Presenting the Limes Pharo Handwound, from Magazin Armbanduhren June 2001, by Gero von Braunfels. A Small Masterpiece The restrained and delicate Handwound model from the Pharo line of watches from this Pforzheim Germany based watchcase and watch manufacturer presents a most interesting offering for lovers of subtle design. Karl Ickler, an experienced chain maker who previously worked as the head of manufacturing for foreign owned jewelry firms, founded the privately held firm Ickler GmbH in 1924. Upon his return to Pforzheim he created his pocket and wristwatch case manufacture. After WWII, his two sons, Heinz and Karl ran the company. Today the enterprise is lead by the third generation, Thomas Ickler. The company manufactures complex watchcases under strict quality standards for an internationally renowned clientele, including many German firms. The cases are milled from single blocks of highest-grade steel, Titanium, and 18-Karat Gold. The seasoned craftsmen use the combination of modern CNC machines and careful hand finishing which is required for premium watch case production. After a number of years producing private label watches for others, Thomas Ickler desired to create something uniquely personal, and so the Limes brand was born. With a passion for mechanical movements and finely crafted cases his goal was to blend fine quality Swiss mechanical movements and his own superbly crafted cases. No 'Quarter-Pounder' for the wrist The Pharo line appeals to the fans of classically inspired elegant thin watches. It features an extensive array of automatic and chronograph watches using Swiss ETA movements. The Pharo Handwound stands out with it's moderate 37mm diameter, and height of less than 9mm. The hand wound movement can be seen through the back. The dial using a radial shaped Guilloche center portion with triangular applied indices and Breguet numerals speaks of classic elegance. The delicate hands are obviously not generic offerings and they harmonize in shape and hue with the highly detailed dial. The Rose Gold version with its gleaming black dial and rose gold applied numerals and indices is particularly impressive, however with a price of $2750 retail. The lure of this watch attracts with sapphire crystals, which one can consider windows to another world. The elegantly finished ETA 7001 (Peseux Caliber) with it's stately presence consisting of Cotes de Geneve and Perlage on the plates and bridges, Blued Screws as well as the gold engraved Limes logo and wreath rises above it's simple beginnings and into the realm of the extraordinary.