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Craftsmanship

Meet the masters of time

At the HOUSE of GASSAN watch workshop, time is of the essence. According to David Bijlsma, Chief Commercial Officer of GASSAN, the workshop has become a vital part of the company: “The GASSAN watch workshop is unique because it represents every facet of the watchmaking craft, all in accordance with the highest quality standards of GASSAN and those of prestigious brands such as Rolex.”


As a passionate watch enthusiast and mechanical expert, David forms the link between craftsman and client: “Having this expertise in-house allows GASSAN to serve its loyal clients with confidence. In the future, they will continue to entrust us with their cherished watches for a full service. That is what sets us apart from other workshops.”


What is a tourbillon?

A tourbillon is a complex watch mechanism designed to improve accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity on the movement. It does this by placing the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage, which spins continuously to average out positional errors. While mainly a showcase of fine craftsmanship today, it remains a symbol of high-end watchmaking.

What is a tachymeter?

A tachymeter is a scale usually found on the bezel of a chronograph watch, used to measure speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance. By starting the chronograph and stopping it after covering a known distance (e.g., one kilometer), the tachymeter scale shows the average speed in units per hour.


The watchmakers work with utmost precision to maintain, repair and refine high-end timepieces. One of them is Wijnand Muetstege, manager of the watch workshop: “My role includes ensuring that all work is carried out and completed by the correct procedures and guidelines,” he explains. “Quality and turnaround time are always our priorities but always combined with a positive working environment.”

According to Wijnand, the watchmaking craft has changed significantly in recent years due to technological innovation: “Some components are now delivered largely pre-assembled, which saves time during assembly. Certain checks are also carried out automatically or with the aid of advanced equipment.” Still, traditional craftsmanship remains indispensable: “Despite these exciting technological developments, watchmaking is essentially still a manual craft. Skills such as excellent hand-eye coordination, concentration, precision, and technical problem-solving remain at the core of the profession.” David echoes the importance of these qualities: “At GASSAN, craftsmanship, manual work and artisanal skill are deeply valued. We proudly showcase this to the outside world. The craftsmanship within HOUSE of GASSAN is visible to all.”

What once began as a dream has now become a tangible reality where craftsmanship and passion come together. Since 2024, the in-house watchmaking workshop has been one of the cornerstones of HOUSE of GASSAN. Here, every timepiece receives the attention it deserves, with respect for tradition, an eye for detail, and a deep love for the craft. Time is not merely measured here; it is elevated to an art form.

What is a chronograph?

A watch chronograph is a timepiece with a built-in stopwatch function. It allows you to measure elapsed time using separate dials and buttons, typically without aff ecting the main timekeeping. Th e tachymeter scale shows the average speed in units per hour