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The BENZINGER GAP 2 Midnight Blue follows in the footsteps of a watch that is special even by the standards of watchmaker Jochen Benzinger. Once again, the secret star of the watch is the hand-wound movement, which is a fascinating piece of craftsmanship, and not just visually. But there is much more to discover!
GAP – Part 2
It’s been just over two years since I was able to wear and test the GAP 1 by Pforzheim watchmaker Jochen Benzinger on my wrist. When I think about it now, I could have guessed it back then: the GAP 2 follows the GAP 1. The successor to the watch, which is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, has recently become available in different colours.
But first things first. Before this new watch review, I would like to briefly explain the significance of the GAP 1 within the collection. Until I received the GAP 1 in November 2022, I had only worn BENZINGER models fitted with an ETA 6498 hand-wound movement. I like the traditional calibre, but I have to admit that an exceptional movement goes better with a special wristwatch – as the cherry on the cake, so to speak. BENZINGER has therefore collaborated with the Austrian watch manufacturer Habring2 in the development of its latest creation. The new movement had to fulfill Jochen Benzinger’s exact requirements for the artistic timepieces. BENZINGER pays tribute to this successful collaboration in the name of its watch: GAP stands for nothing other than German Austrian Partnership.
By incorporating the calibre especially designed for this watch, the GAP 1 is something very special within Jochen BENZINGER’s collection, in which unique pieces are the order of the day thanks to the realisation of unusual customer requests. With the introduction of the GAP 2, however, the GAP 1 does not disappear. It has come to stay. Therefore you can purchase it directly from BENZINGER or via one of the retailers.
A dream in midnight blue
The BENZINGER GAP therefore takes on a heavy legacy, while at the same time endeavouring to be original. It easily achieves this with the new feature of the visible power reserve, which will delight technology lovers in particular. More details will follow in the next section when we take a closer look at the movement.
As with the GAP 1, the dimensions of the skillfully designed timepiece immediately catch the eye. With a diameter of 39 millimetres and a height of just 11.5 millimetres, the BENZINGER GAP 2 is extremely compact, which I personally like.
The case of the BENZINGER GAP 2
A major constant in the design philosophy of Jochen Benzinger’s watches is the case. Nothing has changed with the introduction of the BENZINGER GAP 2. The functional case body has a cylindrical, simple shape which, unlike the movement or the dial, has no ornamentation and thus emphasises the two ‘chocolate sides’. The Pforzheim-made case consists of stainless steel and has a matt finish, while the bevelled bezel and case back are polished, creating a varied interplay. Watch glasses on the front and back are of course made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
GAP 1 and 2 have slightly smaller viewing windows than models such as the Subscription Black Orange or the Regulateur BlueBlack DLC. Jochen Benzinger literally utilises the larger stainless steel surface for additional design features. Like the BENZINGER GAP 1, the BENZINGER GAP 2 excites with inverse engravings, which lend the case a fascinating plasticity. The case back and crown of my GAP 2 are also inlaid with ceramic, with the colour of the ceramic echoing the colour of the dial – in my case Midnight Blue. The crown is located at 2 o’clock, a rather unusual position. Its place at 3 o’clock is taken by a pusher that can be used to set the date.
A special feature of the GAP 2: the power reserve
Jochen Benzinger designed the GAP base movement in collaboration with Richard and Maria Habring. Richard and Maria Habring have specialised in the development of complex watches and movements. Since 1989, they have been developing and building complicated timepieces both under their own name and for renowned watch manufacturers such as BENZINGER. In the case of the GAP, the design of the watch is the work of Jochen Benzinger, while Habring2 has concentrated on the technical realisation.
The new version of the GAP 2 is even more technically sophisticated than the GAP 1. The biggest challenge – apart from the offset hours and minutes and the small seconds on the same axis as the date display – was the additional installation of a power reserve. It took all the expertise of the experienced watchmaking duo to install this power reserve via differentials and various additional gear chains in exactly the same place where it now sits: directly below the 12 o’clock display. And this more technical design is also continued on the back of the watch, as the elaborately skeletonised movement has now given way to a hand-guillochéd three-quarter plate, which gives the GAP 2 movement a calmer, more elegant appearance.
Breathtaking key figures
Compared to the previously used ETA 6498, the GAP is considerably more compact. It measures just 30 millimetres in diameter and 5.1 millimetres in height. This is what makes the compact design of the case possible. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement has a long-lasting power reserve of 48 hours. With a wristwatch having a hand-wound movement, however, I look forward to regularly winding the movement, which quickly becomes a ritual.
Technical refinements include the Carl Haas balance spring in chronometer quality and the KIF shock protection. The latter makes the BENZINGER GAP a very robust watch, which at first glance you might not expect from this delicate piece of craftsmanship.
A detailed dial
The hand-guilloché dial is a real eye-catcher and shimmers in a dark, dignified blue colour. Despite the many details (corn guilloché in the outer area, ray guilloché within the totalisers), the dial appears extraordinarily tidy and, contrary to my expectations, is very easy to read. The date display, small seconds and power reserve display are easy to find your way around. The dial consists of sterling silver.
The BENZINGER GAP 2 wears beautifully on the hand-stitched strap. The ‘Midnight Blue’ model has a dark blue Alcantara strap with light blue stitching, the inside of which is exceptionally supple to the touch. It is available with a folding clasp or pin buckle.
My conclusion on the BENZINGER GAP 2 Midnight Blue
In my opinion, watches labelled ‘GAP’ are probably the best series models that BENZINGER currently has to offer. Whether they are also the most beautiful is for everyone to decide, as tastes differ. The GAP manual winding movement technically elevates the compact timepiece to pole position within the collection. In my opinion, the GAP 2 is a sophisticated addition to the GAP 1. Both models are on a par with each other, with the GAP 1 impressing with its handcrafted movement and calm dial, while the GAP 2 has the additional highlight of a power reserve.
As always with BENZINGER: nothing is set in stone. Anyone with ideas and the necessary cash can have the BENZINGER GAP 2 Midnight Blue customised by Jochen Benzinger. Like the GAP 1, it will be available in different colour variants, giving the watch – depending on the version – a more classic and elegant or sportier design.
While the Midnight Blue version presented here costs €15,400, the entry-level price of the watch is already €14,900.
You can find out more about BENZINGER and the GAP 2 Midnight Blue below.
Click here to go to the BENZINGER homepage
All BENZINGER watch reviews in my blog
