An independent watchmaker based in Vallée de Joux, David Candaux started his eponymous brand in 2017 with a release called the “1740 The First 8” which is what we have here. David began his watchmaking career a long time before that however, as a watchmaker with Jaeger LeCoultre. Candaux was such a good watchmaker, in fact, that he became a designer watchmaker, a rare job even in Switzerland. This job wasn’t to design watches, like a Gerald Genta or Jorg Hysek, but instead design their movements and any accompanying engineering. As a result, some of the most breath-taking pieces of modern horological engineering have come out of Candaux’s workshop in recent years, one example of which being the DC1 1740 First Eight that we have here. Launched as Candaux’s first watch and a limited edition of 8 pieces, as you might have gathered, the DC1 1740 First 8 was inspired and named after the year a watchmaker was documented as working in Vallée de Joux. Boasting a symmetrical salmon dial with a power reserve indication at 12, a dial displaying hours and minutes at three which is controlled by a crown at 12 and a 30 degree inclined tourbillon at 9 o’clock, this is one very unique-looking watch.

Watch is in near-mint condition. There are minor signs of use visible on the case, including light marks visible on the lugs and polished surfaces.

An exceptionally unique timepiece from the inside and outside, the First 8 showcases the incredible talents David Candaux has as a watchmaker, movement designer and craftsman.