Munich, Germany

The Bavaria 2018 is a wristwatch which marks the starting point of a new watch brand.

In 2018, the Munich-based industrial designer Frank Giese decided to create a watch, which reflects the country where he lives. He wanted to make an authentic Bavarian watch. But it was no easy task resisting the temptations to follow the stereotypes of Bavaria everybody knows.

Starting from scratch, the result is the BWG Bavaria 2018.

The watch recently won a 2020 Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum.

As a watch lover Frank began by defining the characteristics he would expect from a watch he wanted to create for everyday use, combined with typical visual characteristics. He created a sturdy case, resistant against shock, water and scratches, and combined it with a series of wristbands for any occasion.

The construction of the case is suitable for a diving watch, but flat enough to easily slip under a cuff. Finding a new design, which is iconic and functional at the same time is challenging.

The special formed lugs may look as a visual feature only, but they provide more protection to the crown and are designed for functions on future models of this watch. They also create a unique and distinctive look. All design details serve a purpose. For example, the crown— decorated with the brand’s logo—has a small notch that makes it much easier to tear the crown out.

Due to the direct connection to the movement, the crown is the most sensible part of any watch. Therefore, it is also fixed and protected by a screw lock.

All proportions follow the harmony of Fibonacci to create a classic, but surprisingly new look. When the watch is slightly tilted, the beautifully designed back of this watch becomes visible.

Its upper edge is polished to reflect the light in contrast to the brushed side of the case. The shiny element is repeated by the edges of the lugs and the edge of the case where it meets the bezel. The idea originates from small streams reflecting the sunlight and contrasting the rough rocks in the mountains.

Although they are unusually big, the lugs fit perfectly to the wrist, even smaller ones.

Their curvy free form design reminds of the baroque architecture seen in Bavarian landscapes.

Designer: Frank Giese, Kraftraum design
Manufacturer: Bavarian Watch Giese GmbH