Unusual, rare and still under the radar for many, if you are seeking for such timepiece by an independent watchmaker, this could be the one - The Retro Twin ref. 157 by Paul Gerber. A member of the AHCI, Gerber is a talented independent watchmaker born in Bern, Switzerland. With his workshop setup in Zurich, the brand under his name was established since 1976. His work of arts includes the “Superbia Humanitatis” that was featured in the 2005 Guinness World Book of Records as the most complicated wristwatch ever created alongside with Franck Muller. Mind-blowingly based on a highly complicated self-striking repeater movement by Louis Eysse Piaget, Gerber further added a flying tourbillon, split seconds chronograph, jumping minute and many more on top.
Comparatively much simplistic than the mentioned, the Retro Twin is rather revolutionary. 35mm diameter in size and available across four metals – yellow gold (ref. 155), pink gold (ref. 156), white gold (ref. 157, present example) and platinum (ref.158). Boasting a modified base movement of the Peseux cal. 700, the model features a world’s first flyback retrograde seconds! Powered by a double oscillating system with its novel twin platinum rotors that can be admired through its sapphire caseback.
The stepped case and lugs beautifully frame the clean guilloché dial. The refined slim blued leaf hands complement the blued Breguet numerals that fans out with true elegance. Preserved is exceptional condition and barely worn, the present timepiece is not one that makes an appearance often at auctions.