Fiona Krüger is a singular figure in the contemporary watchmaking landscape. Known for her skull-themed creations inspired by the calaveras of the Mexican Day of the Dead, Krüger challenges the norms of luxury watchmaking, infusing her pieces with graphic exuberance, humor and philosophical themes. This article explores Krüger’s signature collections, such as the Chaos Collection , and the innovative concept behind Mechanical Entropy and the Face of TASAKI , a standout collaboration that combines jeweler TASAKI’s expertise in pearls with Krüger’s watchmaking artistry.
Context and Philosophy of Fiona Krüger
For Fiona Krüger, watches are much more than mere timekeeping instruments; they are mementos mori , visual reminders of mortality and the passage of time. Historically, watchmaking has always carried profound symbolism, reflected in phrases such as “vulnerant omnes, ultima necat” (“all wound, the last kills”). In the Chaos Collection, Fiona takes this symbolism further, exploring the concept of entropy, the natural tendency of systems towards maximum disorder, according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This concept is fundamental to the creation of Mechanical Entropy , a watch that symbolizes the chaos of the universe and the inevitable progression towards disorder.
Fiona Krüger, originally from Scotland and currently based in Switzerland, holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Design and Craftsmanship for the Luxury Sector from the University of Art and Design in Lausanne (ECAL). Since her debut with the Skull collection in 2013, Krüger has introduced an innovative vision to watchmaking, uniting art and product design to create impactful, conceptual pieces.
In 2021, she collaborated with Japanese jeweler TASAKI to launch editions of the Petit Skull and Chaos collection under the FIONA KRÜGER : TASAKI line, a series that unites Krüger’s design with the refinement of TASAKI jewelry. In 2024, this partnership evolved with the launch of the Face of TASAKI , an automatic watch inspired by the rich heritage of the TASAKI brand, and developed exclusively for the TASAKI TIMEPIECES line, bringing an even more detailed and artistic focus
The collections
Fiona Krüger has developed several exclusive collections that combine art, symbolism and fine watchmaking, each with a distinct and creative approach:
Skull Collection : Inspired by Dia de los Muertos , this line features the Celebration Skull and Petit Skull , featuring colorful, stylized skull designs. These pieces celebrate life and death with handcrafted details and a striking look, making them Krüger’s debut design and a signature for his brand.
Chaos Collection : Starting with the Mechanical Entropy model, this collection explores themes of disorder and chaos. The mechanical design was created to create the sensation of being in the middle of an explosion, exposing movement components and creating a dramatic look that defies traditional watchmaking symmetry.
Vanitas Collection : Vanitas – Dark Edition and other unique pieces such as the Vanitas Jade and Vanitas Emerald . These pieces are inspired by the artistic tradition of memento mori and developed in collaboration with L'EPEE 1839, blending watchmaking with elements of miniature art and sculpture.
TASAKI Collaboration : In partnership with jeweler TASAKI, Krüger has created versions of its watches with details such as mother-of-pearl, uniting the worlds of jewellery and artistic watchmaking.
Some of Fiona Krüger's most iconic watches
Mechanical Entropy: A Philosophical Clock
Mechanical Entropy represents a milestone in both aesthetic and conceptual innovation. The watch is designed around a visually deconstructed movement, reminiscent of the Big Bang, with the mechanical elements scattered as if frozen in the moment of an explosion. The chaotic appearance of the movement defies the visual functionality expected of watchmaking, while maintaining precision and perfect function. The design even incorporates the displacement of the hands from their usual central positions, a visual and functional choice that intensifies the sense of disorder, yet under control.
For Krüger, Mechanical Entropy ’s aesthetics and apparent disorder convey a clear message: although mortality is a constant, we can face life with a vibrant spirit. The watch’s visual explosion evokes the need to seize every moment and embrace life despite its transience. Mechanical Entropy is therefore more than a watch; it is a reflection on the ephemeral nature of existence and an invitation to celebrate it.
Celebration Skull Black
Fiona Krüger’s Celebration Skull Black explores themes of life and death with a unique and artistic approach, fusing the tradition of mechanical watchmaking with the symbolism of Dia de los Muertos . The dial, featuring a skull inspired by the calaveras of Mexico, is designed in multiple layers of stainless steel, each hand-painted, giving the design depth. To create a sense of movement and celebration, Fiona has used Technotime’s TT738 automatic movement with a hand-decorated oscillating weight. The incorporation of luminescent elements allows the watch to glow in the dark, revealing additional details of the skull design.
The craftsmanship process is a blend of modern and traditional techniques, with meticulous finishing and attention to detail in every component. Krüger breaks the mold by creating pieces that are not gender-specific, adding elements such as Super-Luminova and floating indexes beneath the sapphire crystal that capture the vibrant and celebratory aesthetic of Mexican traditions. This watch is not just a piece of timepieces, it is also a culturally rich and innovative work of art. The black PVD steel case itself has a striking presence, with the large format (41.3 mm wide and 57.4 mm high) emphasizing the bold design of the piece. This timepiece celebrates the connection with the ancestors, not only through its design, but also through the intrinsic symbolism of the collection. This limited series of 24 pieces is an exclusive piece, where the precision of Swiss watchmaking meets cultural artistic expression, making the Celebration Skull Black an authentic work of art and a vibrant tribute to the cycle of life and death.
Fiona Kruger: Celebration Skull Black
The case itself, in black PVD steel, has a striking presence, with its large format (41.3 mm wide and 57.4 mm high) emphasizing the bold design of the piece. This watch celebrates the connection with the ancestor, not only through its design, but also through the intrinsic symbolism of the collection. The series is limited to 24 pieces.
Fiona Krüger's Latest Collection: Face of TASAKI 2024
The Face of TASAKI collection is the result of Fiona Krüger’s collaboration with TASAKI, a brand renowned for its mastery of pearls. Inspired by TASAKI’s pearl cultures, this line of watches reflects the rectangular shapes of the cultures that float on the surface of the ocean like a grid. The result is a rectangular timepiece with harmonious proportions and elegant lines, powered by an exclusive calibre, the FK:μ, developed by Krüger for TASAKI.
Innovative Design and Handcrafted Details
The Face of TASAKI collection features five unique models, all housed in a slim rectangular case with hinged lugs that ensure comfort and a perfect fit on the wrist. The piece features large openings on the front and back, allowing a clear view of the animated dial and the custom calibre. The oscillating weight, visible on the side of the dial, integrates perfectly with the design, as if it were a circular “floating pearl” that adds movement to the dial, evoking the dynamism of TASAKI pearls.
On mother-of-pearl dials, the movement of the rotor creates a captivating light effect, where the pearl veins align harmoniously when the watch is at rest. This detail not only emphasizes the natural aesthetics of mother-of-pearl, but also highlights the craftsmanship of each watch.
The FK:μ Caliber: Art in Motion
At the heart of the Face of TASAKI collection is the FK:μ calibre, a micro-mechanical automatic movement that embodies Krüger’s technical prowess and TASAKI’s excellence. Constructed with intricately crafted rectangular bridges, the FK:μ is an example of precision and watchmaking artistry. Creating a new, compact and precisely functioning movement requires the highest skill and quality standards.
The manufacturing process involves tiny components that require precision at every stage, from machining to finishing and assembly. The case and hinged lugs are polished and finished by hand, reflecting a commitment to detail and ensuring comfort on the wrist. The movement was developed in collaboration with the Swiss manufacturer LTM.
Fiona Krüger continues to redefine luxury watchmaking with creations that transcend time, transforming each piece into a work of art and a reflection on existence. To find out more, visit her website: Fiona Krüger .
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