The Indie Insider is our column dedicated to exploring the vast world of independent watchmaking through the eyes of Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. Expect in-depth coverage of the latest and greatest watchmakers and releases to enter the scene, as well as detailed analysis on all your favorite familiar names.
From a young age, Felipe Pikullik was destined for the intricate world of watchmaking.
His relentless curiosity about how mechanical objects worked was evident as a child. The allure of watchmaking captivated him and quickly became his dream.
Remarkably, he’s only 29 years old, yet his watchmaking résumé rivals those of industry veterans.
Starting watchmaking school over a decade ago at the age of 18, Pikullik secured an apprenticeship with Stefan Kudoke, where he mastered the art of finishing under the guidance of one of Germany's leading independent watchmakers.
Pikullik changed roles around a year later, honing his skills under Rolf Lang in Dresden, where he learned prototyping and part-making.
During this time, he collected books and saved money with the goal of eventually starting his own workshop in Berlin, a city whose lifestyle and pace suited him better. This move also opened up opportunities to work on repairs of vintage and modern clocks and watches.
These experiences provided him with exposure to a variety of styles and techniques that would shape his future creations and help him discover his identity as a watchmaker.
The result of Pikullik's early efforts was the "Prius Collection," a 2017 release of five limited-edition skeletonized models crafted by the then-23-year-old in his living room workshop. Using modified ébauche calibers, Pikullik honed his talent and tools with an eye toward eventually creating his own movements.
Though he wasn't yet at his ultimate goal of creating a complete wristwatch by hand, it still marked a significant milestone in Pikullik's journey.
Last year, Pikullik unveiled the Mondphase 1, a testament to his pursuit of the ideal form of hand-crafted watchmaking. Collectors took notice. It was clear that his skills were advancing. The quality of his work was undeniable.
All the elements that make Pikullik an exceptional watchmaker come together in a refined and unique whole with the Mondphase 1. Opting to display only a portion of the gear train while keeping the balance concealed differentiates it from many other semi-openworked watches. Most impressively, Pikullik actually built the entire gear train for the Mondphase 1 from scratch. The craftsmanship is outstanding, with intricate details that emerge upon close examination.
The chapter ring is black-polished steel, while the dial itself has been frosted, beveled, and polished. The three-dimensional moon-phase display is shaped by hand before receiving a frosting treatment that matches the dial.
Pikullik is clear-sighted that his desire to produce a fully handcrafted watch from his Berlin workshop remains unfulfilled – however, with each passing day, little by little, he moves closer and closer to achieving that dream.
You can learn more about Felipe Pikullik online at his website.
All images courtesy Felipe Pikullik.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past decade working in watch-focused media, reporting on every aspect of the industry. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.
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