An independent watchmaker on the rise
Felipe Pikullik is a young talent from the long list of watchmakers trained in the Glashütte watchmaking tradition. While the watch world routinely reveres, and rightly so, the likes of Philippe Dufour, F.P. Journe or Roman Gautier for their superb hand-finishing and watchmaking craftsmanship, the watch industry is not an easy place for fresh watchmakers who decide to tackle the challenge of flying solo to establish its own brand. We are probably witnessing the birth of an independent watchmaker who will certainly draw the attention of the broader watch community sooner than later.
His watchmaking origins
Born in 1994 in a family with Brazilian roots, and trained in the reputed Glashütte watchmaking school, Felipe quickly realised he wanted to found his own manufacture. But he wisely decided to start working for well-known German independent watchmakers such as Stefan Kudos and Rolf Lange in Dresden for two years, as a way to gain a better understanding of independent watchmaking. It was these previous experiences which probably inspired him to start his own journey. As a result, traditional techniques such as fretsaw sawing or chisel hand-cutting would become part of his every day work.
The language of his watches
Felipe Pikullik is a talented watchmaker whose pieces are all about finishing and aesthetics. Marked case lines, robust lugs and relatively thin bezels are some of his identifying traits. But there is no denying that Felipe’s brainchildren are his dials and especially his hand-finished skeletonised movements. Felipe has recently made a strong appearance in Instagram with a watch called Sternenhimmel (Starry sky) whose minimalist dial representing a dark blue sky with small shining stars is a declaration of all the talent the young Berliner has to offer. And although the Stenernhimmel is his entry level watch, if we turn it around, his beautifully hand-finished movement with chamfered edges , brushed bridges and snail finishing are an attractive presentation card to the rest of his collection.
Manufactured in his atelier in Berlin-Friedrichshain, all his watches can be purchased as they are or bespoke directly with him. Felipe is a watchmaker not subject to commercial constraints or rules. Not just that, he is open to discuss any customer ideas and preferences and, if possible bring them to reality. Different dial colours, diamonds inserted on the lugs or on the dial or upgraded movement finishings are only some of the current options available. Anything is possible and any piece can be customised to make it authentically unique and personal.
Final thoughts
Although the young Berliner has started to enjoy some recognition and has a growing waiting list to purchase one of his pieces, in a recent videoconference Felipe was clear about his ambition: „I want to build watches with astronomical complications“. Not more, and not less… Respect! It proves that while tastefully crafted time-only pieces will always be an important part of his collection, his future target relies in more complicated watches with complications. As evidence of this is the first chronograph in his collection, the first complicated watch of many to come. With prices making this high-level craftsmanship accessible for most people, Felipe’s pieces and his way of understanding watchmaking are here to stay for the long run.
More information on him and his work here.
