Drawing Haute Horology with The Watchoniste
We asked Alex Eisenzammer (The Watchoniste) a few questions about making watch art, working with legendary watchmaker MB&F and more.
Alex Eisenzammer is a French artist and a hell of a watch guy. You might recognize his work from the Instagram page of MB&F, French watchmaker Heritier or the limited run of pocket squares designed in collaboration with L’Atelier in benefit of the British Red Cross. We caught up with Alex to ask him a few questions about his profession and personal watch taste — and he provided us with some incredible artwork to share.
Joshua Cameron: Your website says this profession imposed itself on you — how did you find yourself doing this work?
Alex Eisenzammer: Well, it all started from a fun challenge I gave to myself: I wanted to keep a different memory than a simple picture of a watch I once owned, why not make a nice piece of art based on it? I posted it online and people really liked it. I was asked to make art based on other people’s watches so they could display them in their house, and it took off.
JC: How long have you been an illustrator? Is this a full-time job?
AE: I started drawing in my childhood thanks to my mother. She was a professional artist and I always admired her ability to draw things so easily in her own vision. I then learned to use Photoshop and computer tools myself to create stuff that I didn’t normally see. As of now, I don’t have a day job since this became my main job this summer! It’s a crazy adventure, but living from a passion is quite unique.
JC: Tell us about how you got to work with MB&F!
AE: It came about in the most simple way! I just wrote to them and said, “Hey! I do cool artworks based on watches, would you like one?!” And they agreed to work together! They are just on another level when it comes to communication and open-mindedness in the industry. That feels like a rare sight among haute horlogerie brands.
JC: What's a piece of art, design or anything else that you're most proud of right now?
AE: Maybe the F.P. Journe with Holland & Holland dial, since the woodwork on that sector dial part was a huge challenge, but it came out exactly how I wanted it to.
JC: What does your personal watch collection look like right now?
It’s a little bit of a mess, since I am a little bit unstable! It’s vintage, always. Some Omega small seconds, a Must de Cartier Tank and a Tudor Oyster Prince.
JC: Do you have a "grail" watch? If so, what is it?
AE: Gimme an Akrivia Chronometre Contemporain in rose gold with a black dial. Just that. Anyday.
JC: What's next for The Watchoniste? Do you have any longer-term goals with the business?
AE: I’ve started a series called “Focus Series”, which opens my art to more people since they are limited edition printings focusing on some crucial details on different brands or models — instead of a bespoke piece-unique that I’m known for — but they’re priced higher than the Focus Series.
Making my art more affordable and easier for people to get their hands on it is my priority for 2021. The Focus Series will be more and more developed, so that eventually every watch enthusiast can find something in my shop that would suit their taste.
All images courtesy of The Watchoniste. Follow Alex Eisenzammer on Instagram at @watchoniste and check out their website for the newest artworks, projects and requests!
