The story of Kallinich Claeys begins with the personal vision of Master Watchmaker Johannes Kallinich and his desire to create an independent manufacture with a distinctive identity of its own.
Johannes began his watchmaking career in 2013 after completing his three-year watchmaking education in Glashütte. Immediately after graduating, he joined the Saxonia department at A. Lange & Söhne. After three years, he became head of the Lange 1 department before later moving to the Chronograph department to further expand his technical expertise and experience.
Alongside his professional career, Johannes developed the ambition to bring his own watchmaking ideas to life. During his Master Watchmaker training, which he successfully completed in 2021, he created his own masterpiece, the “Johannes Kallinich Meisterwerk”, using traditional handcrafting methods.
This entirely self conceived and handcrafted timepiece combined technical construction, traditional craftsmanship and a personal design language. International recognition followed through its presentation on the renowned YouTube channel Watchfinder, where it was introduced by Andrew Morgan, also known as “The Talking Hands”.
The attention generated by this presentation brought the Meisterwerk to a worldwide audience of watch enthusiasts and confirmed Johannes’ belief that he was capable of designing and creating independent mechanical timepieces at the highest level.
This experience laid the foundation for the vision of creating an independent watchmaking manufacture.
Together with his twin sister Marie, Johannes began developing the aesthetic identity and artisanal direction of what would later become Kallinich Claeys.
While Johannes focused on the technical conception, construction and development of the timepieces, Marie contributed her creative expertise and played a key role in shaping the distinctive design language of the manufacture.
In August 2022, Kallinich Claeys was founded with the ambition to establish an independent Glashütte manufacture that combines the heritage of German watchmaking with a modern and distinctive approach.
During the early development of the manufacture, Thibault Claeys contributed his expertise in the field of finishing and supported the refinement of selected traditional handcrafting techniques.
Today, Kallinich Claeys is led by Johannes Kallinich. As Master Watchmaker, he continues to develop the manufacture by combining technical innovation, traditional craftsmanship and a distinctive design philosophy. Since the beginning of 2024, Marie has been responsible for the finishing department, leading this area with the highest level of craftsmanship.
This philosophy is reflected in unique technical solutions such as the power reserve indicator integrated into the side of the case, combining functionality and aesthetics while becoming a defining element of the brand’s identity.
Kallinich Claeys represents the connection between personal passion, exceptional craftsmanship and the ambition to explore new paths in contemporary mechanical watchmaking.
THE MANUFACTURE
The story behind Kallinich Claeys