Long before founding his own Berlin-based atelier which he established in 2017, young German independent watchmaker Felipe Pikullik had already envisioned the perfect watch. Put simply, and in his own words, “I searched for a watch that suits my vision until I decided to build one myself”. Already renowned in the inner circle of collectors, who recognise that a fresh talent often matures quickly into a Master, his immaculately crafted timepieces are decorated with a refinement which belies his youthfulness, and have a desirability which is enhanced by the irresistible exclusivity of bespoke personalisation.
The Sternenhimmel watch, which is the maker’s third collection, bears a quietly beautiful dial arrangement and is powered by a skeletonised, old-school pocket watch movement whose satisfying proportions fill up the 41mm case. Manufactured from stainless steel with a brushed and polished surface, the casing has a trim bezel, flowing lugs and a robust crown decorated with Felipe Pikullik’s initials in ceramic.
Translating as “starry sky” the dial is hand-crafted at every step and comprises of a brass plate which is lacquered in a colour to suit the individual client. Featuring a delicate scattering of tiny stars, the hand-crafting continues with tapering hour and minute hands, diamond or solid hour markers at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions, finishing with an engraved plaque bearing the provenance of the watch.
Viewable through the sapphire case back, the watch is powered by a calibre based on a hand-wound ETA 6497-1 pocket watch movement, which Felipe has transformed using traditional skills of skeletonisation and hand decoration. Again, at the discretion of the client, one has the option of a sandblasted finish with polished and bevelled surfaces or, of a more fully skeletonised movement, which provides the wearer with an enhanced, in-depth view of the hand bevelling and interior anglage.
Each movement exhibits the confidence of a skilled craftsman and with darkened rhodium plating on the components and contrasting rose gold plated elements, traditional watchmaking artistry is blended harmoniously with a contemporary aesthetic. Each Sternenhimmel watch comes presented on leather strap, colour matched with the dial and secured with a steel pin buckle.
Case material: Stainless steel
Case back: Sapphire crystal
Movement: In-house modified ETA 6497/6498 base manual winding, 21,600 vib/h
Case Dimension: H: 41mm, H: 10.5mm
Dial Colour: Hand applied lacquer with 'starry sky' effect
Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap description: Alligator leather with pin buckle
Power reserve: Circa 40 hours
Vendor Ref: Fekipe Pikullik
Water resistant: 3 ATM/30 metres
Watch style: Contemporary
Warranty: 2 year manufacturer's warranty