Discover CKL Watches: Taiwan’s Independent Watchmaker
The CKL Story
CKL Watches was founded in 2019 by 廖哲寬 (Che-Kuan, Liao), a classically trained Taiwanese watchmaker and master repairer. Before launching CKL, Liao spent years restoring hundreds of watches, developing a deep appreciation for horology and mechanical artistry. His experience in watch repair inspired him to create his own brand, focusing on unique designs and artisanal craftsmanship.
Driven by a passion for traditional watchmaking and bold engineering, Liao established CKL as a platform for creative, hand-assembled timepieces. Each CKL watch is a reflection of his philosophy: combining classical skills with innovative mechanics, and offering collectors a rare level of personalization. Many components are hand-modified or custom-made, ensuring every watch is truly one-of-a-kind.
CKL’s journey is a testament to the spirit of independent watchmaking in Taiwan. The brand has quickly gained respect among collectors and enthusiasts, both locally and internationally, for its originality, mechanical artistry, and accessible entry into the world of independent horology.
About CKL Watches
CKL Watches is an independent watch brand from Taiwan, founded by master watchmaker 廖哲寬 (Liao Zhe-Kuan). Renowned for its artisanal, handmade approach, CKL focuses on mechanical artistry and bold, original design. Every CKL timepiece is hand-assembled and finished by the founder himself, combining traditional watchmaking skills with creative engineering.
- Founded: 2019
- Philosophy: Artisanal craftsmanship, mechanical innovation, and unique design
- Reputation: Highly respected among collectors and enthusiasts of independent and microbrand watches, especially in Taiwan
Signature Models
Model 1 Gen 2: Floating Balance Wheel (懸浮芯輪)
Design & Concept
- Signature Feature: The balance wheel is suspended above the dial, making the “heartbeat” of the movement the visual centerpiece. This is inspired by high-end independent watchmaking, similar in spirit to the MB&F Legacy Machine series.
- Visual Impact: The floating balance wheel is mounted on a bridge, visible through the front of the watch. This creates a mesmerizing, kinetic focal point on the dial.
- Artisanal Craft: Each watch is hand-assembled by CKL’s
Technical Details
- Movement: Based on a classic hand-wound mechanical movement (often ETA 649x or Seagull base), but heavily modified by hand to accommodate the floating balance architecture.
- Display: Hours, minutes, and seconds, with the balance wheel as the star of the show.
- Case: Stainless steel, typically 42–44mm in diameter, with a sapphire crystal for clear viewing of the balance wheel.
- Dial: Minimalist, with the floating balance and its bridge dominating the visual space.
- Back: Exhibition caseback to showcase further movement finishing.
- Wearing Experience
- Unique Aesthetics: The floating balance wheel is not just decorative—it’s a living, moving part of the watch, offering a hypnotic view with every glance.
- Handmade Quality: Each piece is unique, with subtle differences in finishing and assembly.
- Reviews & Reputation
- Critical Acclaim: The Model 1 is praised for its bold engineering and the way it brings high-end independent watchmaking concepts to a more accessible price point.
- Comparison: Reviewers often compare it to avant-garde Swiss independents, but at a fraction of the price.
- Collector’s Appeal: Highly respected among collectors of independent and microbrand watches, especially those who appreciate mechanical artistry and originality.
Ordering & Price
- Made to Order: Each Model 1 is made to order, with customization options for case finish, dial color, and more.
- Availability: Available via Link and Tag’s online shop and at select watch events in Taiwan.
- Price: Typically in the range of NT$90,000–NT$100,000 (about £2,200–£2,500 GBP), depending on options and exchange rates.
Photos & Videos
- Official Video: CKL Watches Model 1 Floating Balance Wheel – Facebook
- Chinese Review: Link and Tag review
Summery Table
- Design: The balance wheel is suspended above the dial, making the movement’s “heartbeat” the visual centerpiece.
- Movement: Heavily modified ETA or Seagull base, hand-finished bridges.
- Case: 42–44mm stainless steel, sapphire crystal.
- Price: NT$90,000–100,000 (approx. £2,200–£2,500 GBP)
- Availability: Made to order, customizable options.
Model 2: Reversed Movement, Dial-Side Rotor (錶裡如一)
Standard
Centre
Auto
Dial-Side Rotor: The most eye-catching feature is the large, luminous “wind-fire wheel” (風火輪) rotor, visible on the dial side. This is not just decorative—it’s the actual automatic winding rotor, and it spins rapidly with wrist movement, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Reversed Movement: The movement is flipped so the automatic rotor is on the front, inspired by avant-garde designs like the M.A.D.1, but with CKL’s own engineering and style.
Collaboration: This model is a collaboration between CKL, Fiber Watch (case and strap), and Link and Tag (design and marketing), symbolized by the three-spoke rotor design.
Technical Specs
- Movement: Japanese Miyota automatic movement, custom-modified by hand. The rotor is single-direction winding, which allows for smooth, rapid spinning when not engaged.
- Case: 44mm stainless steel, but only 10.6mm thick—surprisingly wearable for its size.
- Dial: Available in gold, silver, and grey. Each dial features a small subdial for time and the large, spinning rotor.
- Caseback: Skeletonized, with perlage finishing around the movement.
- Strap: Thick, soft cowhide leather by Fiber Watch, with a custom buckle.
- Lume: The rotor is coated with luminous paint for a dramatic effect in low light.
Wearing Experience
- Visual Impact: The spinning rotor is extremely eye-catching and fun to watch. It’s a conversation starter and a kinetic piece of art on the wrist.
- Comfort: Despite the large diameter, the thin case and ergonomic design make it comfortable for daily wear.
- Sound: The rotor can be a bit noisy when spinning, which is typical for some Miyota movements and part of the charm for many enthusiasts. [Watch Revi…rom Taiwan]
Reviews & Impressions
- Praise: Reviewers call it “the most mesmerizing dial” they’ve seen, highlighting the creativity and engineering involved.
- Critique: Some note the rotor’s weight can make the watch rock on the wrist, and the spinning can be loud, but these are generally seen as quirks rather than flaws.
- Limited Edition: Only 99 pieces made, making it a true collector’s item.
Price & Availability
Price: Typically around NT$49,800–NT$55,000 (approx. £1,200–£1,350 GBP), depending on configuration and retailer. [CKL Model…ineapp.com]
Where to Buy: Available for order via Link and Tag’s shop and select authorized dealers. As a limited edition, availability is very limited.
Summery Table
- Design: Automatic rotor displayed on the dial side—a rare and visually striking feature.
- Movement: Miyota automatic, reversed and custom-modified.
- Case: 44mm stainless steel, 10.6mm thick.
- Edition: Limited to 99 pieces.
- Price: NT$49,800–55,000 (approx. £1,200–£1,350 GBP)
- Availability: Limited edition, order via authorized dealers.
Model 3: Three Bridges Regulator (三橋一線)
Design & Concept
- Signature Feature: The “三橋一線” (Three Bridges in Line) design is inspired by the classic three-bridge architecture, most famously used by Girard-Perregaux. CKL’s interpretation is modern, with skeletonized bridges and a strong sense of symmetry and mechanical depth.
- Regulator Layout: The watch features a regulator-style display, meaning the hours, minutes, and seconds are separated onto different axes for precision and clarity.
- Mechanical Artistry: The movement’s structure is exposed on the dial, making the bridges and gears a central part of the visual design. The upper bridge holds the balance wheel, the middle bridge supports the minute hand, and the lower bridge connects to the hour hand.
Technical Specifications
- Movement: Hand-wound, based on a heavily modified ETA/Unitas or Seagull movement. All bridges and key components are hand-finished and custom-machined by the watchmaker.
- Case: 43mm 316L stainless steel, 13.5mm thick, 50mm lug-to-lug.
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal on both front and back for maximum visibility and durability.
- Dial: Skeletonized, with three horizontal bridges and a minimalist, logo-free aesthetic. The dial is designed to maximize light play and depth, with a modern, architectural feel.
- Water Resistance: 30m (3 ATM).
- Strap: 22mm classic leather strap.
- Display: Regulator layout—independent hour, minute, and second hands.
Wearing Experience
- Visual Impact: The three-bridge design is instantly recognizable and highly symmetrical, offering a sense of mechanical sophistication and modernity.
- Unique Appeal: The absence of a logo and the focus on mechanical artistry make each piece feel like a bespoke work of horological art.
- Handmade Quality: Every Model 3 is made to order, with hand-finishing and subtle differences in each piece.
Reviews & Reputation
- Critical Acclaim: Reviewers praise the Model 3 for its bold engineering, high level of finishing, and the way it brings a classic horological concept into the modern era. It’s considered a serious alternative to much more expensive Swiss independents.
- Collector’s Appeal: Highly respected among collectors who appreciate independent watchmaking, mechanical innovation, and unique design.
Price & Availability
- Made to Order: Each Model 3 is made to order, with customization options available.
- Price: While exact pricing may vary, it is generally in the range of NT$90,000–NT$100,000 (approx. £2,200–£2,500 GBP), similar to other CKL handmade models.
- Where to Buy: Available via Link and Tag’s shop and by direct inquiry with the brand.
Summary Table
- Design: Modern skeletonized take on classic “three bridges” architecture.
- Movement: Hand-wound, heavily modified ETA/Unitas or Seagull base.
- Case: 43mm stainless steel, double-domed sapphire.
- Price: NT$90,000–100,000 (approx. £2,200–£2,500 GBP)
- Availability: Made to order, customizable.
Model V: Inverted Escapement System (中置芯輪)
Design & Concept
- Signature Feature: The Model V is defined by its centrally mounted, large floating balance wheel, held in place by a dramatic V-shaped bridge. This design is inspired by high-end independent watchmaking (think MB&F Legacy Machine), but with CKL’s own engineering and style.
- Mechanical Artistry: The balance wheel is the visual and mechanical centerpiece, oscillating in the middle of the dial. The rest of the time display (hours, minutes, seconds) is arranged around it on smaller subdials.
- Handmade: Each Model V is hand-assembled and finished by CKL’s founder, 廖哲寬 (Che-Kuan, Liao), with many components custom-machined or hand-modified.
- Technical Specifications
- Movement: Based on a heavily modified Unitas 6497/6498 Swiss hand-wound movement or Seagull ST3600, but with extensive custom work to achieve the central balance wheel and V-bridge architecture.
- Case: 43mm diameter, 316L stainless steel.
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal (front and back).
- Dial: Central floating balance wheel with V-shaped bridge, independent hour and minute subdials, and a small seconds subdial.
- Water Resistance: 30m (3 ATM).
- Strap: 22mm classic leather strap.
- Power Reserve: Approximately 46 hours.
- Customization: Buyers can choose case finish, dial color (gold, silver, grey, engraved), and other details. Each watch is made to order, with a typical wait time of about two months.
Wearing Experience
- Visual Impact: The central balance wheel is mesmerizing, offering a kinetic, three-dimensional focal point. The V-bridge adds a sense of symmetry and modernity.
- Handmade Quality: Each piece is unique, with hand-finishing and subtle differences in every watch.
- Collector’s Appeal: Highly respected among collectors of independent and microbrand watches, especially those who appreciate mechanical artistry and originality.
Review & Reputation
- Critical Acclaim: Reviewers praise the Model V for its bold engineering, high level of finishing, and the way it brings a classic horological concept into the modern era. It’s considered a serious alternative to much more expensive Swiss independents.
- Customization: CKL offers a rare level of personalization for an independent brand at this price point.
Price & Availability
- Price: Listed at NT$92,995 (about £2,300 GBP), but prices may vary depending on customization.
- Availability: Made to order via Link and Tag’s online shop or by direct inquiry with the brand. Expect a wait time of about two months for custom builds.
Summary Table
- Design: Central floating balance wheel held by a dramatic V-shaped bridge.
- Movement: Modified Unitas 6497/6498 or Seagull ST3600.
- Case: 43mm stainless steel, double-domed sapphire.
- Price: NT$92,995 (approx. £2,300 GBP)
- Availability: Made to order, customizable, ~2 months wait.
Why Choose CKL?
- Handmade in Taiwan: Each watch is hand-assembled and finished by the founder.
- Customization: Rare level of personalization for an independent brand.
- Accessible Independent: More attainable than most Swiss independents, offering true artisanal horology.
- Collector’s Appeal: CKL watches are highly respected among collectors for their originality and mechanical artistry.
How to Buy
- Direct Order: Pre-order and custom order via Link and Tag’s online shop and select watch events in Taiwan.
- Wait Time: Custom orders typically take about two months.
- Price Range: NT$49,800–92,995 depending on model and customization.
