Ready to dive into the intriguing world of watch design? The Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G is here, and it's shaking things up! This isn't just another watch; it's a statement, a concept, a collaboration that defies easy categorization. But what exactly is Kollokium? Is it a brand, a design studio, or a creative project? The answer is: a bit of everything! It's a fascinating venture spearheaded by Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindi (The Horophile), and it's been making waves for two years, releasing its second concept and now, five versions of the Projekt 01 watch.
The Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G marks the sixth iteration, and it introduces a fresh perspective to the neo-brutalist aesthetic. The core design remains consistent: a die-cast steel case, staying true to the series’ raw neo-brutalist aesthetic. Identical to the Variant B or Variant F we reviewed, the two-part case is 40mm in diameter and includes a cylindrical mid-case and a barrel-shaped base with original lugs inspired by cruciform screwdrivers. The watch is closed by a cylindrical sapphire crystal that lets light in from all sides, and the back is raw steel, with a 50m water-resistance.
But here's where it gets interesting: the dial. While color isn't entirely new to the series (remember the Variant F's purple?), the Variant G takes a different approach. The signature studded dial returns, but this time, it's rendered in a surprisingly soft and light palette of blues. The background is a gentle light blue, contrasted by darker blue studs. This creates a visually striking effect that is also more legible than earlier editions. It's an unexpected touch, offering an airy, summery feel that works surprisingly well.
And this is the part most people miss... the details. The Variant G offers a choice of two handsets:
- G1: Blue PVD hour and minute hands with blue Super-LumiNova centers, and a white seconds hand.
- G2: White hour and minute hands with blue PVD centers, and a blue PVD seconds hand.
The team couldn't decide, so they released both! The dial itself is a marvel, featuring 468 hand-applied steel pins in varying widths and heights. The tips of these pins are hand-filled with the same luminescent blue pigments as the dial. They are given a deep navy blue PVD treatment for contrast, forming the hour markers. This is a complex design, but it ultimately results in a fairly legible display, especially in low light conditions.
Powering the watch is an automatic G101 calibre from La Joux-Perret, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasting a 68-hour power reserve. This aligns perfectly with Kollokium's design philosophy. The watch comes with a single-piece navy blue elastic textile strap and a hook fastening system.
The Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G is a limited edition, with only 499 pieces available. It's priced at CHF 2,999 (excluding taxes) and can be found on the brand's website and in select physical retailers.
What do you think of this fresh take on the neo-brutalist aesthetic? Do you prefer the softer blue palette, or do you miss the darker, more monochromatic styles of the earlier editions? Share your thoughts in the comments!
