Svend Andersen is arguably one of the most important independent watchmakers and is often referred to as “the watchmaker of the impossible’. Born in 1942 in Denmark Andersen’s fascination for all things mechanics led him to pursue a career in watchmaking, although Andersen often cites that he became a watchmaker by chance. Andersen’s first career breakthrough dates back to 1963-1965 whereby he joined Gübelin Geneva and was responsible for the after-sales service. Five years later In 1969 at the Montres et Bijoux exhibition in Geneva Andersen presented a world premiere clocks in bottles. Each component of the clock had to be inserted via the bottleneck and required unique tools to be mounted inside the bottle. Simply put the creation was brilliant and it was set and rewound via the cork. Shortly after, Patek Philippe came calling and offered Andersen a position at the grand complications workshop. The experience proved to be invaluable for the creation of his next venture. 

The importance of Andersen’s thoughtfulness potentially saved certain savoir-faire from being lost. His appreciation of cases led him to create and transfer the knowledge to future generations. Andersen co-founded the AHCI – Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants – in 1985 and opened doors for many, for example, he played a pivotal role for upcoming independent watchmakers such as Franck Muller to find their footing in this brave new world. The orders for peculiar cases kept flowing at the same time clients were now asking Andersen to create unique pieces for them with his signature. His associate Perret did not want to part take in making wristwatches and this led Andersen to collaborate with revered case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann. In 1989 Andersen delivered his first wristwatch signed ‘Andersen Genève’ which was inspired by Louis Cottier. 

An Italian collector approached Andersen to explore the possibility of incorporating the erotic automaton function into a wristwatch. As a result, the eros collection was born. On the surface, this 38.5mm rose gold Andersen Geneve oozes elegance and simplicity. The contrast of the dauphine hands and stark white lacquered allows for the emphasis to be placed on the timekeeping requirements. The numerals are finished in typical Andersen style. 

The 18-carat yellow case measures 12mm in thickness and wears well due to the elongated lugs. The case features intricate details such as the bevelling on the lugs and concaving polished bezel. The pusher found at 8 o’clock is used to activate the automaton based on Greek Mythology which was inspired by a drawing that dates back to 500 years ago. The double-barrel movement allows for the automaton to move without any lags or stutters. 

Brand: Andersen Genève  
Model: Eros – Greek Mythology 
Case Diameter: 38.50mm x 12mm 
Year: 1998
Box & Papers: Original Papers 

Svend Andersen is arguably one of the most important independent watchmakers and is often referred to as “the watchmaker of the impossible’. Born in 1942 in Denmark Andersen’s fascination for all things mechanics led him to pursue a career in watchmaking, although Andersen often cites that he became a watchmaker by chance. Andersen’s first career breakthrough dates back to 1963-1965 whereby he joined Gübelin Geneva and was responsible for the after-sales service. Five years later In 1969 at the Montres et Bijoux exhibition in Geneva Andersen presented a world premiere clocks in bottles. Each component of the clock had to be inserted via the bottleneck and required unique tools to be mounted inside the bottle. Simply put the creation was brilliant and it was set and rewound via the cork. Shortly after, Patek Philippe came calling and offered Andersen a position at the grand complications workshop. The experience proved to be invaluable for the creation of his next venture.