The world of independent watchmaking is built on a foundation of passion, innovation, and unexpected connections. This year, at Geneva Watch Days 2025, two visionary forces have converged to create something truly extraordinary. BEHRENS, the innovative Chinese high-end watchmaking brand, has joined hands with the legendary independent master watchmaker Vianney Halter to present their first collaborative masterpiece: the limited-edition KWH watch.
This isn't just a new timepiece; it's a story of shared inspiration, a dialogue between industrial history, digital nostalgia, and a bold statement within the Behrens Master Collection.
The Meeting of Two Horological Minds
To understand the significance of this launch, we must appreciate the stature of the creators. Vianney Halter is not just a watchmaker; he is an artist and an inventor. A revered member of the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) and winner of the "Best Watchmaker" prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2011, Halter is famed for his futuristic, steampunk-inspired creations like the iconic Antiqua. His philosophy of melding revolutionary mechanical structures with avant-garde design matches perfectly with BEHRENS, a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical art in watchmaking industry since its founding in 2012.
The spark for the KWH watch was ignited not on a drawing board, but in Halter's workshop in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. Behrens founder, Lin Bingqiang, noticed an antique electricity meter in Halter's collection. It echoed a similar artifact in his own possession. This moment of serendipity revealed a shared aesthetic language centered on vintage industrial instrumentation. They decided then and there to reinterpret this unique industrial design into a wearable piece of art.
From Kilowatt-Hours to Time: Deconstructing the Design
The KWH watch takes its core identity from the form and soul of these old electricity meters. The most striking feature is its distinctive square case, a direct and proportionally scaled-down homage to the classic meter shape. This bold design decision immediately sets the watch apart, seamlessly bringing the robust aesthetics of the mechanical industry into the realm of high-end watchmaking.
But the creativity doesn't stop there. During their collaboration, another layer of inspiration emerged from the early digital era: the classic video games Snake and Tetris.
The hour display is a magnificent execution of this concept. It utilizes Behrens' patented micro-chain mechanical system, where a chain of A “pixel snake” of seven dots rotates continuously around the dial, evoking playful nostalgia. The homage continues to the premium packaging, which cleverly arranges Tetris blocks, completing a thoughtful tribute to a bygone digital age.
The Heart of the KWH: Cal. BM06 Manufacture Manual Winding
A watch of this ambition requires a movement of equal stature. Powering the KWH watch is the new BM06 manual-winding calibre comprising a staggering 870 components, co-developed by Behrens and Vianney Halter.
It features twin barrels providing a healthy 72-hour power reserve. Crucially, it includes a temperature-compensation adjustment system, a sophisticated feature that ensures the stability and accuracy of the complex micro-chain mechanism regardless of environmental changes.
The display is a masterclass in functional art. The lower half of the dial uses Behrens’ signature axial display system:
- The left axis shows the power reserve (its arrow inspired by vintage meter markers) and a day-night indicator.
- The right axis displays the minutes.
Flipping the watch over reveals a beautifully finished caseback with a sapphire window, showcasing the movement and featuring a calendar and moon phase display at 12 o'clock, adjustable via integrated quick-set pushers.
An Ultra-Limited Edition
True to its status as a collector's item, the KWH watch is produced in strictly limited numbers. Only 9 pieces will be made in each of the two case materials in total of 18 pieces worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive releases of Geneva Watch Days 2025.
- 18k white gold version features a mesmerizing nebula purple dial paired with a moon white and nebula purple strap.
- 18k rose gold model boasts a sophisticated rock grey dial with a rock grey and twilight orange strap.
Both models come with a hand-stitched, double-sided leather strap featuring quick-release technology, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience.
Technical Specifications
Models:
BHRM2WG01 (White Gold) / BHRM2RG01 (Rose Gold)
Price:
$44,800 USD
Functions:
(H3) Hours (chain), Minutes (roller), Calendar & Moon Phase (caseback), Day-Night (roller), Power Reserve (roller)
Movement:
Cal. BM06 manufacture manual winding, 72h power reserve, 28,800 vph, 170 jewels, 870 components.
Case:
18k white or rose gold, 35 x 41 x 10.9 mm, 30m water resistance.
Crystal:
Anti-reflective sapphire on front and caseback.
Where to Buy KWH Watch?
Pre-booking for this highly exclusive KWH timepiece is currently underway and has already been fully subscribed. For additional information or to join the waiting list, please contact the BEHRENS team via the chat on our official store or send us a message on our social media channels.
Global shipping is expected to begin in April 2026.
Final Thoughts:
This BEHRENS & Vianney Halter collaboration is a testament to what happens when two creative powerhouses share a common vision. The KWH watch is not merely a time-telling device; it is a narrative on the wrist. It tells a story of industrial history, of digital childhood memories, and of uncompromising mechanical artistry. For the few who will own it, it represents a unique piece of horological history, a true "relic from the future" born from a partnership the watch world will remember.