The bells are ringing… I sat in our shop located in the Parisian Arcade in Budapest.

An affluent, aging gentleman stepped through the door.

As is customary, I asked how I could assist him.

“I’m interested in your watches,” he replied. With enthusiasm, I delved into what is worth knowing about my unique timepieces and myself.

He promptly interrupted and tactfully conveyed his appreciation for my enthusiasm but told me he already knows everything about me and my work. He has read the published articles and has been following my craftsmanship for the past two to three years. Thus, he had already decided earlier that he wanted me to create a special piece for him.

From his elegant attache, he produced some selected pieces from his pocket watch collection.

“I asked my daughters which piece each of them would like, but they weren’t really enthusiastic. So, I decided to part with the watches, except for this one piece,” he pointed to one of the most beautiful ones.

I was thrilled because I would have chosen that watch too. I immediately envisioned crafting for him a very refined, elegant, and unique wristwatch, one that he would proudly wear. This way, it would carry much greater honor and intrinsic value in his family for the next generation.

This is a masterpiece created by the Le Roy & Fils 1785 French watch factory, featuring a Vacheron Constantin movement. The pocket watch was crafted at the end of the 1800s and has remarkably retained its excellent condition given its age.

The original porcelain dial has a shell-shaped chip near 3 o’clock due to the dial-securing screw, but aside from this, it is beautiful. The hands are original, and the movement is also in excellent condition.

We were in full agreement that the primary task was to preserve the simplicity and elegance of this watch. Keeping this in mind, I made a subtle modification to it compared to its original state; it received a completely unique winding crown where my monogram was intricately engraved with pure gold. The hand-stitched brown stingray strap harmonizes with the browned Breguet hands, and the 14-karat white gold case further enhances the elegance of this exceptional masterpiece.

Based on the feedback received, I believe we succeeded in realizing the fundamental intention: to make this 140-year-old marvel wearable while preserving its functional and aesthetic values derived from the original design.

However, as always, the true confirmation was the satisfaction behind the smile of my client.

It was a highly honorable and beautiful task, and I express my gratitude for the trust placed in me.