In recent times, we have seen a lot of collaborations between watch brands (and sometimes, with non watch-related entities as well). The end result can be rather interesting, especially when it involves concepts that are creative and refreshing.
This week, we are taking a look at some of the more interesting collaborations that we have seen over the years. What are some of the watches that have caught our attention? Let us find out.
Rado True Square Tej Chauhan
We begin with a timepiece that we have waxed lyrical years ago: Rado True Square Tej Chauhan Edition.
For the uninitiated, Tej Chauhan is an award-winning British industrial designer that is known for designing cool homeware and consumer technology products. This particular collaboration with Rado yielded a rather extraordinary timepiece, with intriguing Sci-fi and retro-inspired touches that took the True Square onto a whole new level altogether.
Priced at S$2,710 previously, this model has long been discontinued. We like how both Rado and Tej Chauhan had created such a bold and stunning timepiece, with a rather agreeable price tag to boot. This is such a cool timepiece, and we can only hope that more brands will have the gumption to try something different from the crowd.
Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II
Next, we have a brand that has sort-of made collaborations mainstream. Cue Louis Erard, with the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II.
Since Louis Erard had started its collaboration with Alain Silberstein in 2019, the brand had introduced numerous timepieces with many different personalities – resulting in a number of brilliant timepieces. One of such partnerships is that with the legendary Vianney Halter, with its second timepiece being a favourite amongst the folks at Deployant. We like how the watch has all the signature Vianney Halter DNA, without its astronomical price point.
The watch is limited to two variants, each with a limited run of 178 examples. It is priced at CHF 4,444 (approximately S$7,305), which is probably one of the most accessible ways to own a timepiece with Vianney Halter’s magical touches.
Massena LAB & Raúl Pagès Noctograph
We move on to Massena LAB, who is also another brand that has produced a series of stunning timepieces through various collaborations with watchmakers and manufacturers.
The Noctograph (picture above courtesy of Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès), notably, is Massena LAB’s third collaboration project with the amazing Raúl Pagès. For those who may not be aware, Raúl Pagès is a highly celebrated independent watchmaker who had just won the LV Watch Prize in 2023. The fact that we are able to have a timepiece with Raúl’s inputs (in terms of design and quality control, but not in the production) at one-tenth of the price for the watches from his eponymous brand is quite a steal.
As with its previous runs, the Noctograph is limited to a production of 99 pieces. It is priced at US$8,875 (approximately S$11,270), which is quite remarkable for a timepiece of this calibre. Granted, Raúl’s may not have done the finishing or assembly of the Noctograph, but we have to say that it is a damn well-made timepiece at this price point.
UR-FREAK
The UR-FREAK (picture above courtesy of Urwerk and Ulysse Nardin) is perhaps one of the most curious and interesting watches in 2025, not just in terms of what the watch is offering – but also the collaboration between two incredible independent watchmaking giants in the industry.
Combining the best of both worlds, the watch features the unmistakable case of Ulysse Nardin’s Freak (a watch that features no crowns) and Urwerk’s signature wandering hours display. Beyond the aesthetics, the watch also combines the technical prowess of both brands, most notably with Ulysse Nardin’s proprietary silicon escapement, as well as the DIAMonSil escape wheel and anchor.
While this is an incredible proposition, the pricing is admittedly on another level altogether. The watch retails at an eye-watering S$174,000 – which is above the price point of the Freak or most Urwerk watches. We certainly like the concept and how the brands leveraged on each other’s expertise, and we hope this is a blueprint that more brands will replicate (without the astronomical price point, hopefully).
Harry Winston Opus 3
We cannot talk about collaborations in the watch industry without mentioning one of the most significant partnerships that was ever formed: The Harry Winston Opus series.
Introduced in 2001, the Opus series was the brainchild of Max Büsser – who was then the CEO of Harry Winston. Max envisioned this concept to allow independent watchmakers – who were then not as well-known or largely celebrated as today – to gain exposure with their creations, while simultaneously levelling up Harry Winston’s credentials as a serious player in the haute horlogerie scene. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Opus 3, produced in collaboration with the brilliant Vianney Halter, is definitely one of our favourites in the Opus series. We like the eccentricities of the timepiece, with an incredible digital display that still confuses even the most well-versed collectors. The Opus 3 definitely challenges the norms, as well as the technical prowess of Vianney himself. We understand that only 55 pieces were made over a period of 10 years, and this is surely one of the watches that will remain mythical even with the passage of time.
Louis Vuitton x Rexhep Rexhepi LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie
We round up this article with perhaps one of the most ludicrous and mind-blowing collaborations: Louis Vuitton x Rexhep Rexhepi LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie.
When the watch made its debut in late-2023, the world stood still and watched. Louis Vuitton may be a familiar name with many, but in the horological scene, it is still nowhere as established as its luxury bags. However, this collaboration – which features the work of supposedly one of the best watchmakers in the world – is a sign of intention from the maison. The watch is a powerhouse in itself, featuring a double-faced chronograph, a chiming complication, and a new tourbillon movement. The finishing, as with all of Rexhep Rexhepi’s watches, is sublime.
This is a very exclusive watch, and with good reasons. Rexhep Rexhepi is known to produce very limited quantities given the impeccable attention to detail, and we expect no less for this. There will only be 10 examples produced, with a price tag of CHF 450,000 (approximately S$739,550) each.
Concluding Thoughts
We have seen many collaborations over the years – some good, some controversial. The Moonswatch is a good example – on one hand, it allows people to enjoy the Speedmaster and its history for a fraction of the cost; on the other hand, some argue that it dilutes the Omega brand. We reckon this can be said for a few timepieces as well.
The best collaborations, in our opinion, offer collectors the best of both worlds. There are a few examples out there, especially if it allows for collectors to enjoy something that is generally not accessible to many – such as the Louis Erard and Massena LAB watches that we have highlighted earlier. Then again, collectors may also argue that brand equity and exclusivity may be diluted to a certain degree – just like the case of the Moonswatch. We guess it depends on where the line is drawn.
Please let us know what are your thoughts on collaborations, as well as our selection today, in the comments section below.
