Kollokium, an innovative watchmaking platform established in 2020 by Manuel Emch, Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindis, redefines traditional horology. Eschewing the conventional 'brand' label, Kollokium focuses on unrestricted creativity in crafting timepieces, free from artistic directives, historical constraints, or conventional limitations. The latest expression of their vision is the 'Cooler Waters' edition, the third evolution of their topographical Projekt 02 dials. This captivating design, with its alluring blue waves, arrives just in time for the warmer months, offering a fresh aesthetic to their distinctive collection.

Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Projekt 02 "Cooler Waters" edition combines intricate design with robust mechanics. Its unique dial, a signature feature, provides a visual depth reminiscent of hypsometric maps, creating a miniature, wearable seascape. The watch is engineered for precision and durability, making it a functional piece of art for discerning collectors. This release further cements Kollokium's reputation for pushing boundaries in independent watchmaking, offering pieces that are both visually striking and technically sophisticated.

The "Cooler Waters" Dial: A Masterpiece of Layered Design

Following the innovative spirit of the initial Projekt 01 and the subsequent Projekt 02 Variants A and B, the new "Cooler Waters" edition continues Kollokium's exploration of three-dimensional topographical dials. This iteration distinguishes itself with a mesmerising turquoise gradient that flows across the dial's peaks and valleys. The dial is meticulously constructed from 67 individual hand-painted plates, carefully stacked to form nine distinct layers, creating an effect akin to viewing a dynamic ocean from above, complete with white-crested waves. The use of blue-emission Super-LumiNova within the lacquer creates a vivid and luminous display, ensuring the dial stands out both in daylight and in low-light conditions, with lighter blue tones on the raised sections and darker hues in the deeper recesses.

The dial's sophisticated design mirrors the colour gradients found on hypsometric maps, where varying shades denote differences in elevation and depth. Each of the 67 plates is hand-painted, with the highest points, serving as indices, rendered in a cool white, gradually transitioning to a rich turquoise in the lower layers. This intricate layering, combined with the luminous lacquer, creates a dynamic visual experience that captures the essence of a serene aquatic landscape. To enhance the visual impact, the metallic contours of each ridge are sharply outlined in black, adding a sense of drama and definition. The hour and minute hands, matching the dial's aesthetic, are also filled with blue Super-LumiNova, ensuring readability and consistency. Encased beneath a tall, panoramic box-shaped sapphire crystal, the dial's intricate details can be admired from multiple angles, offering a comprehensive view of this miniature work of art.

Robust Engineering and Exclusive Availability

The Kollokium Projekt 02 Variant C "Cooler Waters" is encased in a robust monobloc case, expertly crafted from die-cast steel. This ultra-resilient construction features integrated lugs and a bezel, complemented by a distinctive valve-shaped crown. With a compact 39mm diameter and a remarkably slender profile of 5.9mm (excluding the crystal), the watch maintains a sleek and comfortable presence on the wrist. It offers a water resistance of 50 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear. A subtle relief on the left case flank, marked "K,P-nº2," serves as a discreet hallmark of its origin, reflecting Kollokium's preference for understated branding.

Powering this exquisite timepiece is the highly reliable La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. This tried-and-tested calibre boasts a substantial 68-hour power reserve, ensuring long-lasting performance and precision. The watch is fitted with a single-piece elastic textile strap in a vibrant turquoise, perfectly complementing the dial's serene blue tones. The strap is secured with a hook buckle, also crafted from die-cast steel, providing both comfort and durability. This exclusive edition is limited to just 299 pieces, adding to its allure and collectibility. Available first to subscribers on June 1, 2026, via kollokium.com, and then to the general public on June 2 at 14:00 CET, with deliveries scheduled between June 3 and June 15, this timepiece represents a unique opportunity to own a distinctive piece of independent watchmaking artistry at a retail price of CHF 3,666.66 (excluding VAT).