he Kung Fu model is the first wristwatch in the new Behrens Master series. It was jointly launched by Mr. Qian Guobiao, a veteran independent watchmaker from China, and Behrens. Mr. Qian Guobiao, also known as “A Biao”, is a famous repairman and independent watchmaker of Grande Complication.
This work draws inspiration from Chinese martial arts, embodying the spiritual core of traditional martial arts of “combining strength and softness, and cultivating both inside and outside” into the precise art of advanced watchmaking. It is crafted with masterful ingenuity and expert watchmaking artistry, showcasing a “master-level” timepiece, and is powered by Behrens’s new in-house calibre BM03, a hand-wound movement, which adopts multiple new technologies and processes.
The overall design of the watch dial is inspired by the half-liang coin of the ‘Qin Dynasty’ (B.C. 221- B.C.207) in China, featuring a square inside a circle, also known as the “Circular Coin with a Square Hole”. At the beginning of the watch design, following the styling characteristics of the “Circular Coin with a Square Hole”, the four systems of the hour and minute display, power reserve indication, balance wheel, and regulating pin mechanism. They were arranged orderly in a circular dial using geometric symmetry of “square” to create a layout full of order.
The power reserve display at 11 o’clock position adopts a “cylindrical” scale arranged in ascending order from bottom to top, inspired by the “plum blossom stakes” used in traditional Chinese martial arts practice. Unlike traditional wristwatch pointers that run on a flat surface, the height of the power reserve scale of Kung Fu will rise and fall with the changes in the height of the “plum blossom pile” shaped scale during movement, giving it a more three-dimensional feel. The constantly rising and falling power reserve scale is like a kung fu master practicing martial arts on a plum blossom stake. This innovative expression gives Kung Fu a unique look and fun experience.
Another important design element of Kung Fu is inspired by crossbows from the Qin Dynasty. In the Qin Dynasty, the manufacturing of crossbows achieved mechanized production, which not only had a long range and great power, but also had the characteristic of longer crossbow arms in appearance. Mr. Qian Guobiao broke tradition by placing the balance and regulating pins on the dial of the watch, which are usually set on the back of the watch. On these basis, Behrens drew a lot of inspiration from the concept of long arm from the Qin dynasty crossbow and the use of sliding grooves to control accuracy, and designed a calibration device for regulating pins, increasing the calibration accuracy of regulating pins and combining aesthetics and practicality.
The shape design on top of the hands is derived from the “prismatic” shape of the Qin Dynasty crossbow arrowhead. The balance system at the 8 o’clock position adopts Behrens’s original balance, regulating pins, and polarization separation structural system. The unique “hanging” balance-cock ensures the absolute level of balance in the device.
The click on the back of the watch continues the classic design of the Behrens Perigee. The sapphire (platinum version is ruby) at 4 o’clock position is engraved with the Chinese “Qian Guo Biao” signature, which is carved using laser technology. Through the transparent gemstone material, one can appreciate the operation of the internal machinery up close.
In addition, the arrowhead hands, balance bridge, movement bridges are all mirror-polished by hands, with Mr. Qian Guobiao personally participation. The four arrowhead hands on the dial are symmetrically irregular with the fine details on each surface being a perfect interpretation of excellence.
The watch strap is crafted with the premium hand-stitched alligator leather strap by “Watchoosy”. This strap is made from the American Mississippi alligator skin and each piece is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. The strap is hand-sewn by artisans, employing the traditional “double-needle saddle stitch” technique, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. The lining, adhesive, edge oil, and other details are all made with high-quality materials to ensure an overall luxurious feel.
The new work released by Behrens cleverly combines Chinese elements with modern watchmaking techniques to give Kung Fu a unique soul. The specific styles are divided into two versions: titanium and platinum. The titanium version has a global limited production of 90 pieces, and the platinum version has a global limited edition of 9 pieces.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION