Today I’d like to share a new watchmaking initiative I’ve been eager to present since discovering it on Instagram. If I say duo, Germany, and Glashütte—you already know I’m talking about Kallinich Claeys. Before revealing my favourite variation of their debut model, let me introduce these two young creators.
Johannes Kallinich, a German national, trained for three years at the Glashütte Watchmaking School before beginning his watchmaking career in 2013 in the Saxonia department at A. Lange & Söhne. He led the Lange 1 department from 2016 and focused on chronographs at A. Lange & Söhne between 2021 and 2022. It was during his master watchmaker training—successfully completed in 2021—that he met Thibault Claeys. Younger and Belgian, Thibault studied watchmaking for three years at TNA Antwerpen, then joined Lange 1815 in 2019 and worked there until 2022.
These two friends met at A. Lange & Söhne and, after some time, decided to go independent in July 2022. They launched a new German watch brand rooted in tradition and modern design: Kallinich Claeys. Johannes contributes design and manufacturing expertise, while Thibault’s deep knowledge of tooling, machining, and finishing makes them an ideal team. What began as a friendship quickly became a business partnership after their departure.
Their first timepiece, the EINSER Zentralsekunde, reflects their commitment to independent craftsmanship and innovation. The name “EINSER” comes from the German “Eins” (one), symbolizing both their first creation and excellence. “Zentralsekunde” means “central seconds,” highlighting the key complication. This watch displays time (and power reserve) while adhering to all classic Glashütte horology codes, with details as refined as any complicated watch from this historic town. Today, I’m pleased to introduce their collaboration with A Watch Company, a Hong Kong retailer specializing in independent watchmaking.
Table of Contents – Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition
What are the features of the Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition?
Case
The Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition features a refined stainless steel case with stepped lugs integrating into a recessed mid-case that houses a sapphire window at 9 o’clock showing the linear power reserve mechanism. This small sapphire aperture was milled and polished into the case with such precision that much development time was spent on its operation. The concept echoes Ferdinand Berthoud’s case window revealing fusée-and-chain from the side. Elsewhere, the caseband is smoothly hollowed, graduating into faceted lugs.
Fully polished, the case appears elegant despite its imposing size. The crown is broad and diamond-pattern knurled for easy winding and setting. Made from a single steel piece, the case measures 41 mm across, 11 mm thick, with a 45.2 mm lug-to-lug. It comprises four parts: bezel, mid-case, a domed sapphire insert for the power reserve indicator at around 8 o’clock, and a caseback. Case and dial finishing were entrusted to German specialists. The case, for example, was produced by RM Lifestyle—the same supplier for Glashütte Original.
Dial
The Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition has a hand-guillochéd dial featuring traditional engine-turn guilloché and an off-centre circle made using tremblage—a technique used by brands like Moritz Grossmann. Galvanized brown with cream accents, the dial is subtly elegant. It consists of three segments: an hour ring, central disc, and an offset circular disc bearing the brand plate.
Three-dimensional drop-shaped hands are steel, machined by a subcontractor, then fully finished in-house. They feature scalloped edges, chamfered and polished perimeters, and grained upper surfaces for contrast. The central seconds hand ends in a needle tip with a hollow drop counterweight. Its fitting onto the pinion is covered, concealing holes or stems often visible on other watches.
Movement
The watch houses the KC001.1 calibre—an exceptional manual-wind movement beating at 18,000 vph, with hacking seconds and central seconds, fully designed and developed in-house (Johannes handled every calculation) and offering 45 hours of power reserve. Features include hacking seconds, power reserve indication, and central seconds.
The movement’s construction is highly unusual: its intentionally anachronistic layout echoes early central-seconds movements with indirect-drive central seconds that lacked a central seconds wheel, later adapted to modern central seconds. Today’s movements usually place the seconds wheel at the center, driven indirectly by the central wheel.
Made primarily from nickel silver and steel to give depth and warm tone, the finishes are remarkable. Polish and design techniques elegantly blend Glashütte’s horological traditions with modern design, highlighting heritage-innovation harmony. The three-quarter plate layout is another hallmark of the Glashütte school.
Notably, the movement showcases delicate frosted surfaces in contrast with 18-carat gold chatons and polished chamfers—19 sharp inner bevels carved by hand. A hand-engraved balance cock bearing the “Shark Gill” signature adds a unique touch. Decorations include individually chamfered teeth on all gears, polished and bevelled bridges and plates with crisp edges, various graining techniques (including circular graining), countersinks and polished chatons, straight perlage, frosted textures, and heat-blued screws.
Strap
The Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition comes on a brown ostrich leather strap that I must say is very pleasant on the wrist.
How much does the Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hongkong Edition?
Limited to 10 pieces, the EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition was priced at €34,400 (excluding VAT) and is now SOLD OUT.
Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition: a first watch that challenges established brands
The Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition shows meticulous design and artisanal craftsmanship. The design is innovative and understated, with deep respect for German watchmaking tradition. In pursuit of precision every watch is assembled twice: after initial assembly, it is fully disassembled and all bridges are finished, then reassembled. This second assembly preserves the final finish from marks introduced during the first assembly (wheels, spokes, anchor, escapement, balance cock), and ensures fresh lubrication.
I loved this watch. The harmony between the case, the lovely chocolate-toned dial, and the beautiful movement still amazes me. I still can’t grasp how it was priced so competitively. If you’re looking for a very niche, discreet watch that elevates your wrist, this brand is for you. I’m excited for the new piece coming at the end of 2025.
I want to thank these two friends who prove that a set path should be challenged. Entrepreneurship, hard work, and doing what others don’t do is not about recognition but fulfillment. It was a pure moment of exchange and passion, as always. I’d be happy to connect you with the brand.
Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Hongkong Edition – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Kallinich Claeys
- Model: EINSER Central Seconds Hongkong Edition
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Hammered outer ring with minuterie and Roman numerals, Guilloché centre dial, The inner excentric circle is hand engraved with tremblage finishing
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds and Power Reserve Indicator
- Movement: KC001.1, Manual-Winding, 18’000vph frequency (2.5Hz), 33 jewels and 145 parts
- Power Reserve: 45 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 41 mm × 11 mm
- Lug to Lug: 48.5 mm
- Strap: Brown Ostrich with Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
- Availability : Limited Edition of 10 Pieces – SOLD OUT
- Retail Price: 34,400 EUR (excluding VAT)
Did you know this brand? What do you think of their first model? Kallinich Claeys: a rising star? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For more information about Kallinich Claeys, click here.
