US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
73
Ondrej Berkus
"Remontoire Dead Beat Seconds"
A surprising and highly artisanal titanium dead beat seconds wrist tourbillon with one second remontoire, fumée sapphire dial and power reserve
- Estimate
- CHF30,000 - 70,000€32,400 - 75,500$37,700 - 87,900
CHF69,850
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Ondrej Berkus
- Year
- Circa 2023
- Model Name
- "Remontoire Dead Beat Seconds"
- Material
- Titanium
- Calibre
- Manual inhouse
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 37mm diameter
- Signed
- Tourbillon cage signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Imagine an independent watchmaker that many seasoned independent watch aficionados have not heard of, who does not have a website and who’s order books are full for the next 10-15 years!
Ondřej Berkus is one such maker and we are delighted to offer one of his creations for the first time in an international auction room.
Ondřej Berkus is a self-taught watchmaker from the Czech Republic who merges traditional craftsmanship with unconventional and, at times, futuristic designs. With a background in precision engineering, Berkus began his career crafting knives for several years before turning to watches where he could express his creativity in a more defined manner.
The consignor first contacted Berkus in 2020, looking for two features in the watch that always fascinated him: the constant-force mechanism and the deadbeat seconds display. They may appear simple on paper, but in reality they are among the most technically challenging feats a watchmaker can tackle. Only after half a year of discussions did he agree to proceed, beginning work at the end of 2021.
The project would not reach completion until 2023. The challenges were as numerous as they were complex. Chief among them: the decision to position the tourbillon at the center of the dial. This is far from a standard arrangement—it demands a fundamental re-engineering of the gear train. On top of that, he incorporated a constant-force mechanism using a Reuleaux triangle and fork to regulate the spring driving the escapement wheel, a nod to the ingenious designs of the late Derek Pratt.
Berkus and the consignor agreed from the onset that this watch’s complication deserved an uncluttered stage and in an incredibly bold almost revolutionary move they decided to dispense with the hour and minute hands, allowing the flying deadbeat tourbillon to dominate the dial
And yet, Berkus included one functional flourish: a power reserve indicator on the caseback, inspired by marine chronometers whereby the power reserve is not indicated by hours remaining but hours elapsed since wound.
The present timepiece is a testament to independent watchmaking’s ability to surprise, challenge, and inspire—a work of horological art that just happens to tick.
Ondřej Berkus is one such maker and we are delighted to offer one of his creations for the first time in an international auction room.
Ondřej Berkus is a self-taught watchmaker from the Czech Republic who merges traditional craftsmanship with unconventional and, at times, futuristic designs. With a background in precision engineering, Berkus began his career crafting knives for several years before turning to watches where he could express his creativity in a more defined manner.
The consignor first contacted Berkus in 2020, looking for two features in the watch that always fascinated him: the constant-force mechanism and the deadbeat seconds display. They may appear simple on paper, but in reality they are among the most technically challenging feats a watchmaker can tackle. Only after half a year of discussions did he agree to proceed, beginning work at the end of 2021.
The project would not reach completion until 2023. The challenges were as numerous as they were complex. Chief among them: the decision to position the tourbillon at the center of the dial. This is far from a standard arrangement—it demands a fundamental re-engineering of the gear train. On top of that, he incorporated a constant-force mechanism using a Reuleaux triangle and fork to regulate the spring driving the escapement wheel, a nod to the ingenious designs of the late Derek Pratt.
Berkus and the consignor agreed from the onset that this watch’s complication deserved an uncluttered stage and in an incredibly bold almost revolutionary move they decided to dispense with the hour and minute hands, allowing the flying deadbeat tourbillon to dominate the dial
And yet, Berkus included one functional flourish: a power reserve indicator on the caseback, inspired by marine chronometers whereby the power reserve is not indicated by hours remaining but hours elapsed since wound.
The present timepiece is a testament to independent watchmaking’s ability to surprise, challenge, and inspire—a work of horological art that just happens to tick.