AHCI Master Watchmakers visit China

The master watchmakers of the AHCI, which stands for Académie Horlogère Des Créateurs Indépendants (or in English Horological Academy of Independent Creators) are visiting China later this month. Between 26th and 31st of October you have the chance to meet them in Shanghai and Hong Kong. 

It’s not that just any watchmakers are visiting China, no these are 8 of the best watchmakers of the world. Big names like Kari Voutilainen, Marc Jenni, Aniceto Pita, Lang & Heyne, McGonigle, Mika Eleta, Konstantin Chaykin and even AHCI founding father Sven Anderson. An absolute must for anyone seriously interested in Haute Horlogerie!

In the past we’ve shared our passion for watches made by esteemed watchmakers like Kari Voutilainen, who introduced the Vingt-8 (twenty-eight) with his new in-house movement last year and a smaller model, the 2-Eight, earlier this year. And of course we have published many other articles about the simply stunning watches made Kari Voutilainen. My favorite is still this Observatoire with copper colored dial. Unfortunately not available anymore, however I’m sure that a piece unique of the new Vingt-8 with a copper colored dial should be possible, especially now the engine-turning of dials is done in-house!

A watch with lovely classic looks, however the real treat is visible through the sapphire case back.

McGonigle should also be no stranger to you, as we have shared the stunning watches made by John and Stephen McGonigle on several occasions. Especially the launch of their new model called Tuscar was impressive! Also watchmakers like Aniceto Pita who created a crown-less system so the Oceana, his dive watch, still holds the record of deepest depth rating. Marc Jenni also created a crown-less system that he uses in all his timepieces. And of course we also covered Marco Lang from Lang & Heyne. I just wished I had the budget to add one of his timepieces with caliber I, featuring ivory plates and bridges, to my collection.

Anyways… long story short: if you have the opportunity to visit these magnificent watchmakers, then do yourself a favor, clear your agenda for a few hours and go see them.

When and where: from October 26-28 they will be at the Top Marques Luxury Fair in the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Here, on the AHCI Facebook page, you can find more information and let them know you will be present. On October 30 and 31 they will be at Oriental Watch in Hong Kong. Here’s the link to the event on the AHCI Facebook page.

Of course Monochrome will be there and report about the event!

This article is written by Frank Geelen, executive editor for Monochrome Watches.