Some surprises are ahead - unexpected news from Paul Gerber!

Mar 01, 2011,12:45 PM
 

Dear All:

in my article about the award of the Prix Gaïa to Paul Gerber in 2007, I alluded to Paul's fascination for control-line model flying. This refers to elaborately-designed model aeroplanes that fly in a circle, guided by a 20-m-long steel cable, powered by a combustion engine or electric motor. They are controlled by precise hand movements, which is quite a feat if you consider the impressive maneuvers the planes perform:



For a video, please click here:

www.ornatus-mundi.ch

The Swiss Aeromodelling Association explains: “Each aeroplane communicates with the pilot in its own way. It moves in a certain direction, it accelerates, it vibrates, it lives. The control-line pilot knows exactly what is going on, because he has his hand on the controls of the aeroplane, which is constantly reacting to all the influences. He therefore feels even the slightest wind, each change in engine output and any construction defect, however small it may be. Our aeroplanes are designed so that they can perform complex manoeuvres with the smallest rudder movement. However, this means that they must be controlled with the greatest of concentration at all times. Even if a flight only lasts a few minutes, it is really quite demanding and always a brief trip into another world.”

So what are the challenges that appeal to master watchmaker, so that he does not only design, built and fly his planes, but also teaches the youth?




There are the following three:


    - the mastery of craftsmanship
    - the mastery of space
    - the mastery of physical forces


These are challenges that are well reflected in Paul's watchmaking. But now, the link has become much tighter and more obvious. The answer is in this picture:



Or better, take a look at this close-up:



What you see here came as a total surprise to me when I visited Paul some weeks ago. He just phone me and said I should come, I won't regret... I obeyed and was not disappointed. What I saw was unexpected in terms of design and price-point, but not in terms of horlogerie à la Paul... On the contrary, its so totally 'Paul'!

More in a couple of days!

Cheers,
Magnus


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YEEEEHHAAAAAA!

 
 By: ChristianDK : March 1st, 2011-14:45
I'm going to see him at Basel. Thanks for posting Magnus Best Christian

Side question for Gerber

 
 By: ED209 : March 1st, 2011-20:04
Doesn't he get dizzy flying a model airplane in a circle? I've always wondered about that. Why not just a 4 channel or more radio controlled plane instead? Regards, ED-209

Radio control...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : March 1st, 2011-23:35
physically disconnects you from the plane. Its like a quartz watch compared to a mechanical one... Cheers, Magnus

Whoa!!

 
 By: sklim8 : March 1st, 2011-21:35
Very very exciting... VERY!

looking like Pilot's

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : March 2nd, 2011-00:22
watch from here, correct me if im mistaken , please. Thanks for teasing Magnus:P Faisal

.... ;-) Wait a few days! NT

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : March 2nd, 2011-00:28
no text

tell me NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW:)

 
 By: playtime : March 2nd, 2011-07:01
can't wait J

Since you asked... ;-)

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : March 2nd, 2011-08:09
Due to lack of time not more know, but a full report comes definitely this week, promise! Cheers, Magnus...  

Excellent

 
 By: RobCH : March 2nd, 2011-07:40
...will be looking for this at Basel. Thanks for thr heads-up!

up, up - and roaring!

 
 By: amerix : March 2nd, 2011-10:22
I can only say that after many months living with the Calibre 33 with a spherical moon accompanied by its slightly customized (my choice) large second hand that this is state-of-the art - of a fine and very particular mechanical, as well as esthetic art. ... 

Always like to see...

 
 By: jporos : March 2nd, 2011-11:02
what Paul Gerber is up to and particularly what horological gem he will create next. Looking forward to the rest of the report.

Thanks Magnus...

 
 By: Greg D : March 2nd, 2011-16:07
I saw this watch when I picked up my serviced watches a couple of weeks ago - great to see Paul having fun. Looking forward to your follow up,

Gerber pilot watch? Very cool!

 
 By: dxboon : March 3rd, 2011-00:12
Looking forward to the full report! Cheers, Daos

Model 42

 
 By: gaspard : March 3rd, 2011-04:16
Did Paul have Model 42 on his wrist? It's already on his website: www.gerber-uhren.ch Kind regards, gaspard