20 years Alexander Shorokhoff watch manufacture
Transcription
20 years Alexander Shorokhoff watch manufacture
Dear watch collectors, the “Alexander Shorokhoff watch manufacturer” („ASUM“) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, in October 2012. The eventful history of the foundation and development of the manufacturer is shown in this brochure. However, the only thing that counts is the passion and love driving the watchmaking in our workshop. Usually, this work is taking a lot of time, and in this brochure the speech is exactly about this. FROM MOSCOW TO FRANKFURT From Russia where upheavals and changes were going on, the engineer and manager Alexander Shorokhov was moving to Frankfurt. He is part of a group of 20 young, talented graduates chosen from 200 competitors by the then president of the Soviet Union, Michail Gorbatchov, and sent to Germany in order to broaden his knowledge of the free market The young managers were instructed by the ministry of economic affairs of Hessen, the Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt and other companies like Mercedes, Siemens, the railway Deutsche Bahn AG. The young managers were Moscow 1991, railway station „Belorussky“ 4 Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt, reception evening Minister for economic affairs, Dr. E. Welteke, responsible for the Soviet specialists learning and gathering experience in these firms. After this studies, Shorokhov‘s passion for architecture, mechanics and esthetical design was leading him to the „Haute Horlogerie“, the high art of watchmaking. Graduation ceremony 1 9 9 1 1991 Dr. F. Niethammer, president of the Chamber of Commerce handling over the diploma to Mr. A. Shorokhov 5 LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE TO A WORLD-WIDE CAREER Alexander Shorokhov gains a foothold in Western Europe. It gets around in Moscow, too. The Russian industry presents him several offers for working. He selected the „First Moscow Watch Factory“ and starts to establish an international sale service in West Europe distributing watches of the Russian brand „Poljot“. For this propose, he founds the „Poljot- V GmbH“, in September 1992 in Frankfurt, and after a short time he succeeded to extend it to other countries world-wide. In that year, the young company of Alexander Shorokhov became member of the „German Association of Watch Industry“ in order to be better acquainted with the country, its industries, technologies and conditions. Regardless of several changes in the structure, responsibility and staff of this association - the “Alexander Shorokhoff Watch Manufacturer” remains true to its principles, for all the following years. 1 9 9 2 1992 The most popular chronograph of the year The jubilee watch „Cosmos RussiaGermany“ Jürgen Bock, president of the German association of watchmakers from 1989 - 1997 6 First account opening with the director of the Dresdner Bank, Mr. M. Grzebellus The founding treaty 7 RUSSIAN WATCHES ATTRACT ATTENTION The first presentation of „Poljot“-watches at an international watch exhibition “INHORGENTA” in Munich, was causing a stir in Germany. Among the multitude of Swiss made watches, the Russian watches of the “Poljot-V GmbH” were catching the eyes of the visitors. Shorokhov’s decision to make a name for this brand in Germany was right and giving him the possibility to go on a risky way of distribution – only through German jewellers and specialised watch shops. Prizes for high quality of „Poljot“ 8 Our booth at the „Inhorgenta“ was permanently occupied by visitors The most popular chronograph of 1993 Step by step, Alexander Shorokhov was travelling to all corners of the country and succeeded in gaining more than 100 shops, during the first year of distribution, co-operating with them to this day. 1 9 9 3 1993 This watch was highly demanded Mr. J. Melaloli was supporting the company „Poljot“, by providing his service during the first years First participation at the watch exhibition „Inhorgenta“ in Germany 9 FROM THE DISTRIBUTION TO THE OWN WATCH BRAND The company is working successful in that year, but the simple sale of „Poljot“ watches is not enough for its dedicated and creative manager, A. Shorokhov. He has a lot of new ideas and visions for another way of working. Thanks to his good nose and new knowledge of the economical proceedings, Alexander Shorokhov can quickly and clearly define the new aim: to produce mechanical watches on his own and with his own standard for workmanship, quality and design. One of the watches of our first line 10 Our logo is patented A. Shorokhov in action Together with a new team of specialised watchmakers he opened a little workshop, developing in that time his talent for creating design; he is finally launching his own collection on the market, under the name „Poljot-International“. „Basilika“ is the name of the first model of the new brand; later the same designation will be given to his second own watch brand. The first catalogue – made together with the Italian artist F. Manchini Unter Pseudonym Krylow 1 9 9 4 1994 The first watch of the own brand „Poljot-International“ has got the name „Basilika“ 11 „POLJOT-INTERNATIONAL“ TURNS A SUCCESS Alexander Shorokhov fängt an, seine Uhrenwerke dekorativ zu veredeln. Spezielle Polituren, Vergoldungen von Brücken und der Einsatz von polierten und gebläuten Schrauben entwickeln sich zu einem Markenzeichen der Uhren Shorokhovs. Um die Schönheit des Werkes sichtbar zu machen, verwendet er erstmals Glasböden. 50 Jahre nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs nimmt Alexander Shorokhov das historische Datum zum Anlass, eine goldene „Poljot-International“-Uhr in limitierter Auflage zu entwickeln. Veredeltes Werk und Glasboden spielen hier die Hauptrolle. Das Modell findet schnell Anklang auf dem internationalen Uhrenmarkt und ist innerhalb von drei Monaten restlos ausverkauft. Die Distribution seiner Modelle wird - mit gleichbleibendem großen Erfolg - auf Österreich ausgedehnt. 1 9 9 5 1995 One of the first golden watches by „Poljot-International“ In the workshop 12 Movement parts The first rose gold plated watch of „Poljot-International“ M. Prygunkov, working for long time in the company Participation at the fair „Tendence“ in Frankfurt 13 THE “BASELWORLD” BECOMES THE SPRINGBOARD FOR A WORLD-WIDE DISTRIBUTION He is directing his attention mainly to the quality of his watches inventing a special quality system - from assembling until final control. That will be noted in the warranty certificates, too. From now, each watchmaker is responsible for each produced by himself watch. For the first time, Alexander Shorokhov was presenting his collection at the International Watch Exhibition in Basle. At this fair, you can meet the „Who is who“ of the best known watchmakers, specialists, representatives of the press, watch collectors and connoisseurs. In Basle his collection has got a more than considerable resonance impressing the visitors. Thanks to this fact, A. Shorokhov was able to extend the circle of distributors of his watches again. 1 9 9 6 1996 He is enlarging his sales staff and workshop, and employs new watch makers, too. He is moving to the little town of Kahl upon Main, in Northern Bavaria. The logo of the Basle Fair, in 1996 14 Our team at the booth The new quality certificate The new domicile in Kahl upon river Main From the second successful watch line of the brand „Poljot- International“the alarm watch „Transsib“ 15 THE NEW DOMICILE IN KAHL UPON RIVER MAIN The golden chronograph „Nicolai-II“ comprises the whole obsession of the AS-watch manufacturer. This model is equipped with a re-worked, optimised movement. The lovely decorated watch dial shows a little tsars crown with a tiny ruby jewel. This watch is dedicated to the last Russian tsar „Nicolai-II“ and immediately, became one of the most exclusive collector’s items. These gold watches by Alexander Shorokhov were gaining great popularity especially in Russia and the USA. Consequently, the distribution net of the “Poljot-International”- watches was extended, in that year, to Russia and the USA. The engineer Alexander Shorokhov, who has made also studies of architecture, was growing into a real watch designer. His creations have been more and more appreciated by the specialists and watch connoisseurs. 1 9 9 7 1997 The marine chronometer „6 MX“ was very much in demand for the specialised watch shops in Germany Our most successful gold watch „Nicolai-II“ USA, our representative, Mr. Gabricht 16 The catalogue of 1997 Russia, our representative, Mr. Kats 17 A GOLDEN LADIES WATCH AT A HISTORICAL JUBILEE In 1147 was the foundation of the town of Moscow: that means 850 years of impressive history. Alexander Shorokhov was celebrating this jubilee by creating a golden ladies watch “par excellence”. This exclusive model is decorated with 211 hand set diamonds and 7 sapphires. At a watch exhibition in Vienna, this high valued objet d’art was elected in the category of „Elegant ladies watches“ as one of the „best watches of the year“. While creating this watch and trying to keep the quality of diamond setting at the highest level, Alexander Shorokhov begins a co-operation with an experienced master of jewellery and diamond setting in Antwerp, Mr. Alexandre Sidorov, who has also founded his own specialised school. This fruitful co-operation is lasting until now. 1 9 9 8 1998 A jubilee watch for the 850th anniversary of Moscow“ A. Sidorov, a talented master of engravings and diamonds setting 18 The logo of his school for engravers The lessons are going on Our representative for the UK- M. Gebre-ab - at the London Fair A real „Tsars“-watch with hinged back 19 THE ”MILLENNIUM-WATCH” FOR ALEXEY II In 1999, Alexander Shorokhov is developing a ”Millennium-watch” for the Russian Church. One of these watches was handled out to the Russian Patriarch Alexey II by Alexander Shorokhov himself, during a solemn ceremony in Russia. This was the first time of realisation of Shorokhov’s idea to create watches on special occasions and jubilees and for special personalities. In that year, the watch distribution was extended to Asia. The company gets new strong business partners in Hong Kong, Singapore and sometimes later, also in Japan. The Russian patriarch – Alexey II 20 The shop of our distributor „L. S. Collection“ in Hong Kong The big jubilee watch „Kirovskie“ with white and black dial In that year, especially the watch model “Kirovskie“, representing a replica of a very big (43,0 mm) watch model of the forties with “antique” cramps for strap fixation and a dial in this old style, was going down well at the market. The watch movement of the “Kirovskie“ has been decorated by a special “clouds polishing“ and blue-dyed screws. 1 9 9 9 1999 A watch for ladies and gents for the „Millenium“ The shop of our distributor „RAW“ in Singapore 21 MICHAIL GORBATCHOV AND ALEXANDER SHOROKHOV For the 70th birthday of Michail Gorbatchov, Alexander Shorokhov created a jubilee watch in limited edition. The fine guilloched dial with the Russian and the Soviet flags is symbolising the transformation of the USSR into the Russian Federation. With this watch the company and its watch brand have shown their respect for this big turn in the history of Russia. Later, the watch “Gorbatchov“ has been given as a present by Alexander Shorokhov also to members of the government of different other countries. In that year, a lot of exclusive “Poljot-International” watch models were launched at the market: “Tsars of Russia“, “Gagarin-2000“, “Simple Round“, “Maxim“ and others. The quality of the watches is very appreciate by the distributors and watch collectors; the new system of quality control is working smoothly. The watch return rate is about 3%. 2 0 0 0 2000 A jubilee watch for Mr. Gorbatchov at his 70th birthday Mr. Gorbatchov and Mr. Shorokhov with the catalogue „Poljot-International“ 22 Three watches of the new line „Simple Round“ Presentation of the „Gorbatchov“ watch 23 THE COMPANY IS “BURSTING AT THE SEAMS” The success demands tribute: the departments of assembling, after-sales service and sale have to be modernised and enlarged. For that purpose, Alexander Shorokhov and his team are moving to a new more spacious domicile. The picturesque Alzenau, a little 600 years old town in the neighbourhood of lakes and forest, near the city of Frankfurt, becomes the new home town of Alexander Shorokhov. The company receives a generous support on the part of the town mayor, Mr. Walter Scharwies, who is doing a very good job for his town. This is the beginning of a bilateral productive and successful co-operation. Here in Alzenau, was born the idea to introduce a new highvalued watch brand. It starts with the preparation of the documents for the national and international registration of the brand „Alexander Shorokhoff“. 2 0 0 1 2001 The new domicile of „Alexander Shorokhoff“ in Alzenau Uhr zum 70. Geburtstag von M. Gorbatschow Spacious rooms 24 The comfortable workshop The old castle of Alzenau The mayor of the town of Alzenau, Mr. Scharwies The mayor of the town of Alzenau, Mr. Scharwies 25 THE BRAND „ALEXANDER SHOROKHOFF“ CAME INTO LIFE The brand „Alexander Shorokhoff“ was enrolled in register of the “Office of intellectual property” and patented. The successful sale of the middle-pricelevel-collection “Poljot-International“ were reassuring and confirming Alexander Shorokhov to put his visions of perfection, high precision mechanics and typical design into practice. He employed high qualified engravers in order to “conquer” together with his team the market of the premium watches putting their heart, soul and creativity in this work. First he had the plan to continue the rich craftsman’s tradition of Russia inherent in the creations of Fabergé and Gabu or in the elitist products by Smirnoff and Davidoff; but his watches “Alexander Shorokhoff” should be also dedicated to such great Russian masters and artists like Peter Tchaikovsky, Leo Tolstoi or Fedor Dostoevsky. The watch brand „Alexander Shorokhoff“ is patented An engraved unique thing 26 Step by step all parts are reworked Engravings are made with a microscope 2 0 0 2 2002 Mr. Augustiny and Dirscherl have been playing a big part in the business start of „Alexander Shorokhoff“ 27 A WORLD-KNOWN COMPOSER AND HIS MUSIC INFLUENCES THE CREATION OF THE FIRST WATCH OF THE BRAND „ALEXANDER SHOROKHOFF“ Peter Tchaikovsky and his music are fascinating and impressing a lot of people world-wide, still nowadays. This fact inspired Alexander Shorokhov to create the first watch of the “Heritage”-collection under the name of “Peter Tchaikovsky“. Finishing, the movements are very carefully, step by step assembled and adjusted. In that year, the AS-watches have been presented, for the first time, at the international watch fair “Baselworld” where they have won a lot of laurels by the specialists and watch collectors. For these watches, all the treatments of the watch movements like engraving, guilloching or skeletonizing are hand made with highest concentration, accuracy and professionalism by the watchmakers and engravers of the ASUM. The main plate gets a special “cloud polishing” , the bridges are gold or rhodium plated, the screws are blue-dyed. The watch model “Moscow Nights“ by “Poljot-International“ is placed ninth in the competition „Goldene Unruh“ of the specialised magazine “Uhrenmagazin” in the price category until 500,- EUR. The hand engraved movement of this watch model 28 2 0 0 3 2003 The watch „Peter Tchaikovsky“ The composer P. I. Tchaikovsky Our booth at the watch exhibition „Inhorgenta“, in 2003 The „Tchaikovsky“- watch with diamonds High precision work - assembling 29 TO HONOUR A RUSSIAN COUNT tails and perfection and creating excellent manual engravings. The second watch of the series „Heritage“ Alexander Shorokhov has dedicated to one of the most important writers of the 19th century, the count Leo Tolstoi. In 2004, the “Poljot-International“-watches from the Alexander Shorokhoff watch manufacturer have been chosen by the readers of the magazine „Armbanduhren“ among the „Top 20“ to 6th place among all other watch brands. The novels by Tolstois are classic and the dedicated to him watches have been made in the same classical style. The watch cases have got a traditional, round and graduated shape. In this way, the height of the watch could be optically minimised. A reliable and wonderful looking mechanical movement, unifying Russian soul with German quality to a harmonic overall picture – this was the result of working with love for de- L. N. Tolstoi 30 The „Tolstoi“-watch with moon-phases The „Tolstoi“-watch – a real classic Engraving of a bridge The watch „Leo Tolstoi“ 2 0 0 4 2004 „Poljot-International“ is under the “Top 20” 31 A “GAMBLER“ WATCH The genius Russian writer and philosopher Fedor Dostoevsky cannot be missing in the collection of „Great Russian Masters“ by „Alexander Shorokhoff“. The unusual roulette-design of this model was created by Alexander Shorokhov, in 2005. It fascinated the world of watchmakers becoming the most lovely watch among the whole „Heritage“-series. tury. The winding crown was arranged near figure “12”, thus creating a harmonic symmetric overall picture. For the presentation of these “treasures“ the ASUM has chosen the impressive rooms of the former Russian embassy in Bonn. There the top guests enjoyed the top watches. This watch remembers the gambling passion and the exciting life of Dostoevsky. The case is modern shaped with some classical elements. A special eyecatcher are the flexible cramps for the band fixation reminding the 19th cen- L. N. Tolstoi 32 The hand winding movement F. M. Dostoevsky The automatic movement An exceptional design Presentation in Bonn 2 0 0 5 2005 The watch „Fedor Dostoevsky“ 33 TRANSPARENCY IN HIGHEST DEGREE The art of engraving has achieved a high level at the ASUM. There have been created completely skeletonised top watch models for special watch lovers. It takes an engraver about 10 days to complete the skeletonizing or engraving of such a particular watch. To skeletonise the whole movement means creating a new one and a new dial, too. The hand winding watches of this line are characterised by their esthetical appearance and filigree skeletonizing. In that year, the “Tchaikovsky“-watch „Swan Lake“ became a real museum exhibit. The museum is located in the town of Klin, near Moscow. Here was Pe- ter Tchaikovsky’s domicile. In this little peaceful town with wonderful environment he could find necessary leisure for creating his music. In 2006, Alexander Shorokhov handled out to the director of the local museum one of his “Tchaikovsky“-watches. Nowadays, the watch is a permanent exhibit of the museum. 2 0 0 6 2006 A top quality product - „Skeleton“ The dial with initials in the crude state 34 Every detail is important The movement of a „Skeleton“-watch The assembling The museum of „Tchaikovsky“ in Klin (Russia) 35 CREATION OF THE “ALEXANDER PUSHKIN“- COLLECTION Die erste Damenuhr von „Alexander Shorokhoff” wurde Alexander Puschkin gewidmet, einem Meister des poetischen Wortes und Liebling der Frauen. Die filigrane Skelettierung, die Gravuren, die Guillochierung des Zifferblattes sowie die Diamanten auf Lünette und Zifferblatt erzeugen ein Gefühl für die Sensibilität, den Charme und die Zärtlichkeit von Puschkins Wesen und Poesie. Die Uhr „Polar Bear“ von „Alexander Shorokhoff“ wurde in jenem Jahr mit dem Eisbrecher „Jamal“ zum Nordpol gebracht und dort unter extremen Bedin- The automatic movement of these series 36 gungen getestet. Dabei hielt sie den „eisigen“ Naturgewalten stand und zeigte auch unter den widrigsten Umständen pünktlich und zuverlässig die Zeit an. Unversehrt trat sie den Heimweg an und verewigte die Qualitätsansprüche von Alexander Shorokhov auch in der nordischen Eiswüste. 2 0 0 7 2007 The „Alexander Pushkin“-watch A. S. Pushkin The ice-breaker „Yamal“ The watch „Polar Bear“ The „Pushkin“-watch with enamelled dial 37 A MAN IS BOXING THROUGH...KOSTYA TSZYU...... Kostya Tszyu, a Russian sportsman living in Australia and several times world champion in half welterweight, is very popular and this not only because of its good performances in sports. His likeable and modest behaviour makes him for his fans a “star of the people“. Alexander Shorokhov is a friend of him and honours this great boxer by a personal watch bearing his name. In that year, the company ASUM selected a very exclusive ambient for the presentation of its watches: The Ball in the Opera of Vienna is one of the most particular and attractive events celebrated by the cultural, economic and financial nobility of the world. The collection of luxury watches presented by “Alexander Shorokhoff” was received enthusiastically by the top public. 2 0 0 8 2008 The watch „Kostya Tszyu“ Kostya Tszyu 38 The watch in profile The four-times world champion At the famous ball in Vienna 39 A WATCH FROM COSMOS Alexej Leonov has made history. He was the first man of the world leaving his space ship and floating in the open space. He was the commander of the rocket „Voshod“ and leader of the Russian-American mission „Soyuz-Apollo-Mission“. Alexander Shorokhov and Alexej Leonov met each other for the first time in 2007, in Moscow, and liked each other instantly. The result of this meeting was an exceptional watch named „Soyuz-Apollo“. This watch was produced in limited edition of 500 pcs. and was sold out, after a very short time. People like Alexey Leonov are instructed for acting in critical situations and are up to every predicament. The company ASUM was also up to date surviving the worldwide financial crisis of that year, without big losing. Here were not any dismissals or short-time work, no breaking of in the business plans and no sells-out. 2 0 0 9 2009 A. A. Leonov The watch „Soyuz-Apollo“ 40 The cosmonaut A. Leonov, in 1965 The first outing in space Leonov and Shorokhov 41 FROM ALZENAU WITH LOVE The beautiful town of Alzenau with its green environs in the neighbourhood of Frankfurt became the new home town of Alexander Shorokhov. It was here, that his manufacturer gets world-wide appreciation. In this town he has got support and warm welcome by the inhabitants and the town mayor, too. On the occasion of the 610th anniversary of the town, he created a high-valued watch “Alzenau“ in limited edition impressing his gratitude for the friendly welcome. But to create only a watch, this is never enough.0 As usual for him, he was planning and realising a whole project. In this project were included different local firms, the media and the town hall in organising together a sponsoring. Thanks to this project 18 pupils of the local high-school were travelling to Moscow in order to carry out there a historical project, together with the pupils of a Russian school. The „Alzenau-Classics“- this is the most important classical open-air-concert in the North of Bavaria and one of the most beautiful, too. Here, against the dreamlike background of the Alzenau castle, the world star Paul Potts was performing in front of the The limited watch model „Alzenau“ 2 0 1 0 2010 celebrating him audience. At the end of the evening, Alexander Shorokhov and the mayor of the town, Mr. Scharwies, presented the exceptional artist one of the beautiful Alzenau jubilee watches. The heraldic symbol of Alzenau 42 The ancient castle of Alzenauer Pupils of the high-school in Alzenau Mr. Scharwies, Mr. Pott and Mr. Shorokhov Front page of the magazine „New times“ 43 THE “AVANTGARDE“ WATCH LINE IS COMING INTO BEING The watches of the traditional “Heritage-collection“ belong without any doubt to the most exclusive watches of the premium class. With his new modern “Avantgarde-collection“ Alexander Shorokhov intends to open his brand for a younger and wider public – however, without giving up his philosophy of “handcrafted obsessions“ On the contrary, he is consequently continuing it in the middle price range of watches. Thus, every watch of the “Avantgarde“-collection will become a unique piece with a striking particular design and a mechanical movement of high precision and refined by meticulously craftsmanship. The watches with the most striking, avant-garde design, like the models Miss “Avantgarde“ or “Watch Dandy“ have already caused a large attention of the press, the specialists and the watch lovers. As ambassador of the new “Avantgarde“ watch line was selected the German chess master, Niclas Huschenbeth, gaining the title of a grand master, already in 2011. This happened not by accident. The chess and the watch production both are taking a lot of precision, intelligence and also a certain “personality“. 2 0 1 1 2011 „Miss Avantgarde“ The regulatorwatch 44 The model „Watch Dandy“ Refining of the movement Engraving of the balance bridge N. Huschenbeth – German chess master 45 20 YEARS OF “ALEXANDER SHOROKHOFF“ The past years were not always easy to go. Thanks to his sense of aesthetics, his will to create highest quality and his fair business policy -Alexander Shorokhov and his manufacturer succeeded to clear all the obstacles of the free market. Even if his manufacturer cannot be “put on an equal footing“ with the giants of the watch industry, but it has gained a certain status in the mind of the specialists and connoisseurs all over the world. The jubilee will be obviously celebrated together with our friends in our new home town of Alzenau. It goes without saying that, on this occasion, a new attractive jubilee watch model „Stripes“ in limited edition and with double time display will be created. The jubilee watch „Stripes“ Fotos: Studio Brückner, Alzenau Alexander Shorokhov 2 0 1 2 2012 Miss Avantgarde It is not enough to be creative in planning and producing something outstanding; it takes also courage to realise it. And it takes even more courage to accept the unusual thing and to make use of it. The team of the AS manufacturer 46 „Handcrafted Obsessions“ Scrutinising closely Alexander Shorokhov www.alexander-shorokhoff.de High precision work 47 Regardless all plans for the future and several novelties – one thing will never change in the house of “Alexander Shorokhoff“: the obsession to make timekeepers with meticulously craftsmanship and to give them an esthetical, perfect and distinctive design. This is the guarantee for their inimitable character and appearance, the basis for the exclusive state, which the watches by “Alexander Shorokhoff“ have reached in the world of experts and demanding watch collectors world-wide. Alexander Shorokhoff Uhrenmanufaktur Hanauer Str. 25 • 63755 Alzenau • Germany Tel. + 49 6023 91993, Fax. + 49 6023 919949 e-mail: [email protected] www.alexander-shorokhoff.de