The platinum and gold cases of our unique timepieces are milled from a solid block of precious metal. Our platinum alloy utilizes the high-quality 950 platinum (950 of 1000 parts pure platinum), while our gold is 18-karat (750 parts of 1000). On average, more than one kilogram of precious metal is used for each watch case – depending on the size – to get our characteristic multi-part case with a platinum share of 110 to 200 grams. The gold share is 20 percent less due to the alloy.
All base plates of the Platinum movements are coated with blue platinum in homage to the grand tradition of Charles Oudin, one of Breguet’s pupils. In this way the unmistakable character of Grieb & Benzinger’s Platinum watches are ensured. The combination of precious platinum and the platinum blue-coated movements creates a harmonious, cool contrast, which makes our uniquely decorated watches so unmistakably recognizable. Grieb & Benzinger is worldwide the only brand using blue platinum to decorate watch movements.
We found the inspiration for the deep black PVD-coated base plates of the Aurum line in the contrasts of molten lava and cooled, black volcanic rock. The colorful harmony between the warm gold and the deep black simultaneously enlivens and soothes.
The platinum grey-coated Ferrum line is an ode to our Shades of Grey watches, which were sold out before we could even finish producing all of the unique pieces. The fine difference between these and the new models of the Aurum line is the use of uncompromisingly precious three-hand movements.
One of the most important watchmakers of all time, Abraham-Louis Breguet again stands as the inspiration for the frosted finish of our dials. Just like in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the surfaces of our dials are treated with a combination of oxidation (open flame) and a special acid mix. The result is the silvery-white surface reminiscent of frost – which is where the name comes from.
In its day, the frost also served as a seal for the surface of the dial to protect it from oxidation (tarnishing of the silver). The fascinating silver-white hue is a treat for connoisseurs’ eyes, which even with the aid of modern galvanic methods has never been reproduced. Today the original Breguet frosted finish is only utilized by a handful of watchmakers.