Kollokium Projekt 02 Variant “B”

A topographic dial with striking depth

The Kollokium Projekt 02 Variant “B” perfectly illustrates the radical and experimental approach of this young independent watchmaker. With its spectacular three-dimensional dial composed of multiple layers, this watch pushes the boundaries of contemporary watch design and transforms the act of telling time into a true visual experience.

A nine-layer topographic dial

At the heart of the Projekt 02 Variant “B” lies a unique dial, constructed like a miniature topographic map. Its structure is based on nine superimposed levels, formed by sixty-seven individual plates, each positioned with extreme precision.

This complex relief creates a spectacular architecture where the peaks form the hour markers while the recesses of the dial accentuate the impression of depth. The watch thus gives the term “deep dial” a literal dimension, offering a miniature landscape sculpted into the material.

A spectacular vertical gradient

To enhance the three-dimensional effect, each level of the dial is given a slightly different shade, creating a subtle yet striking vertical gradient.

The peaks of the hour markers are hand-painted in a luminous light gray, and each lower level gradually becomes darker, until it reaches a deep black in the lowest areas.

This meticulous work evokes the conventions of hypsometric maps used in cartography to represent terrain. The result is a dial where light and shadow constantly shift depending on the viewing angle.

A complex luminescence to master

Achieving this luminous gradient presents a considerable technical challenge. Each plate is manually coated with a mixture of lacquer and Super-Luminova, precisely measured to preserve tonal consistency while ensuring optimal brightness in the dark.

Finding the right particle size, opacity, and consistency of the material required numerous trials. The goal was to achieve a perfectly fluid transition between the different shades while maintaining a consistent visual signature.

Radical craftsmanship: “Brutalist Artisanship”

Despite its deliberately raw industrial aesthetic, the Projekt 02 Variant “B” is the result of exceptionally demanding manual work. At Kollokium, this approach is described as “Brutalist Artisanship”, a radical form of craftsmanship where technical creativity addresses challenges rarely encountered in traditional watchmaking.

Each dial plate is hand-painted, taking care to avoid the metal edges. The sixty-seven elements are then assembled vertically one by one, held in place by invisible pins that ensure the structure’s perfect alignment.

The complete assembly of a dial takes about six hours of work. The slightest deformation of a plate during pressing can compromise the entire construction, forcing the artisans to start the process over from scratch.

An independent watch with a bold character

With the Projekt 02 Variant “B”, Kollokium offers a daring vision of watchmaking where experimental design, three-dimensional architecture, and manual craftsmanship converge.

At the intersection of contemporary art and independent watchmaking, this creation stands out as a unique piece for collectors seeking a watch with a strong personality, capable of transforming a dial into a true miniature relief.