Paul, the Watchmaker Extraordinaire from Gübelin: A Portrait of Passion and Precision
In a world where luxury is often equated with predictability, Paul from Gübelin breaks the mold. A master watchmaker with an insatiable appetite for the unique, the unusual, and the unexpected, Paul’s life is a testament to the art of seeing beauty where others might see none. When I met him, he enthusiastically showed me a watch that bore an uncanny resemblance to the Enterprise from Star Trek. While others might have dismissed it as eccentric, Paul admired its audacious design—proof that he thrives on pieces that challenge the norm.
A Watchmaker with a Photographer’s Eye
Beyond his expertise in horology, Paul harbors a deep love for photography. He’s an evangelist of rare cameras, like the Contax-inspired TVS Digital—one of the first digital cameras on the market, blending analog charm with cutting-edge technology of its time. His photographic work speaks to his knack for seizing fleeting, serendipitous moments. One of his most celebrated shots captures the silhouette of a man on the beach, bathed in ethereal twilight. Paul managed to snap this iconic image in the midst of being unceremoniously shooed away by beach staff—a fleeting moment transformed into timeless art.
Curator of Horological Treasures
Paul’s passion for watches extends far beyond his workshop. His personal collection is a masterclass in blending the eclectic with the classic. Among his prized pieces are gems from Gübelin, a brand synonymous with sophistication and artistry. But Paul doesn’t stop there—his collection boasts a refreshing mix of exclusivity and timelessness. From the bold elegance of a Cartier with a twist, like the Gordon Links, to the enduring charm of Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato, and even the sleek innovation of an IWC Porsche Design, Paul’s taste is as varied as it is impeccable.
The Vintage Car and Motorcycle Connoisseur
Not one to confine his passions to wristwear, Paul is also a devotee of timeless vehicles. His daily driver? A first-generation Land Rover Defender—a rugged yet iconic piece of automotive history that perfectly matches his aesthetic. His love of classic motorcycles, particularly vintage Hondas, further underscores his appreciation for design and engineering that stand the test of time.
A Man Worth Following
Whether he’s fine-tuning a Gübelin masterpiece, capturing the perfect shot with a rare camera, or cruising in his Defender, Paul brings an infectious enthusiasm to everything he does. His Instagram handle, @meineuhrfunkeltmitternachts, is a window into this multifaceted world—a feed brimming with horological marvels, vintage treasures, and moments of photographic brilliance.
Paul isn’t just a watchmaker; he’s a curator of life’s finer, quirkiest pleasures. Whether you’re a watch aficionado, a photography buff, or simply someone who appreciates the art of individuality, Paul is a name—and a personality—you won’t soon forget.
