Petermann Bédat 2941 Split-Seconds Monopusher, Platinum

An evolution of their industrial aesthetic, the Split-Seconds 2941 is the second watch from Gaël Petermann and Florian Bédat, with a forward-thinking dial design and unconventional approach to historical watchmaking. Having worked with them from the early beginnings of their career, we are honoured to have followed their journey as they forge a path as leaders of a new generation of young, independent watchmakers.

The inspiration behind the Split-Seconds 2941 comes from a pocket watch given to Gaël by his wife, in addition to the restoration work the pair have done in the past. This has fed into the design of the movement, as the chronograph and rattrapante complications are split up, and you can instead glimpse the rattrapante system from below the dial. Each meticulously black polished steel part in the movement is also a result of their desire to live up to the high standards of past watchmaking.

The pair planned to make only 10 examples of this chronograph, a choice that they made because of how difficult it is to regulate the split-seconds complication. As Bédat explains: "The split-seconds takes a lot of energy to stop, and you always have to regulate how the springs work together, finding the right balance to allow the hands to return to their original position, but making sure that not too much power is used."

Sized below 39mm, the case diameter is reminiscent of a more classical aesthetic, and it is especially impressive that the team have managed to fit the complex movement into such a small case. The welded lugs give the impression that they are separate from the main body of the case, a tasteful decision that moves their aesthetics forwards. The dial has been further developed from their first watch and is symmetrically balanced, featuring heat blued and pink gold accents.

As Bédat notes, "It was a big change for us to make this watch in terms of the architecture and design of its parts. We really wanted to make a chronograph because we can express ourselves with the design of these parts, especially on the movement side. It was a project we had in mind for a long time – we admired the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph and wanted to make a version with our own take on the shapes and design." The placement of the pushers at 10 and 3 o’clock is a surprising twist on their traditional positions. Drawing upon their earlier experience in watchmaking, the pair highlight areas they most admire about past watchmaking, including movement architecture and paying close attention to finishing.

Taking over 900 hours to put together and consisting of 339 parts, the calibre 202 not only combines two impressive chronograph and split seconds complications, but has also been finished to an incredible standard, with black polishing and matte finishing on all stainless-steel parts. According to Petermann, "When we were doing restoration I had the opportunity to work on a Lange, and in these German pocket watches, they just black polish every steel part, and when working on it, you can see how beautiful it is, and we said okay, we want to keep this tradition. We are not German at all, but yeah, we don’t care, we just love it."

When asked about the finishing of the watch, and which parts within the movement were their personal favourite, Bédat highlights the "hammer and fork" that surrounds the barrel, an area that he felt was a nice visual touch. For Petermann, the clutch level is what stands out for him, especially because of the new shape that the pair came up with, which is noticeably different from your typical chronograph. "It's not a copy of something, it's our identity," Petermann says. "So I'm quite proud of it."

A Collected Man is an authorised retailer for Petermann Bédat. While all our allocations are currently spoken for, if you would like to register your interest in this brand, please get in touch with one of our specialists.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Petermann Bédat Split-Seconds will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Peterman Bédat Reference 1967 is a brand new watch, and such is preserved in the condition in which it was finished by the watchmakers.

Warranty

The watch comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man as well as the remaining duration of the manufacturer warranty from Petermann Bédat.