Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition Review: Redefining Independent Luxury

Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition is not just a watch—it’s the embodiment of a vision brought to life with extraordinary precision. As the inaugural creation from this emerging independent watchmaker, the EINSER sets the tone for a brand deeply committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and individuality. Limited to just eight pieces, this Founders Edition is a rare statement of intent, designed to lay the foundation for everything that will follow in the Kallinich Claeys journey.

First imagined in 2022 through detailed digital renderings, the EINSER began as an artistic concept—a blueprint that combined traditional watchmaking values with bold design thinking. Now fully realized, the watch stands as a remarkable fusion of heritage and modernity. Every element, from the sculptural case to the hand-finished movement, has been developed entirely in-house, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of complete creative and technical independence.

The Origin Story: Birth of a Vision

The EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition was first introduced not as a physical prototype, but as a meticulously detailed digital rendering. This method of presentation allowed Kallinich Claeys to paint a clear vision of the brand’s ethos and aspirations from the outset. By anchoring its debut project in such an intimate, deliberate narrative, Kallinich Claeys instantly separated itself from the crowded field of microbrands that often rely on off-the-shelf components.

Designed and built entirely in-house, the EINSER Founders Edition is more than a product; it’s a statement of purpose. The fact that it is a Founders Edition, limited to a mere eight pieces, underscores its role as a cornerstone in the establishment of the brand’s legacy. With the watches now sold out, it has already achieved collector’s status among enthusiasts of independent horology.

Case Dimensions and Design Language

At 41 mm in diameter and just 11 mm in height, the stainless steel case of the EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition strikes a balanced proportion suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The 48.5 mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures the watch wears neither too compact nor too oversized, achieving an elegant wrist presence.

But what truly elevates the case design is its architectural sophistication. The stepped lugs taper fluidly into an indented middle section, creating a dynamic interplay of geometry and form. The result is a design that feels both contemporary and classical—a rare feat in modern watchmaking.

One of the most revolutionary elements of the EINSER is its sapphire crystal side window. While many high-end watches feature display casebacks, Kallinich Claeys pushes the envelope by allowing a side-on view into the power reserve mechanism. This innovation is more than visual flair—it invites the wearer into the mechanical heart of the watch in a way no other brand has achieved to date.

The sapphire crystal itself is double anti-reflective (AR) coated, ensuring that every intricate detail remains visible under various lighting conditions, whether viewed from above or from the side.

A Dial that Redefines Handcraftsmanship

The dial of the EINSER Founders Edition is a masterclass in artisanal technique. It starts with a hammered outer ring, where the minuterie and Roman numerals reside. This ring provides a contrasting texture that frames the inner dial like a decorative bezel.

The center dial features a hand-engraved abstract triangle pattern—a striking, almost architectural motif that commands attention without overwhelming the design. This intricate surface gives the dial a tactile quality, emphasizing its handcrafted nature.

 

At the heart of the composition is an eccentric inner circle, distinguished by a traditional tremblage engraving technique. This method, rarely seen in modern horology due to its time-consuming nature, adds a coarse yet sophisticated finish that draws the eye inward.

Together, these layers of engraving and texture create a unique visual journey that evolves with every glance. The dial is not static; it interacts with light, shadow, and movement, offering a perpetually fresh perspective.

Exceptional Hands: Sculptures in Motion

One of the standout features of the EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition is its set of three-dimensional teardrop-shaped hands. Far from being mere indicators of time, these hands are miniature sculptures—each one featuring complex chamfers on both the inside and outside surfaces.

Finished by hand, the hands combine polished chamfers with straight graining, delivering an exquisite balance of shine and matte that mirrors the watch’s overall design duality. Their teardrop form adds a sense of flow and curvature, which contrasts beautifully with the angularity of the engraved triangle motif on the dial.

The result is a harmonious yet dynamic aesthetic—proof that even the smallest components, when designed with intention, can elevate a timepiece into the realm of art.

KC001.1 Movement: Mechanical Excellence on Display

Beneath the refined exterior of the EINSER Founders Edition beats the KC001.1 caliber, an in-house mechanical movement that is nothing short of breathtaking. This is not just a means of timekeeping; it is a showcase of mechanical artistry and traditional finishing techniques.

The open-worked bridges, made from untreated German silver, lend an unmistakable warmth and depth to the movement. This material choice not only harks back to Glashütte’s historical watchmaking traditions but also offers a unique visual palette that evolves over time as the metal develops a gentle patina.

The bridges are decorated with sandblasted surfaces, creating a striking contrast against the high-polished bevels. Most impressive are the 19 meticulously hand-cut sharp inner angles—a feature that requires incredible dexterity and patience. This level of anglage is a benchmark of true haute horlogerie and speaks volumes about the brand’s dedication to its craft.

 

Adding a final flourish is the hand-engraved balance cock, featuring the brand’s signature “Shark Gill” engraving—a motif that evokes both strength and elegance. Each engraving is individually executed, ensuring that no two EINSER timepieces are exactly alike.

World-First Feature: Side-View Power Reserve

Among the many standout features of the EINSER Founders Edition, none is as technically audacious or visually captivating as its side-view power reserve mechanism. While most power reserve indicators are confined to dials or casebacks, Kallinich Claeys has introduced an industry-first by making the mechanism visible through the side of the case.

This innovation transforms the act of winding the watch into a visceral experience. As you turn the crown, you can observe the internal workings of the power reserve system in real-time. Gears engage, springs contract, and the energy flow becomes a tangible phenomenon. It’s not just form meeting function—it’s function elevated to performance art.

This design choice perfectly embodies the watch’s mission: to merge traditional horological techniques with modern, boundary-pushing innovation.

Blending Tradition with Contemporary Design

What makes the EINSER Founders Edition truly remarkable is its fusion of classical Glashütte watchmaking with a bold, modern design language. From the use of German silver and tremblage engraving to the avant-garde case shape and side-view complication, the watch straddles both worlds with effortless grace.

This duality is not accidental. It reflects a clear and confident design philosophy—one that pays homage to history while staking a claim on the future. By creating something that feels both timeless and new, Kallinich Claeys has managed to break through the noise of today’s crowded luxury watch market.

Limited Edition Rarity and Market Impact

With only 8 pieces ever produced, the EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition is as exclusive as it gets. Unsurprisingly, the model is now completely sold out, having captured the attention of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Priced at 24,900 EUR (excluding VAT), the EINSER Founders Edition sits comfortably in the high-end independent watch segment. But unlike many competitors in this bracket, Kallinich Claeys offers a level of in-house craftsmanship and design originality that far exceeds its asking price.

For collectors who managed to secure one of the eight pieces, the watch is not only a mechanical marvel but also a sound investment. Given its exclusivity, artistry, and technical innovation, its desirability on the secondary market is expected to grow substantially over time.

Final Thoughts: A Future Icon in the Making

The Kallinich Claeys EINSER Central Seconds Founders Edition is a tour de force in contemporary independent watchmaking. From its beautifully hand-engraved dial and three-dimensional hands to its groundbreaking side-view power reserve and the sublime KC001.1 movement, every element of this timepiece is executed to the highest standard.

It is a watch that doesn’t just measure time—it tells a story. A story of craftsmanship, vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In a world where many brands lean heavily on marketing over substance, Kallinich Claeys has chosen the harder but more rewarding path: to let the work speak for itself.

And it speaks volumes.


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[photo credits: Kallinich Claeys / www.kallinichclaeys.com]

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