Is the watch world ready for something truly… different? The Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G has arrived, and it's challenging everything you thought you knew about watch design. But is its unique neo-brutalist aesthetic actually appealing, or just plain weird? Let’s dive in.
So, what exactly is Kollokium? It's a bit of an enigma, really. Think of it as a collective – a design studio, a concept lab, and a passion project all rolled into one. They're not trying to be a traditional watchmaker churning out in-house movements; they're more interested in pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional ideas. This project, the brainchild of Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindi (aka The Horophile), has been around for a couple of years now, and the Projekt 01 has already seen five iterations. And now, we have the Variant G – a surprisingly fresh take on an otherwise industrial and robust design.
On paper, the core formula remains largely unchanged. The Variant G, or rather, these Variants G, retain the signature die-cast steel case that defines the Projekt 01 series. The raw, neo-brutalist aesthetic is still front and center. Just like the Variant B and Variant F, the two-part case measures 40mm in diameter, featuring a cylindrical mid-case and a barrel-shaped base with those distinctive lugs inspired by cruciform screwdrivers. The watch is topped with a cylindrical sapphire crystal, allowing light to flood in from all angles, and the caseback is raw steel. Water resistance remains at 50 meters.
But here's where it gets interesting: the dial. Kollokium isn't afraid of color – remember the purple-infused Variant F? However, the Variant G takes a different approach. The familiar studded dial of the Projekt 01 makes a comeback, but this time in a surprisingly soft and light color palette. Gone are the darker, monochromatic tones of earlier editions. Instead, the Variant G embraces shades of blue – a lighter hue for the background and a darker shade for the studs. This not only adds a graphical touch but also enhances legibility, a welcome improvement over some previous versions. The airy, almost summery vibe is unexpected from this brand, but it works beautifully. Don't you think?
And this is the part most people miss: Kollokium offers two handset options for the Variant G. The G1 comes with PVD blue hour and minute hands filled with blue Super-LumiNova, paired with a white seconds hand. The G2, on the other hand, goes for higher contrast with white hour and minute hands featuring blue PVD centers, and a blue PVD seconds hand. The team couldn't decide which they liked best, so they released both! Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
As always, the dial is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Each dial involves hand-applying 468 steel pins of varying widths and heights, with their hollowed tips hand-filled with the same luminescent blue pigments as the dial. The pins are then treated with a deep navy blue PVD coating for contrast, effectively creating the hour markers. It's a visually complex arrangement that might initially challenge your perception, but it ultimately proves to be surprisingly legible, especially in low-light conditions.
Powering the Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G is the automatic G101 caliber from La Joux-Perret. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 68-hour power reserve, aligning perfectly with Kollokium's commitment to quality and performance. The watch comes equipped with a comfortable and easily adjustable navy blue elastic textile strap with a hook fastening system.
The Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G is a limited edition of 499 pieces, available now on the brand's website and through select physical retailers. It's priced at CHF 2,999 (excluding taxes). You can find more information at kollokium.com.
But here's the controversial question: Is the Kollokium Projekt 01 Variant G a genuine work of art that pushes the boundaries of watch design, or is it an over-engineered curiosity that sacrifices practicality for the sake of uniqueness? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Does this watch speak to you, or does it leave you cold? Share your opinions in the comments below!
