Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant B

For those who may not have heard or read about Kollokium yet, it is a unique collaborative project involving three well-known figures from the independent watch scene: Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindi. Unlike traditional brands, and in their own words, "Kollokium is  not a brand but a creative platform without a defined strategy or artistic direction". It is a project purely driven by the founders' passion for creativity. Their debut watch, the Projekt 01, was initially launched in late 2023 as a limited edition for friends and family. This current release, Projekt 01 "Variant B" expands this lcollection with a limited run of 199 pieces, that has already sold out!

Aesthetics

It may look like a simple design at first glance but it is not. It has that industrial, raw vibe and I guess it comes from primarily utilising die-cast steel for the case. The manufacturing method achieves a matte texture without conventional polished or brushed finishes. The watch's distinct appearance is enhanced by its complex lug and side profile design.

Moreover, its dial is like a visual puzzle if you look closer, composed of 468 hand-applied cylindrical elements that create an intricate, pixelated image. The markers and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova, emitting a special blue glow in the dark, which in my eyes contributes very well to the watch's retro-futuristic, neo-brutalist charm.

Movement

At the heart of the Projekt 01 Variant B is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, offering a robust 68-hour power reserve. The movement is housed in a steel container integrated into the case, operated via a valve-shaped crown that complements the watch's industrial aesthetic.

Availability & Pricing

The Variant B was released as a limited edition of 199 pieces, each priced at CHF 2,666.66 (excluding VAT) which is approximately €2,500. Unfortunately, this batch is already sold out if you are interested (I also wanted one and I won´t be able to buy it!). There are hints that future editions of the Projekt 01 may be released later in 2024.