Robot Leaps Forward with the Robotic One

Robot is one of those charming gems you discover when you wander in the world of watches. The brand is fairly new, founded in 2018 by Josef Zajíček, and has an unconventional approach that has proven very successful. Instead of chasing trends and growing production numbers, Robot's focus has been on small series mechanical watches, powered by renowned Swiss movements, yet with nearly everything else crafted with care and dedication, mostly by hand, in the Czech Republic. It is a brand that wants to put a story on your wrist, rooted in tradition but not stuck in it, and that is also at the core of the Robotic One.

Robot is a Czech word, first used by Karel Čapek, who made a living writing plays, but is best known as a major force in the world of science fiction. His visionary approach is also reflected in Robot as a brand, as its design reflects something unique in the world of watches. The Robotic One turns that up a notch, with the help of renowned designer Marcus Eilinger, who is Swiss but has managed to capture the Czech DNA of the brand in a spectacular way. 

In true Robot style, the Robotic One first draws your attention by its general shape, and then captures you, detail for detail. The Robotic One is quite a bold statement in a time when trends seem to favor smaller watches. It is a statement that trends may be trends, but that sometimes greatness comes from substance. With a diameter of 43.2mm and a height of 14.8mm, this is no small watch, but it makes good use of the horological real estate that it has to offer. The general shape is somewhat reminiscent of how robots were traditionally portrayed and entices with its unique shape, sunburst brushed finish, and cleverly designed bezel that brings the design together. A major accomplishment is that certain traditional design rules seem to have been broken, yet it works so well in the case of the Robotic One. Take, for example, the two different pushers for the chronograph. They differ greatly in style, but suit the character of the watch so well that it looks organic.

Robot has outdone itself with the creation of the dial. The sense of depth is subtle yet superb, thanks to thick numerals, perfectly machined and filled with Super-LumiNova. The font has a certain dynamic to it, and we also see it return in the date wheel. Here, Eilinger opted for pure symmetry, making the watch instantly legible, aided by color that further enhances its character. Here we see a clear example of a watch whose design is not only defined by shape but also by textures and colors. 

The quick-release bracelet gives a hint that Eilinger is also the designer of Moser's Streamliner. This style of semi-integrated bracelet goes perfectly with the Robotic One. Robot paid particular care in giving each link of the bracelet not only a visually perfect finish, but also a smooth one for increased wearing comfort. The same goes for the folding clasp. The brand even crafted special screws to secure the caseback. Quite remarkable is that Robot even went the extra mile in ensuring a 10 ATM/100 meter water resistance, something not many brands do with their chronographs, as it drives up cost.  

The movement is dominated by the boldly styled oscillating weight, showing underneath the pleasantly finished caliber R11242. This automatic chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch, runs at 4Hz, and offers a healthy power reserve of 55 hours. It is developed with Robot's partner in movements, La Joux-Perret. Interesting to note is that Robot makes the Robotic One not from 316L stainless steel, but the more expensive 904L. This type of stainless steel is harder to machine, but also more resistant in harsher environments, such as oceans. Together with its water resistance, it pushes the Robotic One almost into the toolwatch category, but for that it is too pretty. 

Robot offers the Robotic One in three varieties, with blue, black, or silver dials. The price is $9,000 making it one of the top offerings within the Robot collection, yet not an unexpected price given the complexity of all the details, the elaborate case, high water resistance, 904L stainless steel, and superb metal bracelet. 

For more info, visit Robot, here.