hat happens when an architect reconsiders how a watch is put together? For Norman Foster, the starting point was the relationship between every component: how the case meets the strap, how the dial communicates, how the mechanics become visible and how the whole object feels on the wrist.

Lebond introduces a timepiece developed with Norman Foster and the Norman Foster Foundation’s Innovation and Design Unit. The project brings the Pritzker Prize-winning architect’s approach to materials, structure and function to an object designed to accompany its wearer every day.

“A watch is also intensely personal. It is something that travels with you and becomes part of everyday life.” — Norman Foster

The defining gesture is the removal of conventional lugs. The strap becomes a direct continuation of the case, wrapping around it to create a continuous silhouette. This changes both the appearance of the watch and the way it sits on the wrist: case and strap are conceived together, with comfort integral to the design. The integrated system also creates a kit of interchangeable parts, allowing different combinations of cases, straps, colours, materials and finishes to be explored. Further configurations will be revealed over time, giving the wearer greater freedom to personalise the watch through different combinations of colour and material.

Developed through successive sketches, prototypes and refinements, the Grade 5 titanium case measures 38.5 mm in diameter, widening to 40 mm where it meets the integrated strap. At 10 mm thick, it balances a compact footprint with a clear architectural presence. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial, while water resistance is rated to 50 metres.

Foster’s long-standing interest in aviation and decades of international travel inform the watch’s practical character. A bidirectional rotating 12-hour bezel allows the wearer to read a second time zone using the main hour hand. Restrained typography, clearly defined hands with Super-LumiNova and a date window keep essential information readily accessible.

The watch is available in two editions, each offering a different expression of its materials and finishes. The Natural Titanium Edition pairs a micro-sandblasted titanium case with a sunray-brushed dial, polished hands and a light grey FKM rubber strap. The Black Edition combines a matte black DLC-coated titanium case with a matte black lacquered dial and hands, complemented by a black FKM rubber strap. Both feature an interchangeable integrated strap system and a Grade 5 titanium deployant clasp.

“It expresses something I have always believed: engineering can also be beautiful when the way something works is made visible.” — Norman Foster

Turn the watch over and its most vivid detail appears. Through the sapphire caseback, a customised red rotor with five precision-machined perforations brings colour and geometry to the automatic movement. Conceived as an architectural element in its own right, it makes the mechanism part of the watch’s visual identity.

Inside is the Swiss automatic ETA 2892-A2, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with 21 jewels and an approximately 50-hour power reserve. Each watch is individually numbered. For the Norman Foster Foundation, the collaboration extends its design research to the scale of a wristwatch. Working with Lebond, the team moved between sketches, prototypes and technical development, refining every detail to improve comfort, clarity and functionality.

Beyond its design and technical innovation, the Lebond Norman Foster watch also contributes to the educational mission of the Norman Foster Foundation. All proceeds received by the NFF through royalties from the sale of the watch will be dedicated to supporting the educational programmes of the Norman Foster Institute, helping to nurture future generations of architects, designers and urban leaders committed to creating more sustainable and resilient cities.

“I hope it feels timeless rather than fashionable.” — Norman Foster

The result is a watch conceived for the changing settings of everyday life: the studio, the building site, a journey or a formal occasion. Its identity emerges from the connection between its parts, with each detail contributing to how it looks, works and wears.

The Lebond Norman Foster is available in Natural Titanium and Black editions, each priced at €3,500 excluding taxes, through the Lebond Watches website, with worldwide shipping included.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Case: Grade 5 titanium. Micro-sandblasted finish (Natural Titanium Edition) / matte black DLC coating (Black Edition).
• Anti-fingerprint coating. Individually numbered. Diameter: 38.5 mm (40 mm including strap). Thickness: 10 mm. Water resistance: 50 m.
• Bezel: Bidirectional rotating 12-hour bezel for reading a second time zone.
• Dial: Sunray-brushed (Natural Titanium Edition) / matte black lacquered (Black Edition).
• - Hands: Polished (Natural Titanium Edition) / matte black lacquered (Black Edition), both with Super-LumiNova.
• Crystals: Domed sapphire front crystal and flat sapphire caseback, both with anti-reflective coating.
• Movement: Swiss automatic ETA 2892-A2 with a perforated rotor in blue (Natural Titanium Edition) / red (Black Edition).
• 28,800 vibrations per hour / 21 jewels / 50-hour power reserve.
• Strap: Interchangeable integrated FKM rubber strap, 18 mm wide. Light grey (Natural Titanium Edition) / matte black (Black Edition).
• Deployant clasp: Grade 5 titanium deployant clasp with anti-fingerprint coating. Micro-sandblasted finish (Natural Titanium Edition) / matte black DLC coating (Black Edition).
• Packaging: Presentation box, warranty card, user manual, collector’s letter and photographic print.