A new Swedish independent watch manufacturer Kaj Korpela enters the watchmaking market with its exceptional watch equipped with a rectangular movement featuring a tourbillon. The very first piece from the young and talented watchmaker is named Timepiece No. 1.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No. 1 reminds of the Art Deco style. It seems like it took inspiration from timepieces such as A. Lange & Söhne’s Cabaret or the Patek Philippe’s Gondolo.
Korpela’s first timepiece is a hand-wound wristwatch with a one-minute tourbillon regulator. The tourbillon incorporated in this timepiece is traditional featuring a free-sprung copper-beryllium (BeCu) balance wheel that operates at the semi-rapid frequency of 21,600 alternations per hour (3 Hz). It comes with four platinum weights for regulation and it is attached to a hairspring with a Phillips terminal curve. BeCu is beryllium copper alloy which combines strength with non-magnetic and non-sparking properties. The impeccable movement provides no less than 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 – Back
The Swedish watchmaker makes most of the Timepiece No. 1 by himself, from the case, dial, as well as almost all of the movement (except for jewels and springs). As it is reported from the manufacturer, it took approximately 2,300 hours to complete the first exemplar which is equivalent to an entire year’s work.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 – Profile
The rectangular case features angular lines and measures 25.70mm x 43.40mm and it is only 8.50mm thick. The case of the first piece is milled from a block of brass, plated in rose gold. Once all the parts are done, the polishing process goes next. Although the prototype is made in rose gold, Timepiece No. 1 will be offered in different case material options including white, yellow or rose gold, platinum or stainless steel (it is up to the customer).
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 – Case
The dial side of the watch is distinguished by simple shapes and follows the principle of readability. There are two skeletonized hands displaying the time by sweeping on a raised dial on the top of an engine turned background.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 – Dial
The lower part of the dial is reserved for the one-minute tourbillon. The exceptionally eye-catching tourbillon can be observed from both sides.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 – Tourbillon
From the rear, the gear train bridge covers most of the mechanism excluding the mentioned tourbillon which is visible through a round window.
Kaj Korpela Timepiece No.1 Case Back
Speaking about the price, it will be determined with the future owner of each piece and it will depend on case material and other specific requests of each customer. Only 5 pieces will be created and they will be available direct from Atelier Korpela.
The Swedish watchmaker Kaj Korpela was born in Sweden in 1982. He started working at Ulysse Nardin, then followed a year at Janvier S.A., Vianney Halter’s workshop. Recently, Korpela has started his own atelier in Bern, working as a producer of parts and timepieces for other watchmaking brands. The Timepiece No. 1 is his first creation.
