THE OCHS PERIOD In 2019 , after a lot of thought and consultation within the family , Kornelia Imesch and Ludwig Oechslin bought all the shares of Ochs und Junior . But it is important to note that this was only done once it was clear that some of the “ Junior Ochs ” would join the company . And to that end , it has been agreed that two of the younger Oechslins will be joining the team , which is now based in La Chaux-de-Fonds .
Ochs und Junior today is a family company , led by Dr . Ludwig Oechslin . The rest of the band includes Christian Gafner , who is head of brand and design , Violaine Baudouin , the marketing chief , and Louise Krank ( a junior ), communication designer . The company ’ s watchmakers are Jost Schlatter and Masaki Kanazawa , who is a Master Watchmaker for Ludwig Oechslin ’ s special projects .
Ludwig Oechslin ’ s ideas will continue to set the tone moving forward , which is really what has made Ochs und Junior what it is today . As the company evolves , it continues to grow through experimentation . Below are some of Ochs und Junior ’ s most recent designs .
THE CALENDARIO CENT ’ ANNI This 100-year calendar , designed by Ludwig Oechslin , features a dial with indication of hours , minutes and seconds in addition to correct date , month , leap or non-leap year . The 40mm watch is titanium and is powered by a Ulysse Nardin UN-320 automatic movement . The Arabic character or indices with hour / minute hands are coated with SuperLuminova . Here ’ s how it shows the time and date :
• The dates ( 28 , 29 , 30 or 31 days of any month ) are visible for 100 years , without needing correction for the length of any month ( including February in leap years ), and are displayed via a traveling , rectangular dot on the date spiral .
• The month and leap years are on a central rotating disk . The leap year and the three following years are displayed on a decentralized disc , rotating together with the position of the month-display . Finally , the central hour and minutes with the seconds rotating are seen on a small disk at 6 o ’ clock .
Prices begin at CHF 15,230 ( approximately $ 16,600 ).
THE SETTIMANA LIMITED This watch is designed to help savor a favorite day of the week , allowing the wearer to set six “ standard ” days and one “ extra special ” one . It colorfully indicates hours , minutes and seconds , and all seven weekdays by clockwise rotating dot between 1 o ’ clock and 7 o ’ clock . The titanium-cased Settimama measures 36mm in diameter and is powered by a Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement . The watch is available in three limited color versions of 11 pieces each . Prices start at CHF 3,046 , or approximately $ 3,300 .
OCHS UND JUNIOR MOONPHASE This special edition of the Ochs und Junior Moon Phase is available for pre-order in three 39mm variations .
One has a black galvanized dial and red lacquer-coated moon disk with red markers and hands with a case of black PVD-coated titanium . Another option has a red lacquer-coated dial with black galvanized moon disk , black markers and hands in a titanium case . Option number three has an emerald-green lacquer-coated dial with black galvanized moon disk , and gold colored markers and hands . This emerald green watch will feature a jade sun at the 12 o ’ clock position . The straps are made from red or black textile with a titanium buckle . Prices : CHF 7,400 , or approximately $ 8,100 . And there are more interesting developments to come , but suffice it to say after fifteen years Ochs und Junior are here to stay .
34 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2021