Chrome Calibre Retro Bot Watchwinder
Founded in 2022, Chrome Calibre is dedicated to redefining the concept of luxury watch winders through innovative design. Crafted under the visionary guidance of Dubliner, Karl Brown, these exquisite pieces draw inspiration from the nostalgic charm of 1950s and 1960s tin robot toys.
Chrome Calibre’s mission is to elevate the humble watch winder from a mundane storage box to a functional work of art, proudly showcased and admired. Karl’s journey is a fusion of his early education in industrial design. He has a profound fascination for high-end wristwatches, and an enduring love for toys.
His childhood was a canvas of creativity, where he spent endless hours crafting with Lego, wood, tools, wires, motors, and batteries. Sketching and inventing were second nature. Even as an adult, Karl continues to indulge in his passions, building with Lego, crafting wooden marvels, and translating his ideas onto notepads and 3D design software.
Enter the Retro-Bot, a testament to unique aesthetics and premium craftsmanship. Crafted from top-tier materials like aluminium, it houses a 100% Swiss watch winding movement sourced from SwissKubik, a name trusted globally by connoisseurs. What sets Chrome Calibre apart is the modification of this movement right in Ireland, where it receives a touch of innovation. LED light features that bring the Retro-Bot to life, infusing it with character and charm.
But that’s not all, as the SwissKubik movement is more than just eye candy. It’s fully programmable, designed to cater to the needs of any automatic watch in the market. Customers have the power to customise rotations per day and even the direction of movement. Be it clockwise, counter-clockwise, or bi-directional. The magic happens effortlessly through the SwissKubik app, seamlessly connected via Bluetooth. In the world of watch winders, Chrome Calibre’s Retro-Bot is a true masterpiece that combines artistry, innovation, and precision.
Plenty Of Features, Plenty Of Choice
The Man Behind The Robot
I met Karl, the man at the helm of Chrome Calibre, recently at the BQ Watch Show in Radlett. Here, he explained the story behind the Robot Winder and from the off, I understood his passion and direction. His plan to launch on Kickstarter is simple, it proves his concept, shows the world his idea and gets the backers to help fund the production at a reduced rate. If it doesn’t reach its launch goal, then the backers get their money back and it’s back to the drawing board. However, I honestly think this design has the legs to make it. It certainly is a winder like no other and although won’t appeal to everyone, you can’t help but smile at what he has come up with. The feature packed winder, seems to have everything you could want from a winder. Light control, speed control, choice of direction and number of rotations. You also have a choice of 5 colours, High Risk Red, Cyber Yellow, Monaco Blue, Emerald Green and Tiffany Blue.
If successful, future plans will be for more retro designs, that will continue to appeal to those looking for that something different. The price is high, but so is the quality. Its a beast, machined from a solid block of aluminium and then powder coated. It’s extremely well constructed and will certainly last for many years.
Karl has launched a VIP page on his website to offer a 10% discount off the Kickstarter launch price. There will be a nominal fee of €50 but you will secure a minimum of 150€ off the Kickstarter Price. The Kickstarter Campaign will hopefully launch mid-October 2023. For more info follow @chrome_calibre
Inspired by the 60’s Retro Design
The Retro Bot winder, will retail for €2500.00, however the Kickstarter launch price will be €1500.00. So a considerable saving for those wanting an iconic designed winder.
I wish Karl the best of luck, as we need more fun in the over serious world of watches and I look forward to both the launch and seeing more ideas in the future.
Get Your Chrome Calibre Kickstarter Discount Code HERE
