Chinese Indie Watchmaker Qian GuoBiao Unveils the Double Balance Wheel

Long considered a low-end production site for accessible timepieces (which is still partially true), the Chinese watch industry is fast changing and evolving in a positive direction. Besides industry giants such as Peacock and Seagull (the latter capable of making split-second chronographs), there’s a burgeoning indie scene that needs to be explored. We can name Atelier Wen, but also far more artisanal names, true indie watchmakers making watches the way we love them – Logan Kuan Rao, Neo Kung, Qin Gan, and one that struck us by surprise, Fam Al Hut. Another one that needs to be in your crosshairs is Qian GuoBiao, an independent watchmaker making timepieces mostly by hand in the city of Dongguan, and known as “The Tourbillon Doctor.” Here’s his latest creation, the deceptively simple Double Balance Wheel.

As Robin (our expert in finding new indie watchmakers before anybody else talks about them…) explained in his portrait of Qian GuoBiao, we’re here talking about one of the long-established names on the still-young Chinese scene. Qian is recognised as one of the country’s leading figures in contemporary horology, starting his career restoring and servicing highly complicated mechanical watches before developing his own movements and timepieces. A watch that particularly caught our attention was his “Facing The Sky 2.0”, and the new Double Balance Wheel model we’ll be exploring today is an evolution of this watch, at least regarding the base movement.

Let’s start with what’s not so striking… The Qian GuoBiao Double Balance Wheel is housed in a 39mm steel case, measuring 12mm in height and 46.5mm in thickness. While Qian GuoBiao insist on the deliberate lack of flourishes and minimalistic approach of the case, this part is, at least in my books, the least appealing element of the watch. The watch is quite (too) generic and could certainly benefit from a more distinctive design and, possibly, more attention to detail with additional surface finishing. Right, let’s move to much more enjoyable things, shall we?

The dial is equally discreet and clean, with a white copper base dial with a frosted finish and a pair of discreet hands in blued steel indicating only the hours and minutes. This almost empty display is only distracted by the presence of one of the two balance wheels, held in place by GuoBiao’s signature multi-layered arrow-shaped balance cock, made of steel and visible in most of the man’s creations. A screwed plaque is positioned on the other side with the maker’s name.

Turn the watch over and you’ll discover the Calibre AB-03, produced and assembled in-house by Qian GuoBiao… with a second balance wheel. The two balances share a single axis, and unlike many twin-balance mechanisms, it doesn’t require a differential (to average the rate of two independent regulating organs) and doesn’t work on the principle of resonance. Instead, both oscillators beat in perfect synchronisation, contributing equally to the timekeeping stability. However, achieving harmony isn’t simple, and each hairspring must be matched, each balance finely adjusted, and every component positioned with care.

The base architecture of this Calibre AB-03 is shared with the “Facing The Sky” watch and beats at a calm 18,000 vibrations per hour, with 40 hours of power reserve. Entirely assembled by Qian himself, the movement is constructed using traditional materials and finishes. It features a “woodpecker” click spring and a blade-like escapement bridge, constructed in layered steel to enhance both structure and depth.

Considering the artisanal approach behind its creation and manufacturing, the Qian GuoBiao Double Balance Wheel is an exclusive piece that will be produced in only 1 to 2 examples a year, with a 12-18 months wait time. It is priced at USD 40,000 and worn on a JeaYou custom calf leather strap. Orders are done through personal inquiries.

But what matters with this watch, above its technical aspects and interesting modern utilitarianism (as GuoBiao calls it) is the rise of proper Chinese watchmaking. Not the one you imagine as the low-tier part production, but true artisanal, independent watchmaking with a soul. There’s definitely something cooking in China, and it is quite interesting, to say the least. For more details, please visit @qianguobiao or contact info@qianguobiao.com.