Costis · CLIENT: Kratistos by Costis
Kratistos is a wristwatch inspired by historical themes of leadership. Four sculpted lugs, shaped after lion fangs, join the leather strap to the case. The lugs hold the watch firmly on the wrist, add comfort and stop the case from rolling. The case is offered in stainless steel and titanium, with a French leather strap available in three sizes. A Swiss automatic movement, a double domed sapphire crystal and luminous indexes complete the design. Each edition is limited, and the lugs require careful artisanal work.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The standout feature of Kratistos watch is how the leather strap integrates with the case. Four sculpted lugs, inspired by male lion fangs, a symbol of royalty, define its bold character. These fangs, both functional and symbolic, secure the watch to the wrist like the grasp of a lion, ensuring stability and comfort while preventing the case from rolling. Protected by an international patent, each edition is strictly limited.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Case Diameter: 40mm, Length:56mm, Height: 11.50mm
Materials: Steel Case SST316L & Titanium2
Movement: Sellita SW300-1b, Automatic, Self-winding - 3 hands, 28'800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 25 jewels
Typical power reserve: up to 56 hours (Sellita specifications)
2-year guarantee
Water resistance 5 ATM
3 sizes leather strap with interchangeable pins & deployment clasp
Top sapphire crystal, double domed, with anti-reflection treatment
Case back with separate coin
Dial with Super-Luminova indexes
Hour & minute & red second hands
Limited Edition numbers 1/323
Swiss made - Tags
- wrist watch, lion fangs, kratistos, grasp, lion, tiger, fits perfectly, to the strongest, lion bite
- Production Technology
- The fusion of history and function began with a hand-drawn sketch, leading to the meticulous prototype in 18K yellow gold crafted in Valenza, Italy. After extensive research, a partner in Biel, Switzerland was selected for production. The finished watch is offered in stainless steel and Titanium II, paired with a French-made leather strap. Each set of lugs requires meticulous artisanal effort, and the design supports diverse material combinations to suit individual tastes.
- Design Challenge
- Designing a historically inspired watch posed the risk of crossing into kitsch. Maintaining functional upgrades without compromising aesthetics presented a delicate balance, as even a millimeter of change could impact the overall look. Additionally, producing and adapting the titanium lugs to the case required intricate, multi-stage manufacturing techniques, making this aspect especially challenging.
- Project Duration
- The project started in Athens in June 2019, with the designs and European and international copyrights, was paused during the Corona virus period, and was completed in Biel in February 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Kratistos is a wristwatch inspired by history, engineered for functionality, and crafted with Swiss precision. Its adaptable design allows for a variety of materials, making it appealing across cultures. Interchangeable leather straps offer the wearer the freedom to personalize the watch, ensuring it reflects individual style and preference while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship and versatility.
- Research
- I conducted in depth qualitative research to create a watch perfectly suited to the character of its wearer. I explored the life of Alexander the Great in books, visited museums, and consulted historians, archaeologists, and art curators. Attending the Hong Kong Watch Fair and speaking to experts in Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and Shanghai broadened my insight. In Switzerland, I tackled the complex integration of the fangs, the royal symbol of power, into the case. My findings revealed a demand for simple yet pioneering products.
- Inspiration
- Few individuals in history have truly earned the title Great or are celebrated for their visionary approach to internationalization. Alexander the Great, undefeated in his lifetime, was revered during his era and has become a legendary figure admired by over half the world population. This made me wonder: if Alexander lived today and asked me to design a watch reflecting his qualities as a modern leader, how would I approach it?
- Image Credits
- 1. Photographs, Nava Comunicazione di Domenico Festa, Milan, Italy
2. Video, Power Media Productions SA, Athens, Greece - Patents
- DESIGN
1. WIPO, HAGUE, INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, DM/209372, 11 February 2020, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
2. China, Design Patent Certificate, No. of Authorized Announcement: CN 306188342 S, November 24, 2020, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
3. USA Design Patent, No US D934,701 S, Date: Nov.2, 2021, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
4. Government of India, The Patent Office, No.111655, 04/03/2020, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
5. UK, Intellectual Property Office (former EU member), Design Number 82093720001000, Renewed on 10 January 2025, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
LOGO
1. WIPO, MADRID, International registration No. 1551535 (A KRATISTOS), 09/03/2021. Published in the WIPO GAZETTE OF INTERNATIONAL MARKS No. 27/2020.
2.Greece, Secretary of Investment, ΕΞ 933 / 08-02-2021
3.Trademarks Registry, Government of India, International 1551535, India 4680033, 12/05/2021, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
4. Federal Service for International Property (Rospatent), 1551535, 16/12/2020, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
5.United States Patent and Trademark Office, Reg.
No. 6,413,694, Jul. 13, 2021, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
6.WIPO, MADRID, notification for the BERN Office 21/02/2022, Konstantinos Chamamtzis
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