Introducing Kollokium, a Newcomer in Horology, Seeks Freedom

Kollokium was founded in 2020 by three friends. After having collectively spent a lifetime contributing to the creations of numerous watch brands, Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer and Amr Sindi’s mutual desire to build something from scratch became too strong to ignore. To create with no established or inherited framework. No existing brand, no defined artistic direction, no rehashed history, no constraints. The freedom to truly, fully manifest objects they envision without the compromises of structure.

Positioned as a creative venture rather than a conventional brand, this eclectic approach mirrors its founders, all industry insiders hailing from various realms of watchmaking. Manuel Emch, a seasoned manager currently heading Louis Erard and Raketa, is equally renowned for his leadership roles at Jaquet Droz, where he became the youngest CEO in the Swatch Group at that time, and RJ-Romain Jerome. Barth Nussbaumer, a versatile designer with a diverse portfolio spanning from TAG Heuer to Petermann-Bedat, contributes his creative expertise. Amr Sindi, recognized as The Horophile, serves as an influencer and media consultant, adding a unique perspective to the team.

Kollokium is a project-based offering, with each “projekt” iterated into variants but produced in limited numbers. Projekt 01 begins as a “Friends & Family” edition only for insiders, but a publicly available version will soon be launched in early 2024.

The Projekt 01 blends avant-garde design with innovative manufacturing processes. The case construction of the Projekt 01 is equally distinctive and defies conventional approaches. Wearability was a key consideration in the case design according to the brand. Measuring 40mm at its widest and compact in form, the case aims to cater to a broad audience. Fabricated with stainless steel through die casting, it is a process in which a liquid metal is delivered into a mold that contains a negative impression of the intended shape. the case has an unfinished texture that results from the manufacturing process. It’s made up of two parts, a barrel-shaped case back and cruciform lugs inspired by a screwdriver head that are meant to evoke industrial architecture. And the case does without a bezel to enhance the viewing experience, allowing the “box” crystal to sit over the dial like a domed lid. On top is a highly-domed “box” sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating that enhances the visual experience. 

The Projekt 01’s dial exemplifies the stylistic inclinations of the trio: it is a three-dimensional, pixelated surface with 468 of cylindrical hour markers, each applied by hand and filled with luminous paint. The three-dimensionality is imperceptible at a distance, but creates an intriguing aesthetic up close, especially when coupled with an absence of visible branding.

the 468 cylindrical hour markers, produced in six different diameters and heights, are applied by hand. Each cylinder is sandblasted and filled with Super-LumiNova that emits an orange glow in the dark. The black oblong-shaped hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova outlines seem to float over the cylindrical pegs, and the lacquered orange seconds hand has an open triangle counterweight that looks a bit like a shepherd’s crook.

Kollokium’s philosophy is also reflected in the decision to identify the respectful suisse brand, La Joux-Perret G101 movement. an automatic movement with 24 jewels, beating at 28,800 vph. 

The elasticised black textile strap has a hook-fastening system in die-cast steel and stitched loops to adjust the size; it allows the skin to breathe and is quick to dry.
The "friends & family" is a closed pre-series of 99 pieces that was offered to friends and family of the three founders. The first iteration of Projekt 01 will be released during the first quarter of 2024. and priced at CHF 2,666 which is equivalent to 11,300 AED.

For more information, please visit the official website of Kollokium.