ianney Halter is one of the most celebrated independent watchmakers of his generation. A member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 2000, awarded at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), his works are recognised for their revolutionary mechanical structures and futuristic design language, earning him international acclaim. His most famous creation, the Antiqua, has been described as a “relic from the future”.

The inspiration for the Master Collection KWH watch came from a visit to Halter’s workshop in Sainte-Croix, a Swiss town famed for its music boxes. Behrens founder Lin Bingqiang noticed an antique electricity meter in Halter’s collection, which echoed a similar industrial artifact he owned. This moment of serendipity sparked the idea to translate the aesthetics of vintage industrial instruments into a modern watch design.

The KWH watch is offered in two case materials: 18k white gold, paired with a nebula purple dial and a moon white/nebula purple strap, or 18k rose gold, paired with a rock grey dial and a rock grey/twilight orange strap. Each version is limited to just 9 pieces worldwide.

In the early design phase, both parties studied the structure and principles of antique electricity meters, ultimately focusing on their iconic square form. Further creative exchanges introduced another layer of inspiration: the classic video games Snake and Tetris. The watch’s hour display takes direct cues from Snake, using Behrens’ patented ruby-bearing micro-chain mechanical system. A “pixel snake” of seven dots rotates continuously around the dial, evoking playful nostalgia.

The lower half of the dial employs Behrens’ axial display system: power reserve and day-night display on the left axis; minute display on the right axis. Additional functions on the caseback include a calendar and moon phase display at 12 o’clock, which are adjustable via quick-set pushers integrated into the case.

At its heart, the Master Collection KWH watch houses the newly developed BM06 manual-winding calibre, co-created by Behrens and Vianney Halter. It features twin barrels and delivers a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is constructed from 870 components and includes a temperature-compensation adjustment system, ensuring the stability of the micro-chain mechanism in all environments.

Price: 44,800 USD

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