Created as a German Austrian Partnership (hence the “GAP” in its name), what we have here is the Benzinger GAP 1 Graphite. Made by German watchmaker Benzinger, this timepiece combines a traditionalist take on classical watchmaking with pure artistry to create a watch that is truly exceptional. With its mechanics provided by the Austrian watchmaker Habring2, the GAP 1 is as technically astute as is it aesthetically unique. Boasting a graphite grey guilloche dial with a myriad of finishing techniques visible within the various sections that are created by the applied salmon-colored chapter rings for its running seconds, pointer date subdial, and minute track, the 39mm stainless steel GAP 1’s dial is simply stunning, but it doesn’t end there. Turning the watch over we see Habring2’s contribution to the GAP 1 via the manual-wind movement that they created specifically for Benzinger. Completely skeletonized by Benzinger, the resulting movement is as delightful as the rest of the watch, resulting in a timepiece that is stunningly beautiful in its absolute entirety. Launched as a collection of with a handful of variants, this Graphite variant – limited to 50 pieces - is perhaps one of the most understated and discrete.

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case has light marks and scratches on the polished surfaces. The display case back features very well-defined embossed text around the edge. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. The watch is fitted with a Phillips leather strap and a Benzinger steel deployant clasp, both in excellent condition. Note: This was erroneously listed as a prototype, but is not a prototype.

Combining a unique physical construction with an artisanally-crafted dial, and a mechanically astute movement that has been decorated just as much as the dial, the GAP 1 showcases German and Austrian precision at their very finest.