In the landscape of modern horology, where heritage and tradition often dictate design, some ventures choose to carve out an entirely different path. Kollokium operates in this alternative space, functioning not as a conventional brand but as a project-based platform for exploring new possibilities. Founded in 2020 by three industry veterans, the collective was born from a shared desire to create without the constraints of an established framework or inherited history. Their approach, which they term "neubrutalist horology," draws inspiration from post-war architecture, synth-pop, and retrofuturistic science fiction, resulting in timepieces that are at once familiar and utterly alien.
After two years of development, this philosophy has manifested in their second creation, the Projekt 02. This timepiece is a direct evolution of an idea that surfaced during Kollokium's earliest brainstorming sessions, taking a more organic route within their established design language. It debuted as the "Friends, Family, Fools & Flippers" (FFF&F) edition, a limited run of 199 pieces offered first to the inner circle of the brand's earliest supporters. This release strategy underscores Kollokium's community-focused approach, rewarding those who first bought into their unconventional vision.
Courtesy of kollokium
The most immediately arresting feature of the Projekt 02 is its dial. It is not a flat surface with applied markers but a complex, three-dimensional topographical sculpture. Composed of 67 individual plates, the dial creates a micro-landscape of undulating forms that rise and fall across multiple levels. This intricate structure began as a flat, organic pattern of curving, meandering lines. This image was then deconstructed, with contours being mapped and translated into physical layers of varying heights, producing a tangible sense of depth and volume.
When viewed directly from above, the dial’s surface creates a pattern reminiscent of forged Damascus steel or some other exotic layered metal. It is a mesmerizing and almost chaotic arrangement of lines and shapes. However, the true nature of the design is revealed when the watch is viewed from an angle. The immense, boxy sapphire crystal allows light to flood the dial from the sides, highlighting the dramatic verticality of the structure. What appeared as a flat pattern becomes a world in miniature, with peaks, valleys, and plateaus that invite closer inspection.
Despite its seemingly random appearance, a deliberate logic underpins the dial’s layout. The entire circular form is divided into three equal parts, and a closer look reveals twelve distinct hour markers integrated subtly into the topography. The manufacturing of such a dial proved to be an immense challenge. The creators explored simpler methods, such as CNC machining or casting the dial from a single monobloc mold, but found that these techniques failed to capture the sharp detail and nuanced depth they envisioned. Ultimately, they embraced the laborious process of assembling the multi-layered structure, believing the stunning final result justified the difficulty.
The finish of the dial further enhances its visual complexity. The 67 plates have a warm silver finish, with sandblasted edges that create a subtle textural contrast. This metallic base serves as a canvas for a remarkable application of luminescent material. Each plate is meticulously hand-painted with a white lacquer that has been infused with green-emission Super-LumiNova. In daylight, this application is nearly invisible, preserving the clean, metallic look of the micro-landscape.
Courtesy of kollokium
In low-light conditions, the Projekt 02 undergoes a radical transformation. The dial erupts in a vibrant green glow, with the Super-LumiNova outlining the contours of every individual plate. The entire topographical map becomes illuminated, turning the watch face into a glowing, otherworldly display. This effect is not merely functional; it is a core part of the watch's aesthetic identity, revealing a hidden dimension to the design that is only visible in the dark.
Reading the time against such a complex background is made clear by a thoughtfully designed handset. The hour and minute hands are finished in a matching warm silver and feature applied Lichtblock™ elements. These solid blocks of green-emission Super-LumiNova provide excellent legibility without disrupting the dial's aesthetic. Providing a sharp, functional contrast to the monochromatic landscape is a slender seconds hand, rendered in a brilliant fluorescent orange that sweeps across the terrain.
Encasing this intricate dial is a cylindrical sapphire glass box with softly rounded edges. This is not a conventional domed crystal but a substantial piece of sapphire that rises vertically from the case, acting as a vitrine for the sculpture within. Its form is crucial to the watch's overall effect, as it not only protects the dial but also magnifies the sense of depth and allows light to enter from multiple angles, creating a constantly shifting play of light and shadow across the topographical surfaces.
The case of the Projekt 02 is as unconventional as its dial. Kollokium eschews standard manufacturing methods like CNC milling in favor of die-casting. Molten 316L stainless steel is poured into a mold, a process that allows for the creation of complex, organic forms that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. This method also imparts a unique matte texture to the steel, a raw and honest finish that requires no subsequent polishing or brushing.
Courtesy of kollokium
Structurally, the case is a monobloc unit. There is no separate bezel or caseback, and the lugs are not detachable; it is a single, indivisible platform upon which the rest of the watch is built. The design features a slightly arched, barrel-shaped central element that appears to be held in place by four triangular lugs, creating a sense of tension and cohesion. Every line is curved, with no sharp angles, giving the industrial material a softer, more ergonomic feel.
Measuring 39.5 mm in diameter, the case has a physical height of just 5.90 mm without the crystal. Even with the prominent sapphire box, the total height is a manageable 12.40 mm. Thanks to a rounded bottom profile and lugs that curve sharply downwards, the watch sits surprisingly low and comfortably on the wrist, belying its visually complex and robust appearance.
True to Kollokium’s minimalist and project-focused ethos, the case is almost entirely devoid of branding. The only identifier is the internal project name, "K,P–n°02," rendered in relief on the case side. On the opposite side sits the signature Kollokium crown, a triangular, valve-shaped control that is both functional and a subtle nod to the brand's industrial design language. The watch is rated for a water resistance of 5 atmospheres, or 50 meters.
Kollokium is transparent about its identity, stating clearly: "kollokium ? watchmaker." They do not pretend to be an integrated manufacture. Instead, they focus their energy on design and concept, choosing to source a reliable and robust engine for their creations. For the Projekt 02, they selected the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, a Swiss-made caliber known for its performance.
The G101 operates at a modern frequency of 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. It is built with 24 jewels and offers a substantial power reserve of approximately 68 hours. This allows an owner to set the watch down on a Friday evening and find it still running on Monday morning.
Courtesy of kollokium
In keeping with their philosophy that they did not create the movement, Kollokium has left it completely unbranded and unadorned. Housed behind a solid steel case back, the movement and its uni-directional, unsigned winding rotor remain hidden from view. This pragmatic approach places the focus squarely on the external design and the user's experience with the timepiece as a complete object.
The connection between the watch and the wrist is completed by a custom strap that has become a favored element among Kollokium's collectors. Inspired by technical outdoor gear, the strap is crafted from a material that is light, breathable, and slightly elastic, ensuring a comfortable fit. The olive-green color and woven texture complement the raw, industrial feel of the die-cast steel case.
The fastening system is equally purpose-built. It features a hook buckle, also made from die-cast steel to perfectly match the case finish. The strap is designed with stitched loops, allowing for quick and easy size adjustments on the go without the need for tools. This combination of material and hardware results in a strap that is both highly functional and aesthetically aligned with the overall design.
The Projekt 02 FFF&F Edition was conceived as an introductory release for the new model family. The name—Friends, Family, Fools & Flippers—is a playful and self-aware nod to the different types of early adopters in the watch community. This initial run of 199 pieces was not made available to the general public directly. Instead, it was first offered to the owners of Kollokium's very first release, the Projekt 01 F&F, as a gesture of gratitude for their early support.
Courtesy of kollokium
Following this exclusive pre-sale, any remaining pieces were then offered to the wider community of existing Kollokium watch owners. This strategy reinforces the idea that Kollokium is building more than just a customer base; it is cultivating a community of enthusiasts who share its distinct aesthetic sensibilities. For those who missed this initial release, Kollokium has announced that the first publicly available version of Projekt 02 is planned for an unveiling in the first quarter of 2026.
Priced at CHF 3,333.33, the Kollokium Projekt 02 FFF&F Edition quickly sold out, a testament to the strong appeal of its unique design and the brand's growing reputation. The piece stands as a compelling physical manifestation of Kollokium's mission: to materialize timepieces that transcend traditional watchmaking. It is a work of controlled chaos, an object that is industrial yet fantastical, and a clear statement from a collective determined to explore horology from a refreshingly alternative vantage point.
Case: Monobloc die-cast 316L steel construction. Diameter of 39.5 mm, height of 5.90 mm (12.40 mm with crystal). Cylindrical sapphire glass box crystal and solid case back. Water-resistant to 5ATM (50m).
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. 4Hz / 28,800 vph frequency, 24 jewels, and an approximate power reserve of 68 hours.
Dial: Topographical dial made from 67 plates with a warm silver finish. Dial plates are hand-painted with green emission Super-LumiNova. Warm silver hour and minute hands with Lichtblock™ elements; fluorescent orange seconds hand.
Strap: Elastic and breathable strap inspired by outdoor gear with a die-cast steel hook buckle to match the case.
Price: CHF 3,333.33
Reference Number: K,P–n°02
Notes: The case is created using die-casting, an uncommon method for watch manufacturing. The complex dial is a multi-level topographical map made of 67 individual plates that are fully lumed. The FFF&F Edition was a 199-piece introductory release.