I headed over to see Sylvain Pinaud. His atelier is a short walk from where Vianney has his in Sainte-Croix. I was greeted by the big Sylvain smile and he showed me around the workshop that has changed a bit since I was last there in June 2022.
He now is in full production mode of his Origine series watches which collectors are starting to receive, to much fanfare. He showed me the Only Watch model that was a one off piece, so I was able to snap a picture of that, a great execution to my mind.
Only Watch 2023 Origine from Sylvain Pinaud cased in steel.
He told me about some upcoming projects, namely the monopusher chronograph that was his very first wristwatch, and how a newer version will been a collaboration with William Rohr from Messina Lab. That chronograph watch I saw back in Baselworld 2018 from memory, was what triggered my mind as to Sylvain’s deep understanding and high skill in haute horology. Super to see where he has come to now with his business.
Initial Monopusher Chronograph model from Sylvain. The newer version will have a more conventional round case.
Due to his win in the GPHG “Horological Revelations” awards for his Origine Series watch in 2023, he has now got 6+ years of back orders to fulfill! I’m so happy to see this situation and I’m thrilled to say that this is in stark contrast to when I previously met him in June 2022. The snowball effect had not yet begun then. Clearly it was well down the mountain side at this point in time!
Sylvain had just received a box of 18K rose gold and gray gold cases. He was quite excited. He is sold out of around 60 or 65 pieces as of writing. This will provide many years of work as mentioned above. I have to say his quality in terms of hand finishing has been raised over time, when I compared his early work to the watch is being finished now, it is clear to see the improvements.
This platinum watch features a black polished Rose Gold balance bridge.
Semi completed Origine caliber, very fine black polishing with traditional high quality hand anglage and perlage one would expect in a haute horlogerie piece such as this.
As with many other artisanal Independent Watchmakers, client are able to customize certain aspects of their watches. The two WG cased pieces have different colored Balance Wheel black polished bridges. Also, I was there as he opened up his initial order of 18K RG cases, one is seen here at the bottom of the image.
We spoke more about the business and where he sees his company heading with the projects he has in mind, as it was getting late and time to head back, we said our goodbyes and I headed down the hill, back to Neuchâtel after a full day of superb high-end independent watchmaking.
Thank you/Merci beaucoup Sylvain for another fine visit to your atelier.