This self-taught independent watchmaker makes highly unusual watches - Ondřej Berkus

[thesingularity7]

Ondřej Berkus is equal parts watchmaker, mad scientist, and tinkerer. A self-taught watchmaker from the Czech Republic, he has been quietly creating extraordinary-looking watches and knives for about 15 years. I discovered his work when I began exploring independent watchmakers 4 to 5 years ago, and what struck me most was the almost steampunk, handmade aesthetic that defines his entire portfolio.

His watches range from simple three-handers to complex pieces like a one-second remontoire dead-beat central tourbillon. That really captures his approach: if you can imagine it and manage to secure a build slot, he’ll make it happen. There isn’t a complication or bold idea he hasn’t tried, and what I admire most is how stylistically cohesive his work remains. Still, it took time for me to appreciate his design philosophy.

At first, his watches looked like rough, unfinished projects straight out of a small tool-shed. But after learning how much of the process he handles himself, and how consistently he applies his visual language, my view changed quickly. After photographing and reviewing this piece, I gained even more respect for his ability to craft such soulful, artistic, and distinctive watches. While it may seem rough and imperfect at first glance, seeing it up close made me realize that this is central to his style.

[S’portEye]

Very spartan looking. Pretty cool though.