Property of the Original Owner
905
Jean-Pierre Hagmann
A unique and special commissioned titanium and chrome-plated letter opener signed Jean-Pierre Hagmann
Estimate
HK$150,000–300,000•︎
€16,300–32,700
$19,200–38,500
Live 30 May, 12 PM Hong Kong SAR China Time
Manufacturer
Jean-Pierre Hagmann
Year
2018
Material
Titanium and chrome-plated
Dimensions
23.5cm length (including handle), 12cm length (blade)
Signed
Handle signed “JHP”
Accessories
Accompanied by leather case and stand.
Full-Cataloguing
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Unique, commissioned by the original owner
- Titanium blade
- Inspired by the clarinet
- Bears “JHP” hallmark
Jean‑Pierre Hagmann (1940–2025) stands as the most celebrated independent watch case maker of the modern era, widely regarded as the last true master of his craft in Swiss horology. Born in Geneva in 1940, he trained as a jeweler before becoming largely self‑taught in the highly specialized art of hand‑crafted watch cases. Operating from a small atelier in Geneva, he produced cases entirely on his own, often starting from raw metal, for the world’s most prestigious watch brands and later for independent watchmakers.
His work was particularly renowned for minute‑repeater cases, prized by collectors and connoisseurs for their acoustic excellence: the clarity, resonance, and volume of the chimes were considered unparalleled. Among his most famous creations is the case for the Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000, one of the most complicated watches ever produced at the time. He also supplied cases to Blancpain and Andersen Genève, and in recent years collaborated with the independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi at Akrivia.
His cases often bear his distinctive initials, “JHP.” The present letter opener is a special commission from the current owner, who granted Hagmann complete creative freedom. In many conversations, Hagmann spoke of his lifelong passion for music, and particularly for the clarinet. He chose the artistic direction of the object based on his own musical tastes. Crafted in 2018, the letter opener’s titanium blade is paired with a chrome-plated handle delicately decorated with three clarinet keys and bears the hallmark “JHP.”
Hagmann’s philosophy emphasized simplicity combined with uncompromising quality. Despite the rise of industrial production, he remained one of the very few artisans still practicing traditional case‑making. In November 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)—a fitting tribute to decades of contribution. Cases bearing his hallmark remain highly sought-after and are frequently described as almost mythical at auction.
- Unique, commissioned by the original owner
- Titanium blade
- Inspired by the clarinet
- Bears “JHP” hallmark
Jean‑Pierre Hagmann (1940–2025) stands as the most celebrated independent watch case maker of the modern era, widely regarded as the last true master of his craft in Swiss horology. Born in Geneva in 1940, he trained as a jeweler before becoming largely self‑taught in the highly specialized art of hand‑crafted watch cases. Operating from a small atelier in Geneva, he produced cases entirely on his own, often starting from raw metal, for the world’s most prestigious watch brands and later for independent watchmakers.
His work was particularly renowned for minute‑repeater cases, prized by collectors and connoisseurs for their acoustic excellence: the clarity, resonance, and volume of the chimes were considered unparalleled. Among his most famous creations is the case for the Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000, one of the most complicated watches ever produced at the time. He also supplied cases to Blancpain and Andersen Genève, and in recent years collaborated with the independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi at Akrivia.
His cases often bear his distinctive initials, “JHP.” The present letter opener is a special commission from the current owner, who granted Hagmann complete creative freedom. In many conversations, Hagmann spoke of his lifelong passion for music, and particularly for the clarinet. He chose the artistic direction of the object based on his own musical tastes. Crafted in 2018, the letter opener’s titanium blade is paired with a chrome-plated handle delicately decorated with three clarinet keys and bears the hallmark “JHP.”
Hagmann’s philosophy emphasized simplicity combined with uncompromising quality. Despite the rise of industrial production, he remained one of the very few artisans still practicing traditional case‑making. In November 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)—a fitting tribute to decades of contribution. Cases bearing his hallmark remain highly sought-after and are frequently described as almost mythical at auction.