Schnelle Art Deco Owner Review : Fascinating, singular and retro

¤ A fusion of craftsmanship and vintage inspiration... to put your own stamp on Independent German watchmaker Thomas Schnelle stands out in the watchmaking world with his signature creation: a model inspired by the Art Deco style, which bears that name. This piece is the result of a complete artisanal approach, combining historical design and vintage mechanics, giving us the opportunity to put our own stamp on it. ¤ A rectangular design that will prompt comments: "Your Reverso is strange!" No, it's not a Reverso! The rectangular case is the cornerstone of this watch's identity. Several finishes are available: brushed, like on my model, but also a sandblasted finish that can give it a more rugged "titanium watch" look. The case is currently only available in stainless steel. This case places the watch in the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. It is the reason I fell in love with this model. The crystal seems to magically fit into the case and is only held in place at the top and bottom edges. I appreciate this lightness and finesse in the design, which is also a challenge for Schnelle. Keeping the crystal in place without any visible traces of glue is one of the most difficult steps in watch assembly. ¤ At the heart of the watch: a vintage movement, with its limitations One of the most remarkable features of the Art Deco model lies in the choice of its movement. Schnelle uses Longines 9LT calibers, dating from around the 1950s, which he meticulously restores and overhauls. I greatly appreciated the approach of the French brand Semper & Adhuc, similar to that of Thomas Schnelle on the movement. It gives the watch an additional soul. This also means accepting the limitations of a vintage movement, even if the watch is modern: no shock resistance, no stop-seconds function, sensitivity to magnetism, etc. ¤ A dial with Bauhaus accents, but not only! While the case is purely Art Deco, the dial presents a refined aesthetic, with fine typography and an off-center small seconds hand, reminiscent of the Bauhaus school. However, it is on the dial that the customization options are greatest: Luminova color and dial material and finish. New variations are regularly offered as Schnelle experiments. Personally, I wanted a transparent dial and orange indexes to add a twist. I wanted a classic German watch that would feel at home at a Berlin techno party. ¤ Handcrafted and "custom-made" production Thomas Schnelle carries out a large part of the production in-house, in his Munich workshop. He finishes the cases himself, the dials, the indexes, and the hands are made in his workshop, which gives him complete creative freedom. Schnelle offers customization options for each model he produces, which gives rise to direct exchanges with him. This "handmade" and "bespoke" approach gives each watch a unique character and a soul that I don't find in mass production. ¤ Price and delivery time At the time of writing this review, the starting price of the watch is €2,000 excluding VAT, and my model cost me around €3,000 including VAT. This price seems well positioned for a watch offering such customization options, as well as the pleasure of interacting with a watchmaker who loves his craft. You may have to be patient to get your hands on your copy. My wait was "only" a few months, but it could be longer depending on the customization options. ¤ Ultimately, it's more than just a customizable watch. This Art Deco model by Thomas Schnelle is, for me, much more than just a customizable watch. It's an object that testifies to a craftsman's passion for design and fine mechanics. It embodies a tribute that spans the design of the 1920s to the mechanics of the 1950s, while bridging the gap with a contemporary approach to independent watchmaking.