The kollokium Projeckt 01 was a revelation when it was first released in December of 2023, blurring the lines between the conceptual and the practical via neubrutalist design. A handful of variations later, the brand, which is something of a side project for Manuel Emch (of Louis Errard), Barth Nussbaumer, and Amr Sindi, is ready to put forth a new vision in the Projekt 02. Their latest efforts continue to challenge the status quo, and offer another compelling vision of what constitutes a dial. The results are just as dramatic as the Projekt 01, and if that watch is anything to go by, what we see here is just the beginning.
The Projekt 02 begins in a familiar ‘pitri dish’ style case and viewing window, with a box sapphire crystal containing a highly dimensional dial area. This case is almost a platform, and allows for a passthrough strap to keep the whole thing presentable on the wrist. It’s a unique structure to carry, but not an uncomfortable one at that. The dial itself takes center stage, but these other details are equally as interesting.
The dial is the focal point with this watch, and where the previous used individual tubes of varying height to bring shape to the hours, the Projekt 02 employs a topographical design rendered with great peaks and valleys, again forming high points at the hours. A top down view reveals the lines of each individual layer that could be read like a map, while viewing at an angle will reveal the depths that have been created between the high and low points. In total, there are 67 stacked dial plates that create this sense of depth with, well, actual depth. No illusions here.
To accommodate the increased height of the dial design, the platform case has been slimmed down to retain similar overall dimensions. The case is 39.5mm in diameter, and just over 12mm in total thickness with that highly boxed crystal. Inside beats a La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, much like the original, but all that is besides the point here. The real magic is happening under that crystal, and it’s a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Oftentimes, when brands want to create a sense of depth they use a series of illusions and value changes to get it. Here, there are literal mountains and valleys that will make for unique views at almost every angle. And yes, they are imbued with lume. There is an organic, alien-like quality to the way this has been executed, and in truth, it’s something I’d love to see in a larger wall clock situation. It may not be a practical experience on the wrist, but an experience it most certainly is.
This first edition is limited to 199 pieces, and will likely sell out quickly. That said, I’d keep an eye out for additional colorways in the near future that further flesh out the concept. Pricing is set at CHF 3,333. kollokium