Meeting Aaron Becsei
The last Basel World in 2019 was my first, and the first time I met Aaron Becsei.
At the top of the escalator, just to the right, was the AHCI booth. Situated in the center of one side, standing tall and prominent like his time pieces, was Aaron. Aaron was charming, confident, and treated his time pieces like the jewels they are.
I had heard his name, seen some pictures, and imagined what might be. But we all know that pictures, while speaking a thousand words, don’t always tell the truth. Seeing the few pieces on display, the pictures didn’t do justice to the art Aaron presented.
Aaron offered something that I had only done once – the opportunity to co-create a piece that reflected my and the artist’s vision. My first experiment (with Masahiko Kikuno) had not yet been delivered (however it turned out amazing) so I was a bit hesitant. Aaron was a wonderful guide into this unique and rewarding aspect of collecting from independence watchmakers.
The early examples from Bexei (Aaron’s brand) I had seen were very ornate designs, a rectangular case with strong shoulders and lugs. Several have skeletonized elements blending the strong exposed technology with the softer design elements.
However the ornate and baroque design was to fancy and feminine for me. I wanted to remain “honest” to the brand’s signature and history so suggested we retain the ornate design on the dial however blacken it to make it less prominent and flowery. Other design ideas included adding a precious gem at the 12, treating the dial layout with respect to special numbers for me, and adding the god Janus in a subtle way into the dial design.
Aaron embraced each design challenge providing a variety of rendering and options to bring the vision to life. The final design includes a number of elements Aaron hadn’t done before yet as construction began his pursuit of excellence saw him pushing to add a bevel to the hour markers, darken the color, or tighten the design.
Acquiring watches can be a long process, even back in early 2019. Aaron however seemed to be at my beck and call at any time via any channel. We’d brainstorm an idea via WhatsApp and I’d see a rendering in a day or so, sometimes sooner. I’d change my mind and he’d welcome it with an update in what felt like minutes. I imagined him sitting in his atelier with sandwiches just waiting for my call.
At one point I changed my mind after the pieces affected were complete. Aaron was a gentleman and immediately embracing the new design and altered the pieces to achieve the new design. His willingness to co-create instead of resist is a big part of what made the process such a joy and the final piece such a success.
The watch arrived almost exactly two years from when it was ordered. It was more than imagined and once again more than pictures can convey. (Made even harder by the domed sapphire on the front which makes pictures nearly impossible.)
The blackened dial reveals the intricate design at the right angle, and turns totally black at others. The hour disc and markers are well balanced and support the sub second ring comfortably. The pinch of green from the emerald brings a natural element as well as an additional personal touch.
The box, papers, and book capturing the process from design to delivery bring depth to the experience and the piece itself. They literally tell the story of this one of a kind watch and the work the artist and creator put into making it.
The movement – the Dignitas – is Bexei’s “standard” movement, a rectangular layout designed and made by hand by Aaron for each piece. It’s four plates/bridges all blend while each retaining their own whimsical nature and flowing form. The Geneva Striping runs across them perfectly and each millimeter engraved or reveling gears or escapement.
As the first year anniversary of the piece’s arrival nears I am making plans to actually see Aaron for the first time since our meeting in Basel. The pandemic prevented the in person delivery we both had looked forward to and we will finally all be together – Aaron, the watch, and me.
In summary – Aaron is a gentleman, artist, perfectionist (in the best of ways), rare talent, and great communicator. The perfect ingredients for the world of Piece Unique watch collecting.
Would I do it all over again? I already have!
When I heard Aaron was working on a round version I reached out and knowing each others creative comfort zones Aaron designed a complimentary piece to this watch in just days.
Now I need to make some sandwiches of my own, find a comfortable place to sit, and wait for my next Bexei piece to arrive.
