Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Felipe Pikullik FPSK25 Regulator, The Latest Watch in the Indie’s Annual Skeletonized Series
With the FPSK25 Regulator, indie watchmaker Felipe Pikullik presents the newest and fifth evolution in his annual skeletonized watch series.
One of the rising stars of the independent watchmaking scene, Felipe Pikullik’s career began in Glashütte, then working with renowned watchmakers including Kudoke and Rolf Lang. In 2017, at the age of 23, he launched his own brand in Berlin with a focus on hand-skeletonized movements – some of the most impressive we’ve seen recently. Now, the young man is releasing the latest and fifth watch in his annual skeletonized FPSK series, the Felipe Pikullik FPSK25 Regulator. And as you expect from the man, there’s an incredible level of openworked design and hand-finishing.
The latest watch in the FPSK series (Felipe Pikullik Skeleton) is an unprecedented regulator-style model, powered by a venerable movement that is hardly recognizable considering the level of transformation it has undergone. As for the exterior design, the FPSK25 Regulator keeps things simple, with a 41mm case with polished bezel and lugs, and satin-finished flanks. It comes with nice, sculpted lugs and sapphire crystals on both sides. Considering the size, the 10.5mm will certainly result in a rather svelte-looking watch.
Things become much more interesting when looking through the dial. As always with Pikullik, the focus is on hand-finishing, skeletonization and a strong three-dimensional effect, with transparency of all the parts. For his latest FPSK25 Regulator, Felipe has elected a regulator version of the Unitas movement, with the classic layout you expect from such a traditional watch: large minutes in the centre, hours at 12 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Time is indicated by beautifully finished two-tone hands, semi-frosted and semi-polished, enhancing contrast.
To allow as much light to go through the dial and to create consistency with the finishing of the movement, Pikullik has created a largely opened top element that includes the sub-dials as well as a central bridge carrying his signature and the individual numbering of each piece. This element is done in positive relief, with the lower part displaying a matte, black rhodium treatment and the upper part done in a rose gold-tone colour with either brushed surfaces or polished bevels. All numerals, markers and logos are thus raised above the blackened background with an elegant effect of depth.
As always with Felipe Pikullik, the main element to look for is the movement, or more specifically its finishing. And the new FPSK25 Regulator is no exception to the rule. As you might have seen, this movement starts its life as one of the most mundane base calibres around, one that is however greatly respected by watchmakers, the ETA Unitas. This large hand-wound movement, derived from pocket watch calibres, runs at a slow frequency of 2.5Hz and stores about 46 hours of power reserve.
But this commoner then goes under the hands of Pikullik and becomes something truly different. Each component is hand-shaped, polished and finished to create a movement with a superb level of execution. The bridges are fully skeletonized, with oversized and impressive bevels applied entirely by hand, including sharp inner angles. The main plate is then frosted and coated in black rhodium, providing a striking contrast against the polished surfaces. The balance cock is hand engraved with a delicate floral pattern and the ratchet wheel features a snailed finish while each tooth is bevelled and polished by hand. The barrel cap, in gold colour, is also open with bevelled spokes, the screw heads are black polished and pinions and wheels are individually hand polished to ensure smooth operation. In addition, there’s a real sense of beauty and lightness in the way the bridges are skeletonized.
Worn on a black calfskin strap with a stainless steel pin buckle, the Felipe Pikullik FPSK25 Regulator is strictly limited to 10 pieces, available directly from Felipe Pikullik Uhrenmanufaktur. It is priced at EUR 19,500 (excl. taxes), a hefty price that reflects the extensive handwork applied on each movement. For more details, please visit felipe-pikullik.de.
