Indie Brand Winnerl Presents its Second Act, the Heart Return

Reviving the legacy of an illustrious 19th-century Austrian watchmaker, Bernhard Zwinz has breathed new life into the name Winnerl. With this detail-obsessed watchmaker at the helm, each timepiece is meticulously and beautifully handcrafted, reflecting a deep commitment to artisanal watchmaking. Following the discreet success of its first release, the brand returns in 2026 with a second model that deepens its connection to historical marine chronometers while adding intricate mechanical content.

Following the inaugural founder’s series, this new timepiece draws direct inspiration from an original Winnerl marine chronometer. The design language remains the same, notably with the small seconds positioned at 12 o’clock. This new Winnerl Heart Return sees the original concept evolving significantly, introducing a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, calibrated to 49 hours, in line with the historic piece. However, this is no ordinary power reserve display. The indication does not progress continuously but advances in discrete jumps every seven hours. 

The chronometry lineage is further embodied in the management of driving forces. To ensure optimal performance, the movement of the Heart Return incorporates a system that halts the balance wheel during the final three hours of the power reserve. At the upper end, a limiting mechanism prevents the mainspring from operating in its most variable torque zone. Together, these innovations keep the movement within a range where energy delivery remains as constant as possible – enhancing rate stability and overall accuracy.

The watch is housed in a restrained and elegant 39.9 mm steel case, identical in dimensions to its predecessor. A standout element, the dial, is crafted from a single piece of crystallised titanium. As such, it features a naturally occurring surface texture unique to each watch. The numerals are not applied but relief-engraved into the dial itself, which is made of a single piece. Slender, hand-polished and heat-blued steel hands complete the display with understated refinement.

Two versions are offered: a grey dial edition limited to six pieces and reserved for A Collected Man, and a second series of six pieces featuring a deep blue dial.

The open caseback reveals a movement that may appear familiar at first glance (for those who have in mind the previous series) but is, in reality, entirely re-engineered. Years in development, the hand-wound calibre CW03 retains a three-quarter plate architecture with a small aperture revealing the balance bridge, whose design is inspired by the historic marine chronometer. The decoration is superb, with deep ribbing across the German Silver three-quarter plate and mirror polishing for the steel balance bridge. The large jewels are another beautiful detail.

The hand-wound calibre CW03 comprises 238 components and 47 jewels – a high number explained by the fact that every wheel pivots between two jewels to reduce friction. Two differentials are integrated, each serving a distinct and original function: one governs the jumping power reserve, while the other enables a zero-reset mechanism.

This zero-reset function is particularly relevant for a precision instrument. When the crown is pulled, the seconds hand instantly returns to zero, allowing for precise time-setting. It will only restart once the crown is pushed back in. The system is controlled by a column wheel and operates through a differential that ensures the reset occurs without disturbing the movement’s rate. The heart-shaped cam responsible for this action is visible through the caseback – a deliberate aesthetic and historical reference, as such components were already present in some of Winnerl’s early chronograph work.

The power reserve mechanism itself is equally sophisticated. It is based on a differential, while a finger on the dial side advances a star wheel in seven-hour increments. A second star wheel, positioned on the opposite side, is linked to the balance stop mechanism. A deeper notch in its teeth allows a lever to fall into place, ultimately halting the balance at the critical threshold.

The escapement is a modified Swiss lever type, and the balance follows the same architecture as the first model, featuring an inclined rim set at a 45-degree angle. It is fitted with four inertia screws for balance and four additional regulation screws.

With only twelve pieces produced – six in each dial variation – this magnificent new Winnerl Heart Return remains as exclusive as it is beautifully crafted. Winnerl produces 5 or 6 watches per year only… While pricing has not been disclosed, it is expected to fall well into six-figure territory.

For more details, please visit winnerl.ch.