Behrens is a young and innovative independent watch brand that is quickly making a name for itself in the world of horology. Founded in 2012 in Shenzhen, China, by a group of passionate watch enthusiasts, the brand is driven by a desire to create unique timepieces that challenge traditional watchmaking conventions. The name "Behrens" is a tribute to Peter Behrens, a German architect and a pioneer of modern industrial design, reflecting the brand's commitment to originality and a modern design ethos. Behrens aims to offer complex and creative mechanical watches at a more accessible price point, changing perceptions of Chinese watchmaking in the process.
What sets Behrens apart is its focus on developing complex and imaginative mechanical modules to display time in unconventional ways. The brand often draws inspiration from astronomy and engineering, resulting in watches with captivating and intricate dials. For example, their "Apolar" model features a unique "Earth-Moon" system, while the "Mars Project One" displays both Earth and Mars time. While initially modifying base movements from established manufacturers like Miyota and Sellita with their in-house modules, Behrens has since progressed to developing its own in-house movements, such as the Cal. BM01 and BM02, showcasing their growing technical expertise.
Behrens' collections, primarily categorized under the "INVENTOR" and "ORIGINAL" series, feature a diverse range of fascinating timepieces. Notable models include the "Perigee," which was the first to house their in-house movement and features a unique chain and ruby system for displaying the hours; the "Rotary," inspired by the mechanics of a rotary engine; and the "Ultra-Light" series, which includes watches weighing as little as 11 or 20 grams. The brand has also engaged in successful collaborations with other independent watchmakers, such as the one with Konstantin Chaykin.
Behrens has been gaining significant recognition within the watch community, earning nominations at the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and receiving positive reviews from major watch publications. The brand is lauded for its creativity, quality, and the value it offers. By pushing the boundaries of mechanical watch design and demonstrating a high level of in-house manufacturing capability, Behrens is positioning itself as a serious player in the independent watchmaking scene and a brand to watch in the years to come.