A Spark Of Inspiration
Vianney Halter is one of the most celebrated independent watchmakers of his generation. A member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 2000, he was awarded Best Watchmaker at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2011. 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.” Halter’s mechanical aesthetics and philosophy align closely with Behrens’vision of blending innovation with the artistry of traditional watchmaking.

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.

Industrial Design Meets Pixel Nostalgia
In the early design phase, both parties studied the structure and principles of antique electricity meters, ultimately focusing on their iconic square form. This distinctive shape was reimagined as a proportionally scaled-down watch case, bringing the aesthetics of the mechanical industry into fine watchmaking.

Further creative exchanges introduced another layer of inspiration: the classic video games Snake and Tetris. These pixel-based games, born in the early digital era, captivated a generation with their endless growth cycles, elimination, and visual charm.

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 packaging pays tribute to Tetris, with arrangements of the seven iconic shapes recreating scenes from the game and completing the retro digital homage.

The Movement
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.

The lower half of the dial employs Behrens’ axial display system:
● Left axis: power reserve and day-night display. The power reserve indicator arrow is inspired by the aluminium disc markers of vintage electricity meters.
● Right axis: minute display.
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.

Details And Editions
The KWH watch will be offered in two case materials:
●18k white gold, paired with a nebula purple dial and a moon white/nebula purple strap
●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. Both models feature a hand-stitched double-sided leather strap with quick-release technology, matching the futuristic yet playful dial colours.

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