätten patterns, a unique crystalline structure formed over eons, adorn each dial, making every watch a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
The meteorite’s exceptional finish, with its beveled edges catching the light like platinum, adds another layer of intrigue. The dial also features in-house manufactured hands, a delicate chapter ring held by tiny rivets, and hand-engraved inscriptions, all testament to Pikullik’s meticulous attention to detail.
A Moonphase Complication: A Glimpse into the Southern Sky
The moonphase complication, a signature element of the “Mondphase 1,” is a testament to Pikullik’s astronomical fascination. This in-house designed and manufactured complication presents a three-dimensional moon, its movement driven by a brass gear crafted on the same vintage Schaublin lathe as the moon itself.
Notably, the moonphase is oriented towards the southern hemisphere, a subtle nod to Pikullik’s roots in Brazil. This celestial complication, visible through an aperture on the dial and the exhibition caseback, adds a touch of cosmic wonder to the timepiece.
A Handcrafted Movement: A Symphony of Skill and Precision
The “Mondphase 1 Meteorite” is not just a beautiful face; it’s powered by a movement that’s equally impressive. Based on a Unitas movement, it features extensive modifications, including hand-skeletonized bridges, gold-plated gears, a gold-plated balance cock, and the moonphase complication.
The movement’s finishing is a testament to Pikullik’s dedication to handcrafted excellence. Frosted surfaces, hand-beveled edges, a snailed ratchet wheel, black polished screw heads, and a hand-engraved balance cock all contribute to the visual symphony.
More Than Just a Timepiece
The “Mondphase 1 Meteorite” is more than just a timepiece; it’s a wearable piece of art, a testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and celestial inspiration. It’s a watch that tells a story, not just of time, but of the cosmos, of meticulous handcrafting, and of a rising star in the watchmaking galaxy.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel with brushed finish, 41mm in diameter, 10.5mm in thickness, 50 meters water resistance
- Movement: Handcrafted, three-dimensional moonphase complication, in-house designed and manufactured components, hand-skeletonized bridges, gold-plated gears, gold-plated balance cock, frosted surfaces, hand-beveled edges, snailed ratchet wheel, black polished screw heads, hand-engraved balance cock, approximately 48-hour power reserve
- Dial and Hands: Dial crafted from Laramidia meteorite with Widmanstätten pattern, blue and purple heat-treated hands and chapter ring, in-house manufactured
- Strap and Buckle: Calfskin strap with stainless steel pin buckle
- Retail Price: EUR 32,000 (excluding tax)
- Limited Edition: 20 pieces
Highlights
- Founded: 2017
- Origin: Germany
- Average Price: Approx. $35,000 USD
- Products: Handcrafted watches with astronomical complications
- Unique Feature: Dials made from meteorites, in-house complications