Cédric Johner may not be a household name but he is part of the first pioneer independent watchmakers having created their eponymous brand. After a few years working in jewelry Johner set up his workshops in Geneva and presented his first wristwatch in 1997.

His approach to watchmaking merged both his horological and jewelry background. He remained traditional with his movements in their conception and presentation but his cases were delightfully creative, unusual and playful.

The present Abysse 24 Heures takes Johner’s signature case design and houses a very original 24 hour time display on a dial with carbon fiber centre and exploding numerals.

This watch takes us back to a time, when now-household names such as F.P. Journe or Roger Smith were experimenting, producing their very first prototypes, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and re-defining the meaning of watchmaking. Industry veterans will look back at this golden period of horology as the cradle of Independent Watchmaking, with doses of both pride and nostalgia.