The B/1 by Toledano & Chan is not your typical timepiece. Conceived without a business plan or market survey, it represents a pure pursuit of creating something both beautiful and strikingly unusual. Drawing inspiration from brutalist architecture and the bold sculptural watches of the 1970s, the B/1 is a bold reimagining of how form and function intersect in modern watchmaking.
A Collaboration of Visionaries
Phillip Toledano, a celebrated conceptual artist from New York, and Alfred Chan, a Hong Kong-based automotive design graduate turned watch designer, bonded over their shared love of brutalist architecture and 1970s watch aesthetics. Through Instagram exchanges in 2021, they began crafting an idea that would marry these influences into a singular vision. The result? A watch that’s part sculptural statement, part wearable architecture, and entirely unique.
Design Language: Bold and Sculptural
The B/1 is inspired by two key elements:
- The Rolex Midas and 1970s Integrated Bracelet Watches: Celebrating the seamless continuity between watch head and bracelet.
- Brutalist Architecture: The stark geometry and unapologetically bold forms of the movement influence every angle and surface.
The watch’s 33.5mm width and angled stainless steel case (ranging from 10.40mm to 9.10mm in thickness) create a striking silhouette. This meticulous design blurs the line between watch and bracelet, emphasizing a unified aesthetic. The dial, crafted from lapis lazuli, adds depth and vibrancy, while a destro crown (positioned on the left) enhances its unconventional appeal.
Built for Wear and Display
Every detail of the B/1 reflects its architectural inspiration. The case and bracelet are crafted from 904L stainless steel, known for its superior corrosion resistance and polished finish. The sapphire crystal ensures durability and clarity, while the closed caseback preserves a clean, uninterrupted design. Water-resistant to 5 ATM, the B/1 is more suited for rain than the pool, but its bold presence ensures it’s a conversation starter in any setting.
Each watch comes in a handmade concrete box—a direct nod to brutalist architecture—designed to echo the angular shapes of the case.
Powered by Precision
The B/1 houses the Swiss-made Sellita SW100 automatic movement. With a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it combines reliability with performance, reflecting the precision expected of Swiss horology.
Technical Specifications
- Model: B/1
- Case: 904L stainless steel
- Dimensions: 33.5mm width, 10.40mm–9.10mm thickness (angled case)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
- Dial: Lapis lazuli
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Sellita SW100 automatic
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour
- Bracelet/Clasp: Integrated 904L stainless steel
- Caseback: Closed
- Crown: Left-side positioning (destro)
- Accessories: Handmade concrete box inspired by brutalist architecture
- Limited Edition: 175 individually numbered pieces
Availability
Currently sold out, the B/1 will return with its next drop in Q1 2025. Priced at €3,838.95, this limited-edition watch is a must-have for enthusiasts of bold design and exceptional craftsmanship.
About Toledano & Chan
Phillip Toledano, known for his conceptual artistry and published works, and Alfred Chan, an experienced watch designer with a background in automotive design, have created a partnership rooted in shared passion and vision. Their debut timepiece, the B/1, encapsulates their love for architecture, design, and horological innovation.
For more details and updates on future releases, visit Toledano & Chan’s website.
