The Most Incredible Watch I’ve Ever Reviewed

[@watchfinder]

I want to take a minute to personally thank Johannes for welcoming me into this watchmaking journey. Of course, this watch is no Triple Split, but for me, this is a unique and privileged opportunity to be there at the nascence of something truly special, and that means a huge amount to me. Thanks Johannes!

[@Konsaliki]

Will there be additional footage of you interviewing Johannes, Andrew? That would be highly appreciated.

[@watchfinder]

@@Konsaliki Unfortunately not, but perhaps one day we’ll invite him to talk with us on our Wednesday show!

[@davidhunternyc1]

Your prose is always beautiful and you rarely resort to hyperbole so when I saw the title of this video I stopped everything and payed attention. At first, I thought this was an A. Lange & Sohne but, no, this watch is by someone I never heard of. The dial is simple, minimal, and without flaw but the devil is in the details. The proof of the pudding is the movement. By the end of this video I was impressed but perplexed. Despite the custom work the movement is still an ETA movement, though highly modified. This isn't a knock but after this short video this watch is unclear to me. Perhaps a longer more thorough video is needed. This is, after all, the most incredible watch you ever reviewed. Johannes Kallinich deserves a bigger spotlight.

[@RobCCTV]

No mention of price then. I assume it is a big number...

[@sushimshah2896]

@@RobCCTV well it'd probably not be for sale seeing how it might be just the only one

[@Superdada]

Speaks highly of A. Longe & Sohne to let him have the freedom to create his dream. No doubt many resources were required from his colleagues to create this beautiful piece.

[@mattwasilewicz9677]

You can tell the brand appreciates him. They basically gave him the case, dial and hands. I own Richard Lange, so this was a very interesting video for me. Basically like seeing a new configuration of my same watch, very cool

[@BoyneShark]

This is an incredible first watch, and puts him on a par with the likes of the late, great, George Daniels. There's no doubt A. Longe & Sohne recognise his talent and feel it's better to accommodate his urge to create rather than lose him to a competitor. This lad is one to watch... no pun intended.

[@DrJanLindberg]

You mean A. Lange & Söhne.

[@Superdada]

@@DrJanLindberg I meant “B. Sange & Löhne”. Thanks.

[@dr.python]

A Lange § Sohne for life #Germany

[@synthsocialist]

Whilst I'll never get to see let alone own a lot of the watches featured here, I must thank you not only for this channel showcasing them, but for showing this watch in particular. This is truly a piece of art, almost more so than some of the most amazing watches you've featured here. underneath the lovely, understated and classic dial, lies some true beauty from an artistic, engineering and horological standpoint. Glad you got to feature this.

[@r.l.7160]

What an absolutely wonderful tale of perfection! I truly enjoyed the story about this new watch -- probably more so than any of your other videos. Not because of the watch , but because of the quality, passion and drive of the watchmaker himself. People pushing themselves to create, without taking the "easy" way out, shows the best part of humanity, and is rarely seen and is often unappreciated. Thank you for taking a moment and sharing this passionate watchmaker's story-- it shows how passionate you are and I didn't want it to go unappreciated.

[@StopFear]

When has this channel ever showcased a watch and didn't say that it was somehow amazing, that it didn't pay attention to detail, or that the makers of the watch took some "easy way out". Every single watch he reviews he gives accolades to. Another thing has to do with your compliments to the watch. Yes, the makers of this watch are meticulous, have passion, the drive, show the "best part of humanity", etc. But all of this is still not done out of mere good nature of the watch makers. Their watches cost money and as long as someone is willing to pay for the watch I think anybody with the skill would have all sorts of passion, drive, humanity, and all the best qualities of humanity as long as they get paid. I mean, what about those of us who simply cannot afford watches over $1000? Watches over $500, over $200? and those of us who buy watches on sales for under a $100? Are our watches worse in proportion to the asking price, or the price we paid? What I am trying to say is that these compliments for the expensive watches and the people who make them are sort of pointless. People buy a watch they can comfortably afford. Not a watch that has most love and care put into it. It also does not mean that the watches that are cheaper somehow do not deserve respect. It is all about the $ in the watch world.

[@russ9921]

@@StopFear I don’t think anything in this video said anything to denigrate cheap watches. Its intention is to celebrate a young craftsman with passion. At the basic level we buy a watch to tell the time. You can get that at low cost these days. We often forget, however, the centuries of human ingenuity and endeavour that went into designing an accurate mechanical watch. This video celebrates the continued evolution of that human journey.

[@coffeeisgood102]

This is what I love about this channel. If it wasn’t for you, Mr. Hands, this watch and the story behind it would never have come to my attention. This is what makes watch collecting so fascinating. It is not only the watches themselves but the people behind them who have such passion and dedication to create such exquisite pieces for the rest of us to enjoy.

[@nmotionproductions29]

His voice is magnetic.

[@JF-xq6fr]

7:22 - Gear slack remediation... As a former Toyota service person, I saw this same system used with split scissor gears on a camshaft. Goes back many decades, and I am always amazed at how much mechanical interplay there is within the art of mechanics. Great story, well told as always. Thank you.

[@glennpowell3444]

You need a locking tool for camshaft scissor gears .If the one camwheel goes out of sync with the other its a real pain.I still and always will prefer a single cam for an engine.

[@danielgopan]

I remember seeing his post on reddit a few months ago and it is great to see his work featured on this channel. It is a beautiful timepiece with a great history behind it!

[@geob2230]

can you share the link on reddit

[@lefroy1]

Love how the counter-balanced eye of the needle seconds hand perfectly frames his name twixt 10 und 2 as it sweeps past.

[@DarkAngel-oq5ox]

This is the reason why I come to and subscribed to this site. Education, a passion for watches and the search for perfection. Thank you.

[@captainhogseye]

This is an incredible watch and an amazing story. Hats off to Johannes. Unfortunately I just finished watching a documentary on Roger Smith so this video didn't quite have the impact I would have hoped for. Building a tourbillon and a 4 year perpetual calendar as your first watch. By hand. In your fathers garage. Speechless.

[@hawrologista6460]

What a great story! Respect to Johannes and his uncompromising ways.

[@TheIlieDanila]

I'm 30s in the video, have no ideea how this ends, but he just said it's the best watch he reviewed. And he reviewed the triple split. To say I'm intrigued is an understatement.

[@SwissWatchGang]

The movement and finishing looks stunning. Overall I would love to see more uniqueness.

[@sakikogookheng]

Yeah I agree. It feels so much like an A. Lange & Söhne that I couldn't say Johannes's piece has its own personality. Obviously it is his first watch, and it was more about getting his self started, so going forward it'll be interesting to see where he takes things

[@SwissWatchGang]

@@sakikogookheng Agree.

[@contaygious]

I love your honesty! That's why I watch all your videos

[@mattwasilewicz9677]

For Lange, it is a show of appreciation for one of their new master watchmakers. Guys like this will be the ones making halo pieces like the triple split in years to comes, and the company knows that. They want to try and keep this talent in house, people like this are hard to cone by

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

@Prof. George C. Grasser Because 1, they put him up for the qualification and 2, it's a one-off signature piece made in order to get that qualification.

[@wristray8775]

So glad to see more and more horology scholars emerging to keep the art alive. Thanks for your love and contribution ; you give light to talents that would otherwise be hidden from us. To me these unique pieces are the real art and luxury in the watch world.

[@MichaelGunczy]

what a great story of dedication! Kudos to Johannes Kallinich for his passion and to you for bringing this up. 👏👏👏

[@Pulsonar]

No channel tells a summary story as brilliantly as Watchfinder. The rise of Johannes Kallinich as a master watchmaker is phenomenal in itself. Watchfinder tells it with a passion befitting the subject, like the 19th Century rise of Patek Phillipe. The romance of great real life stories like this paints the industry today with a gilted edge from the same palette as the old masters of yesterday.

[@ZATennisFan]

That's a beautiful piece of watchmaking by someone who really gets what being a mastercraftsman means. He and the watch come across a very Japanese whilst also being very German...

[@hankspangle3867]

That’s a very astute comment.

[@ZATennisFan]

@@hankspangle3867 😁Thank you

[@temper44]

A little bit of Mitsubishi with a large measure of Messerschmitt.

[@ZATennisFan]

@@temper44 My definition of craftsmanship is doing something as well as you possibly can for the simple act of doing it well which is when it gets raised to the level of art. It's a characteristic the Germans and the Japanese have in common. In any case the fact that this level of craftsmanship exists at all anymore gladdens my heart. I'm in IT which is probably the most disposable industry on earth..

[@shuycg]

@@ZATennisFan you're wrong about IT. AutoCAD is a masterpiece itself and definitely not disposable.

[@khi13]

Took me a while to realize this is not an A Lange & Sohne (yes, I am apparently not very observant!) and that's saying something.

[@sambolino44]

I worked as a tooling designer/builder, using CAD to design the parts, sending them off or making them myself in the machine shop, and doing the final assembly. When we went from making all the parts ourselves to having them done in outside shops, it was a bit of an adjustment, but the idea of waiting a whole year before I saw the first part in the steel - that blew my mind.

[@BeckVMH]

This being the most incredible watch you’ve reviewed is an impressive statement given you’ve reviewed the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon and the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept among other incredible watches. Impressive resume for Mr. Kallinich so far and will be interesting what follows. Thanks for posting.

[@bogdanboiii1154]

Seems like a lot of exaggeration. I mean it looks like a great watch but I don’t know if it deserves all this praise.

[@BeckVMH]

@@bogdanboiii1154 Yep, and being candid, I just don’t get it. It would seem there’s an ulterior motive for the title as there is simply no way this watch can compete with some examples previously reviewed on this channel. More than a bit odd and lacks credibility even in the context of subjective opinion.

[@fernandobernardo6324]

@@BeckVMH This was made almost exclusively by a single person. That's why. It's a piece of art and there is only one.

[@nmotionproductions29]

@@fernandobernardo6324 Agreed!

[@scottmenin9501]

At first, I was excited that you were doing another Lange video, especially with such a title. But I was pleasantly surprised at this beautiful timepiece with the Lange influence. I look forward to seeing what he can create shifting away from some of the Lange styling.

[@ulugbek2007]

Incredible story. Just goosebumpts and nothing more. I probably watched all youtube uploads by Watchfinder & Co. but never encountered such a passionate story telling. Immaculate! From passion to quality: priceless.

[@WatchMeEDC]

This story of Johannes reminds me of Rexep Rexhepi of Akrivia. Another incredibly talented young master watchmaker. It’s exciting to see and learn about these amazing new talents to carry the torch on after Journe, Smith, Dufour, etc.

[@buckrogers5331]

An tale that needed to be told, and how well told. Thank you for reminding us that "passion in old things can find new in both spirit and what you can hold in the hand".

[@aniketshukla3824]

Companies such as these who not only want to create heritage but also feel deeply about the craft inspire me profoundly. It's sad that quality isn't apprecited today as much as it should.

[@patmarcacci8304]

When I first saw this watch it reminded me of an A L& S. My favourite beautiful brand! What an incredible story and Que Chance,! Yes, his girlfriend made a great choice in colour! Thank you great review!

[@athmaid]

Being german myself I knew about the concept of a master piece but never thought about all the watches that are a product of that. Thank you for showing us this very special one!

[@cedarcanoe]

Master watchmaker and a strong personality! 👌

[@nommchompsky]

Everyone loves a good story of someone stepping up and succeeding. Very impressive

[@EEE_MMM]

That's a phenomenal debut watch!

[@ewhyte8059]

It’s fitting that it has a strong wiff of A. L. & Söhnne about it as his employer gave young Johannes access to the company’s resources . He demonstrated that he was able to originate something evocative of his company’s products and in doing so demonstrated that he is ready to breathe fresh ideas into A lange und Sohne‘s catalogue in the years ahead. At this stage of his career it’s not important to be producing totally original pieces but rather becoming the valued asset that puts him in the driving seat of a great company as he matures. Its early days but I suspect he will become a shareholder and the chairman in decades to come.That would be the real masterstroke. Then bring out a new watch line named after himself before finally building his own watchhouse that works closely with his original employer.A variation on the Parmigiiani Fleurier story.

[@styx4947]

I meant to say, what a wonderful vision and I truly hope that is his future.

[@cjdennis4665]

I have watched almost every video, but in my opinion, this is the best by far! What an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ytdavidkwei]

Absolutely beautiful! Not only the watch, more about the person, the story, the journey, the passion, the devotion, and probably the German spirit ! Inspirational! Thanks.

[@FlaneurSolitaire]

I was really moved by your loving description of the trade, because my paternal grandfather (whom, unfortunately, I never got to know personally) was a German "Uhrmachermeister" - a master watchmaker.

[@AstronomyGarage]

This was a fantastic story. I truly enjoy the quality of the magnified views in all of these videos.

[@HellaNorCal916]

The movement is gorgeous. Looks very understated and classy, but in reality it's complex and original. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@stevefox8605]

Incredible story. Actually prefer his design to a lot of ALS' pieces,being beautifully symmetric. Very talented young man with a fantastic career ahead of him. Thank you Andrew 👍👍

[@peterzwegat5380]

With the Richard Lange three hander being one of my favourite watches, I really really like this watch. Stunning story. I take my hat off.

[@vidjoe8320]

This is why i love this channel. Never pretentious just beautifully worded, well presented videos.

[@channelsixtyeight068_]

This is what I like to see. I have endless admiration for true master watchmakers like Johannes. Those who have designed and produced every part of the watch in-house. What a marvelous achievement. Kudos to A. Lange & Söhne, for seeing a huge talent in Johannes and helping him become a master watchmaker.

[@willyforbin58]

Thank you for that great discovery and back to the usual format much more appreciated. Thank you

[@jannikmeissner]

Amazing watch and I have so much respect for Johannes. If this sat at my local jeweller next to a Lange and a Patek, I'd think it belongs

[@Swimkid1]

Truly beautiful. Passionate in the making. I am a novice, lacking the appropriate watchmaking vocabulary- but for me the wonder of this masterpiece is in the external design of simplicity. Absolutely gorgeous thank you.

[@The_IND_Miyota]

That passion there.. that Johannes had, I pray he never loses it.

[@harrycee656]

I do love that more of the movement's gears are shown. The story behind the watch is what makes the watch epic.

[@twocentsworth3391]

Amazing piece of work. Its true it looks a lot like A. Lange, but Im certain this is just the start for this young master watch maker. Enjoyed the video a lot 👍🏽

[@just-a-kollector1568]

What an exceptional young man! Props to A. Lange & Sohne for obviously having a good apprenticeship system. Zi Germans truly are one of a kind when it comes to engineering & craftsmanship! Thank you to Watchfinder for bringing us this amazing story!

[@himap3842]

All of these are for an exam?! It's like winning an f1 championship just for getting a driving license.

[@paskrell]

I love the personal story behind. That one won’t be for sale! Beautiful masterpiece!

[@jshottest]

That number 4 written IIII instead of IV has some kind of convention in horology, but it draws one's attention. Anyway, the dial looks beatiful and your videos are always excellent, mr. Talking Hands!

[@pacowonderboy]

The quality of your videos is absolutely insane…amazing, as always. Thank you

[@rodsalvador3608]

Beautiful! I think you said it on another video, Mr. Hands: watchmaking is the hard way to solve a problem. And that severity of effort, cased and decorated to look effortless, is why we love these things.

[@hazardousharmonies]

A wonderful voice, a wonderful watch, and a wonderful description! Am very glad I found this channel!

[@piperfox74]

That is a simply stunning timepiece. Gorgeous design and craftsmanship.

[@georgeoshea9961]

This might be your best ever video and I do not say that lightly. Absolutely wonderful story. I’d give anything to own that masterpiece.

[@AbdulRahmanNoor]

Thank you for this incredible journey into watchmaking that I never knew I needed! I'm sure a lot of us would also love to know more about the person behind the hands and the poetic voice taking us through these beautiful watches..

[@chrisgrieves1468]

This is not so much about a beautiful watch, but the art and craft of these unnecessary but wonderful things that so many of us are passionate about. That it lives in this talented and determined young man is its own celebration, as it is in the likes of F.P. Journe, Rexhep Rexhepi and many others. A big thank you to Watchfinder and Co for understanding the value of the story and telling it so well.

[@jerrysanchez5453]

Truly a georgeous time piece.watchmakeing ideals at there finest.

[@klaymoon1]

Beautiful watch! It stole my heart in an instance. Is there a website for Johannes Kallinich?

[@alanmckinnon6791]

I get it. Our young Johannes is a watchMAKER, not a watchassembler or a watchrepairman or a watchmaintainer. So being a watch maker, he made a watch for his exam.

[@blackjesus9641]

It's indescribably impressive. The number of people alive that could do the same is probably in the hundreds.

[@pranaviyer971]

I love how, to the untrained eye, looks like a Richard Lange with a grey dial, but up close, it's even more special.

[@dominicmillerca]

This is an incredible achievement of both art and micro mechanical engineering. There is so much work and knowledge behind a watch. Wow! Beautiful!

[@ruadhagainagaidheal9398]

I used to “Liberate” a few machine parts from work from time to time. After a while I was able to build and sell the stuff we made at a nice profit. Well done Jo, a lad after my own heart.

[@WarpFactor999]

An outstanding tale of the drive a single person can use to master such a difficult craft. Excellent video! Merry Christmas to the Watchfinder crew! Thank you for the many wonderful postings you've made over the years. We are STILL waiting to see the "talking hands guy."

[@jaxareback311]

I am so envious of J.K.’s passion and obvious God Given talent.....no fluke that he found himself standing in line for beverages and snacks for the Master Watchmakers.....some people are unstoppable....!

[@lancelloyd7429]

I remember seeing his post on Reddit six months ago. Mind blowing. So talented, and so humble. "So much betta, than an ETA" hahaha

[@glebs.]

It's one of those videos, where my lips are curling upwards throughout the whole video. Furthermore, I can't stop smiling even after the video ended. Thank you.

[@MrShinobi797]

Impressive Time Piece and such an inspiring story behind it. Bravo Johannes 🙌🏽

[@eljesakabashi6484]

Bravo! What a story. I wish to this young lad all the dreams comes true. It is really inspiring for people who follows their dreams. Also, congratulations on another astonishing video. I am not what is more mesmerizing: your voice, the spoken words or macro views.

[@JJ31]

Thank you for placing all of us at the beginning of a truly great journey. This young man has a wonderful and fulfilling career in front of him. He will make watchmaking proud.

[@cedshred1676]

Best video so far. Fascinating story and stunning watch.

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

Speechless

[@jimmyzhao2673]

6:43 the tiny parts and the lathe to produce them blew my mind.

[@engacm]

What a wonderful watch and history behind it. True masters are born like this, with this passion and drive. I am happy to live in a world that still nurture this kind of ingenuity. Bravo.

[@-chris-n-lucy]

Hands down my favorite video. Maybe one day when I'm in the position to purchase a watch of this caliber, perhaps there will be more options to consider by this craftsman.

[@occultdestroyer]

Johannes reminds me of a Japanese watchmaker by the name of Masahiro Kikuno. This episode reminded me of the NHK World documentary about Masahiro. Different people of different cultures, but the same passion of making watches.

[@timmainson]

This was more than an enjoyable review this is an uplifting story of the human spirit and the heart he puts into what he loves. THIS is what we love in the joy of the watch.

[@JeffAasgaard]

“I do not want it to be easy” - amazing dedication to excellence

[@insert-name-here3350]

A Lange is my favourite brand and I would happily accept any watch that comes out of their workshop. I think it means something then, when I say I would take one of these over a Lange. Well done Johannes.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Awesome video and story, thank you, Watchfinder. Watch is gorgeous.

[@bradentraub]

This was a GREAT video, and I'm happy for Johannes. Its a beautiful watch and movement, and you absolutely did it justice with this review.

[@alexp3752]

Mr. Kallinich, not a master watchmaker, but a Grand Master Watchmaker! Superb! Inspiring!

[@juniortoledo8088]

True watchmaking, beautiful timepiece.

[@twstedmusic1124]

This watch is stunning & the story behind it is amazing! I would love to see A. Lange & Söhne take him under their wing and use him as a sort of sister company for a more affordable alternative for people that want an A. Lange & Söhne but can’t afford circa £80,000 for a watch.

[@semperbauhaus]

Funnily enough he does now work for Lange apparently (according to Google)

[@Roshikshop]

This is really an in-depth review. I like your review and voice accent, those both are joss to me. Best of luck, bro. Take my love. 😍

[@marcogeraldes6332]

This young man is a true force of nature. Brilliant. If you ever talk to him again, please tell him I admire him. A lot!

[@24934637]

One thing I know for sure... I don't currently have, never have had, and never will have the level of patience and commitment required to do watchmaking! Massive respect to those people who do have!

[@raymondcragg7282]

A true master watch maker. Thank goodness there are still people around with an all consuming passion,please. Only question now is where can I buy one?

[@TimG--]

Awesome watch ! Nice video mate 🥃

[@anthonystevens8683]

What a stunning time piece and a fantastic story wonderfully told. Thank you. Could we be seeing the next George Daniels in the making?

[@PhillipBarnett57]

Perhaps the best WatchFinder video yet.

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

Say what you want: (and you say it very well WF) The thought/idea/goal The execution, The craftsmanship The attention to detail The end result is a watch for watch nerds... and I mean that in the BOTH the Highest of Praise and lowest of "Meh, another dude made a watch."

[@izzo2271]

I'm still new to watches and stories like this really make me love the whole art much more

[@youbob28]

So beautifully complicated in the movement and yet so elegant and simple on the dial. Reminds me of the Cartier Balon Bleu dial. The color that was chosen is so stunning as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@lmc333]

I am here to give credit to whoever made the video of these watch, the videography is so good !!!

[@Anaesdoc]

Kudos to A. Lange & Söhne as well who gave this young talent all he needed to pursue his quest for the Meisterwerk (masterpiece)!

[@JochenVogel]

Was there a power-reserve indication originally intended to be on the dial? The dial at 7:58 shows a slot with the words "auf" and "ab".

[@Konsaliki]

On his Insta, Johannes said that the time frame that was granted to him by the Handwerkskammer for completing the piece was too tight for implementing it into V1.

[@jerlij1249]

Looks a bit like A.Lange & Sohne

[@darrenaquilinapfso9903]

Lovely watch and well done 👌🏽. Am i the only one though that noticed a small dust particle on the dial just passed 6? Slightly above the numerals.

[@Bennie_Bee6]

An incredibly refreshing story, narrated lovingly and with many more chapters to come I am certain. Exquisite watch with a really interesting back story. Keep up the amazing work Andrew. 👏