Kees Englebarts is a Dutch craftsman situated in Geneva, Switzerland. Originally Kees began his career engraving dials, cases and movements for many well-known brands. His impressive clients have included watchmaking royalty Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Philippe Dufour. In 1997 he took the next ambitious step and began making his own range of exquisite timepieces.
In 2007 Kees Englebarts established a high-end watch company with good friend and jeweller Paul Pertijs. The brand called Cornelius & Cie, specialised in exceptionally exclusive watches using rare vintage watch movements. These creations were meticulously engraved by hand and showcased the ancient Japanese art of Mokume-gane (mixed-metal laminate). This incredible engraving technique displays the same characteristic as wood grain. Back in May I featured another great artisan called Masahiro Kikuno. His sublime Orizuru also perfectly showcases this wonderful skill.
For a long time I have been an admirer of Kees Englebarts and his highly distinctive timepieces. This prompted me to contact him so I could feature his work on my website. The Organic Tourbillon is one of his latest custom-made timepieces. It was specifically made to the client’s precise specifications and therefore is one of a kind. With dimensions of 43mm x 13mm the watch displays delicate proportions and should feel comfortable to wear. I also feel the choice of luxurious platinum will make the timepiece feel fairly lightweight. Realistically I would imagine a piece of this magnitude would be only worn for really special occasions.
Like all of Kees Englebarts other creations the attention to detail is absolutely first rate. The skeleton façade is spectacular and displays an enormous amount of technical dexterity. Every element of the watch is hand made including the twisted gold hour/minute hands and silver Mokume Gane framework. This delicately exposes all the brilliance of the mechanical movement. I love the simplicity of the case and the majestic tourbillon located at 9’ o clock. In my opinion the Organic Tourbillon is an unbelievably good looking timepiece.
Beneath the magnificent exterior lies a highly complicated mechanical heart. The manual winding calibre comprises 27-Jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Kees Englebarts carefully sources vintage movements from the 1950’s 60’s and 70’s. All of these are ‘new old stock’ that are fastidiously decorated and engraved by hand. This amazing craftsmanship can also be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back. Functionally the Organic Tourbillon features hours, minutes, tourbillon and a formidable power reserve of 120 hours.
The Organic Tourbillon has a black hand-sewn crocodile leather strap with matching platinum folding buckle. This sensational timepiece recently sold for €180,000 (approximately $246,296).
