Hong Kong-based Atowak is continuing its mission to infuse avant-garde design and precision engineering into its watchmaking with the introduction of Cosmofleet, a collection that aims to embrace the vast possibilities of the future and the cosmos.
The Cosmofleet’s science fiction feel is no coincidence since its design is inspired by the concept of futuristic space carriers, and is said to be more than a timekeeping device “It’s an exploration of the mysteries of time and space,” Atowak says.
Warming to its theme, the company continues: “The case design mirrors a command centre from a space fleet, with streamlined aesthetics and geometric facets, evoking the layout of land carrier formations. Inside, the vast open space of the watch face is reminiscent of the starry cosmos, while the innovative three-dimensional star wheel hands shift like a fleet of spacecraft exploring the universe.”
Back in the real world, the watch is built on a Miyota 9029 movement, but Atowak has developed what it calls its Vectorial-Orbit Wandering Hour (VOWH) system comprised of three sets of gears that control the movement of the watch’s multi-directional hands.
The module is made from 44 precision-crafted parts using titanium alloy, brass, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, ruby, and SSG nylon, all with tolerances as fine as 0.005mm.
Atowak developed a single pin joint system to secure the watch’s three-dimensional hands to the dial. Drawing inspiration from both the past and the future, the system is based on centuries-old tenon and mortise joints used in carpentry, but adapted in a way that looks like docking mechanisms used in modern space missions.
The result is a precise movement of the hands around the dial, and also the rotating numbers on each hand (watch the video above to make sense of this!).
Atowak says the Cosmofleet module is more complex, and at the same time more stable than Geneva Drive-based systems used in other wandering hour watches.
It is also efficient (maintaining the 38 hour power reserve of the Miyota base movement) thanks to lightweight components and an advanced bearing system that sees each of the three-dimensional hands supported by one ruby bearing to ensure smooth, stable operation.
Cosmofleet’s aerospace-grade titanium alloy cases measure 39mm × 46.5mm and stand 15.7mm tall on the wrist.
The watches have been available for pre-order since the end of October, priced at $2,999, ahead of an official launch at the end of November.
Atowak says there will be a phased release of different models and production will be limited because of the complexity of the timepieces.
