Introducing Qin Gan, The Master Craftsmanship Behind Pastorale II

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, watch markets in the world is China, a country known for manufacturing almost everything. However, in the world of luxury watchmaking, China has made many attempts but has not yet become a strong rival to the Swiss industry. While China is a leader in the production of industrial watches—those made in large production lines and usually at low prices—it has not yet gained much recognition in the traditional and independent watch industries

Qin Gan, born in 1970 in the mountainous city of Chongqing in southwest China, is a second-generation watchmaker. His father, a respected local watchmaker, inspired Qin Gan's early interest in the craft. However, due to the devastating quartz crisis at the time, his father did not see a future for him in watchmaking. As a result, Qin Gan pursued studies in art and graphic design and began his career as a newspaper editor.

Despite spending 30 years working various jobs to make ends meet, Qin Gan never gave up his passion for exploring and experimenting with precision clockwork mechanisms. He has always been an active participant in the horological community, restoring watches and creating his own original timepieces. In 2012, Qin Gan was appointed head watchmaker at Poly Hong Kong, where he managed the auction house’s watches and antique timepieces.

In 2017, Qin Gan established his own eponymous brand and crafted his first commercial model, the Pastorale, which he launched in 2021. Building on that experience, he has now introduced his new model, the Pastorale II.

The name Pastorale is inspired by Beethoven's 6th Symphony, also known as the "Pastoral Symphony." Composed in 1808, this symphony is one of Beethoven's most renowned works.

The newly released Pastorale II is an evolution of the original Pastorale, which was a limited run of six watches with stainless steel cases. The Pastorale II now features precious metals, with enhanced finesse and attention to detail. The case is compact, measuring 38.5mm in diameter and 9.5mm in height, and is available in either 18k white or rose gold.

The elongated lugs are chamfered, while the concave bezel and case back boast added axial polishing, creating refined and elegant curves. The case back engraving filled with cinnabar lacquer (also traditionally referred to as “Chinese red”) subtly 

conveys the product's cultural heritage.  The alternating finishes enhance its allure, and sapphire crystals are used on both sides. The case also offers 30 meters of water resistance.

As a dress watch. is a work of art. available in two options, the white gold case is paired with a beige enamel dial, while the rose gold case is fitted with a silver dial.

 The base of the dial made of 18K gold, coated with enamel champlevé technique, with partly laser-engraved indices and roman numerals and lettering filled with enamel, giving the dial a fine metallic texture. The hour, minute, and second hands are first mirror-polished and then heat-blued, after which they are hand-bevelled for a more sophisticated three-dimensional effect. and as a special touch from the watchmaker Qin Gan has deliberately chosen to imprint his logo in Chinese and not English as the first prototype.

The in-house Caliber 1810 movement by Qin Gan, based on the Longines 30L movement, although it’s produced and finished in-house for the most part, which its consists of 143 parts, featuring a traditional lever escapement and an 18-screw balance wheel, which provide approximately 36 hours of power reserve. The main plate and gear train are entirely handcrafted, with a silky Côte de Genève, sleek inner and outer chamfering, as well as fine gold chatons. 

The Pastorale II is fitted to a leather strap with a simple pin buckle that matches the material of the case, available in two versions, a white gold case with a beige dial and a rose gold case with a silver dial, priced at USD 46,000 which is equivalent to 169,000 AED, with 15 pieces expected to be produced each year.

For more information, please visit Qin Gan instagram page.