Kollokium, a recent entrant in the watchmaking scene, founded by industry veterans Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindi in 2020, has made a striking debut with the Kollokium Projekt 01, also known as K,P–n°01. This inaugural timepiece stands out with its unrefined, industrial aesthetics, leveraging unconventional manufacturing techniques like die-casting 316L stainless steel to achieve a distinct texture reminiscent of industrial design.
K,P–n°01 distancing itself from the polished finishes typical of luxury timepieces, it opts for a 316L stainless steel case created through die casting – a method chosen to impart an industrial, textured look that mirrors the unrefined beauty found in industrial products. This technique gives the watch a unique character, each surface telling its own story of creation. The case measures 40 mm across the caseback, tapering to 38.5 mm at the cylindrical part, with a modest height of just under 11 mm, thanks in part to the sapphire glass box that contributes significantly to the watch’s vertical profile.
One of the most striking features is the watch’s dial, a 3D pixelated landscape created using Adobe Illustrator. This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about challenging the norm and inviting the wearer to appreciate the beauty in the unconventional. The dial is home to 468 individually hand-applied cylindrical hour markers, each sandblasted and filled with white Super-LumiNova that emits an orange glow, offering a stark contrast against the subtly textured black base.
Beneath this industrial facade beats the heart of Swiss precision: the La Joux-Perret’s G101 movement. This self-winding mechanism is a testament to Swiss engineering, operating at 4 Hz with a power reserve of 68 hours. It’s a choice that balances the watch’s rugged external identity with a core of reliable and refined mechanics.
Reflecting the founders’ desire for exclusivity and personal touch, the pre-series of the Kollokium Projekt 01 is limited to 99 pieces, primarily allocated to family and friends. This approach not only underscores the watch’s uniqueness but also builds a community of wearers connected by their appreciation for this distinctive timepiece. A wider release is expected in the first quarter of 2024, making the K,P–n°01 available to a broader audience who values the intersection of avant-garde design and horological craftsmanship.
Kollokium is advocating a philosophy it calls “Neubrutalist horology.” This concept draws inspiration from the stark, functional forms of post-war brutalism, the innovative spirit of Kraftwerk’s synth-pop, and a Philip K. Dick-esque retro-futurism. It’s a blend of the familiar and the unexpected, creating a mood that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the watch, from its architectural case design to its absence of visible branding, encouraging a deeper engagement with the watch as a piece of art and engineering.
The eclectic backgrounds of the founders – Emch’s management prowess, Nussbaumer’s design versatility, and Sindi’s influential voice in watch media – merge to form a unique brand ethos. Their collective vision is embodied in the Projekt 01’s dial, a canvas for their stylistic inclinations and horological ambitions. The dial’s three-dimensionality and intricate construction invite close inspection and contemplation, revealing new details and depths with each glance.
Despite its unorthodox design, the Projekt 01 is crafted with wearability in mind. The 40mm diameter ensures it sits comfortably on a range of wrist sizes, while the single-piece textile strap provides a lightweight, breathable option for the wearer. The industrial-inspired case and cruciform lugs evoke a sense of strength and durability, complementing the watch’s overall aesthetic of functional artistry.
In conclusion, Kollokium’s Projekt 01 is more than a debut timepiece; it’s a bold foray into uncharted design territory, a challenge to the watchmaking status quo, and an invitation to enthusiasts and collectors to engage with a brand that values uniqueness, craftsmanship, and a decidedly unconventional approach to horology. As Kollokium continues to evolve and release new projects, it promises to be a brand that keeps watch aficionados eagerly anticipating what boundary will be pushed next. Also, be sure to check our list of the best watches under $1000.
