Alexander Shorokhov And Jochen Benziger Develop Visionary Design
When two of Germany’s most distinctive watchmaking talents join forces, the result is never going to be ordinary.
The obvious question is, why has it taken so long?
Curiously, neither Alexander Shorokhov nor Jochen Benzinger has a satisfactory answer. Yet perhaps that is precisely the point. Some collaborations cannot be rushed. They emerge naturally from years of friendship, mutual admiration and shared values.
Now, after decades spent pursuing their own highly individual paths, the two independent masters have finally come together to create a watch unlike anything either has produced before.
And for collectors of artistic independent watchmaking, that is very good news indeed.
Two Artists, One Vision
This is not a collaboration born from marketing departments or corporate strategy. It is the meeting of two craftsmen whose reputations have been built on authenticity, originality and an unwavering commitment to traditional handcraftsmanship.
On one side stands Jochen Benzinger, the renowned Pforzheim-based engraver and guilloché specialist. Widely regarded as one of the last true masters of traditional engine-turning, Benzinger continues to work with century-old machinery, producing exquisitely hand-finished dials and movements using techniques that have all but disappeared from modern watchmaking. His creations are typically one-offs or produced in extremely small numbers, making each piece a collector’s treasure.
On the other is Alexander Shorokhov, whose brand has spent nearly 35 years challenging conventional watch design. His watches are instantly recognisable for their artistic expression, bold colours and avant-garde aesthetics, transforming traditional mechanical watchmaking into wearable art. Produced in limited editions and highly sought after by collectors, Shorokhov’s creations stand apart from the mainstream luxury landscape.
Together, they represent two very different forms of artistic expression united by a common belief, namely that watchmaking should evoke emotion.
The Birth of a New Creation
The project began with conversations that gradually evolved into something more ambitious. Earlier this year, the pair met at Benzinger’s workshop in Pforzheim to finalise concepts and explore how their respective worlds could be merged into a single timepiece.
Sketches were exchanged, ideas refined and details debated. What emerged was not merely a watch design, but the foundation of a true artistic collaboration.
Even the first preliminary sketches reveal the fascinating interplay between the two creators. Shorokhov’s unmistakable avant-garde design language meets Benzinger’s extraordinary hand-finished decorative artistry, resulting in a piece that promises to be as expressive as it is technically accomplished.
More Than a Watch
The forthcoming model will combine the creative DNA that has defined Alexander Shorokhov’s work for decades with the traditional hand-executed finishing techniques for which Jochen Benzinger is celebrated.
The result will be far more than an instrument for telling the time. It will be a story told through metal, engraving, colour and craftsmanship, a celebration of individuality, precision and artistic freedom.
Importantly, exclusivity will be guaranteed. Production will be limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, with almost half already reserved by retailers before the watch has even been officially unveiled.
Independent Watchmaking at Its Best
In an era when many collaborations feel predictable, this partnership stands out as something genuinely meaningful. It reflects the values that make independent watchmaking so compelling: creativity, craftsmanship and the courage to remain different.
For collectors who appreciate fine hand-finishing, artistic watchmaking and true rarity, the collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing independent releases on the horizon. For now, only glimpses have been revealed.
But one thing is already certain, this is a partnership worth watching and waiting for.