GPHG Horological Revelation Prize: The Foundation Story of Petermann Bèdat and Deatbeat Seconds

The Gafner System also provided to these two young watchmakers with the opportunity to use and revive an old technique to obtain matte surfaces. This technique, achieved with the “poudre du velant” mixed with olive oil, was traditionally used on grande sonnerie pocket watch, but has since been almost forgetten.

 The movement has large balance wheel with a diameter of 11.5 millimeters that vibrates 18.000 per hour, because of team’s fascination with pocket watches. The swan neck fine mechanism mounted on the balance wheel and inspired by the golden age of pocket watches is undoubtedly most elegant tool for adjusting speed. (The using of a German silver three-quarter plate with a swan neck mechanism is undoubtedly elements of the Glashütte watchmaking tradition.) Patek Philippe Calatrava 2526, which they like design of the case, is among the reference points.

However, fairy tale has faced with some problems at this point. The prototype watch came out in 2019 but  was not liked, the deals and hands were found to simple and far from creativity. Therefore, production could not be started and watch was not sold.

While Peterman and Bedat were looking for a way out, they had an opportunity to open a new page when they met with the designer Barth Nussbaumer. They convinced the desinger by making a deal because they did not have financial means to pay.

The watch, which was released in 2020 with its own movement Ref.1967  ( Caliber 171) and an updated dial, found a buyer just a few month before the award.

The team has hired only 3 employees in October, however they instantly gained fame when they were awarded the GPHG Horological Revolution Prize.  They are now making plans for new watches, with a list of of customers waiting in line.

Highlights of Watch:

• Bouncing second feature through the constant mechanism brought by Gafner System.
• Unique hour, minute and second hands.
• Despite it is the first watch of a new brand in the sector, includes an unique mechanical architecture and a great maturity.
• Combining German and Swiss watchmaking elements with a modern design approach.
• The harmony of different elements of mechanism, its structure with contrast and depth.