Independent watchmaker Atowak created a new timepiece featuring an in-house engineered wandering hours display.
Atowak’s latest spaceship-style wristwatch, the Cosmofleet, is presented in a case that measures 39 mm × 15.7 mm (lug-to-lug 46.5 mm) and is crafted from a lightweight aerospace-grade titanium alloy, with tolerances down to 0.02 mm. The 30-meter water-resistant case has a dark gray matte finish, with four functional bolts holding down the titanium bezel and double curved cross-shaped sapphire crystal that offers an unobstructed view of the timepiece’s marquee wandering hours complication. Cut to a tolerance of 0.01mm, the glass is manually polished to integrate seamlessly with the case, reflecting the watch’s streamlined, unified design.
According to Atowak, the Cosmofleet is “Inspired by the concept of futuristic space carriers, Atowak Cosmofleet is more than a timekeeping device; it’s an exploration of the mysteries of time and space. The case design mirrors a command center 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.”
“At the heart of Cosmofleet is Atowak’s self-developed Vectorial-Orbit Wandering Hour (VOWH) system, a revolutionary time-reading mechanism that diverges from traditional designs. Controlled by three sets of high-precision planetary gears, the three-dimensional hands move with unparalleled stability and precision, ensuring that time is displayed with mechanical elegance. Composed of 44 precision-crafted parts made from six high-grade materials, including titanium alloy, brass, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, ruby, and SSG nylon, the VOWH system embodies exceptional craftsmanship, with tolerances as fine as 0.005mm,” the company says.
A single-pin joint structure, inspired by ancient tenon-and-mortise joints, reinvents three-dimensional hand design, using a single rod to securely fasten the three-dimensional hands to the dial and is reminiscent of docking mechanisms used in modern space missions, such as the Apollo ASTP. This precise aluminum shaft ensures that all components are perfectly aligned and operate seamlessly, creating an experience akin to spacecraft docking.
Additionally, the Cosmofleet utilizes the world-first multi-segment push-type hand movement mechanism powered by a column wheel system, inspired by ancient irrigation technology. More complex and stable than the Geneva Drive used in traditional Wandering Hour watches, this system is crafted from Grade 5 titanium alloy, showcasing the pinnacle of precision engineering.
To accommodate the weight and complexity of the VOWH system, Atowak developed an advanced bearing system that includes 24+3 ruby bearings to reduce friction and wear. Each of the three-dimensional hands is supported by one ruby bearing, ensuring smooth, stable operation. The caliber AK-06CA uses the 4Hz automatic Miyota 9029 movement, with a 38-hour power reserve as a base, combined with the self-developed module which drives the vectorial-orbit wandering hours display.
Underneath the sapphire crystal is Atowak’s unique vectorial-orbit wandering hours display, which features hands made from titanium and a made from intricately sculpted 3D copper with a fish-scale pattern and sandblasted finish, resembling shimmering stars. The time display is generously painted with bright green or red emitting luminous material.
The Atowak Cosmofleet AK 159 (turquoise) and AK 168 (red) each come with a tapered turquoise or red Italian leather strap with pin buckle (74.65 grams) and tapered black nylon and FKM rubber strap with pin buckle (89.65 grams) and are available now for a retail price of $2,999. Deliveries will begin on November 29th, 2024.
Learn more at Atowak.
Photos by Atowak.
