Kung Fu Titanium Edition

BEHRENS Master Collection — Kung Fu

The Master collection is an all-new addition to the Behrens repertoire, sitting alongside Original and Inventor as the new flagship collection. The aim is to collaborate with independent watchmakers from around the world. The collection will include all-new concept watches that combines BEHRENS' craftsmanship with the designs of these independent watchmakers.

BEHRENS proudly introduces the first project in the Master Collection, "Kung Fu". This contemporary model was created together with the independent watchmaker, Mr. Qian Guobiao. Like many industry legends before him, Qian Guobiao earned his reputation through servicing and repairing high-complication watches for Chinese collectors for decades before creating his own watch brand, "A. Biao." Kung Fu represents a combination of Guobiao’s watchmaking prowess and design sensibilities with Behrens’ superlative production capabilities.

The movement

BEHRENS' built and developed its new caliber, "BM03," in house. The BM03 is a hand-wound movement showcasing several new technical designs and concepts and powers Kung Fu. It features a striking and instantly recognizable large, split escapement. The meticulously hand-finished balance wheel takes center stage on top of the dial. Conversely, the escapement mechanism features on the reverse side of the watch and is held by a plate formed of a large round ruby with a suspension system.

The concept

Kung Fu’s dial was designed and inspired by ancient historical Chinese coins used during the 'Qin Dynasty' (B.C. 221-207). These coins have a unique design combining round shapes with a square hole in the center. The Kung Fu's dial layout uses the shape of this coin and applies these elements to the design.

By carefully positioning the four main functions (1. hours/minutes display, 2. power reserve indication, 3. escapement mechanism, and 4, regulation mechanism), it was possible to align the different dial elements to mimic the square shape within the round case.

The features

A recurring theme within Kung Fu's design is the arrow, inspired by prismatic arrowheads from crossbow bolts from the Qin Dynasty. As well as the hands on the time-only sub-dial, this theme is perhaps most apparent in the unique regulating system for the balance wheel.

The large 3D arrow represents the regulating pin, and it sits in a small, grooved channel (again, inspired by the crossbow). By adjusting the wheel below, the watchmaker controls a unique spring-loaded mechanism under the dial that moves the long arrow up and down to adjust the precision of the balance wheel. Furthermore, by turning the additional wheel mechanism at the four o'clock position of the balance wheel, the watchmaker may adjust the hairspring length for further precise adjustment of the movement regulation.

Another unique design feature for Kung Fu is the bi-axial power reserve indicator. The display is inspired by "plum blossom stakes" used in traditional Chinese martial arts practice. The unique indicator features a lifting and running arrow-shaped pointer; as the mainspring is wound, the point rises while it progressively sweeps across the staggered-height stakes across the two axes.