In the world of independent horology, few collaborations carry the intrigue of a partnership between Behrens and Vianney Halter. Their latest creation, unveiled at the Geneva Watch Days 2025, is the Master Collection “KWH”, a timepiece that takes inspiration from vintage electrical meters while pushing the boundaries of contemporary haute horlogerie.
A Collaboration of Icons
This marks the third year of collaboration between Behrens, the Chinese independent watchmaking house, and Vianney Halter, one of Switzerland’s most respected watchmakers. Unlike Halter’s recent collaboration with Massena Lab, where his style dominated, the KWH feels distinctly Behrens-led, though enriched with Halter’s touch of mechanical creativity.
Design Language: From Electrical Meters to Wearable Art
The bezel-less sapphire crystal rises almost as tall as the mid-case, giving the watch a futuristic silhouette that recalls both a vintage electrical meter and—coincidentally—a smart watch.
• Case: Rounded-rectangle design in 18k white or rose gold.
• Dimensions: ~35 × 41 mm, 10.9 mm thick.
• Water Resistance: 30 m, despite the unusual construction and dual buttons at 12 o’clock.
This is only Behrens’ second time working in precious metals, after the Kung Fu Platinum Edition, signaling a new frontier for the brand and establishing this piece as its most expensive offering to date.
The Serpentine Hours: Inspired by Snake
The highlight of the watch is its chain-driven hour display, a technical spectacle of 870 components.
• A luminous dot travels around the perimeter of the dial, completing one full circuit every 12 hours.
• Chasing it, six smaller dots — “the Snake” — animate the display, evoking the retro video game.
• The chain runs on ruby bearings to reduce friction against the steel sprockets, while a clever spring-mounted subassembly compensates for temperature fluctuations.
In addition to the serpentine hours, rotating cylinders display the minutes and the power reserve, creating a dynamic dial where time is revealed through constant motion.
A Darkened Mechanical Landscape
Turning the watch over, the caseback reveals a movement finished entirely in blackened plates, bridges, and rotor, decorated with circular graining and radial brushing. The result is a striking contrast to the playful, luminous dial, grounding the piece in traditional haute horlogerie finishing.
Limited and Exclusive
Production is capped at just 9 pieces per metal, each priced around USD 44,800. The violet “nebula” dial pairs with white gold, while a stone-grey/orange dial comes with rose gold. Each piece is fitted with a two-tone leather strap and matching buckle.
Why It Matters
The Behrens × Vianney Halter KWH is not just another limited edition. It demonstrates:
• Behrens’ ambition to climb into the highest echelons of independent horology.
• Halter’s willingness to explore new platforms for his creativity.
• A fusion of humor, craft, and mechanical complexity executed with Behrens’ unique architectural vision.
Conclusion
With the KWH, Behrens and Vianney Halter deliver a playful yet profound timepiece that marries retro inspiration with futuristic execution. Its serpentine chain mechanism, gold case construction, and theatrical presence make it one of the most daring releases of 2025.