Iron Watch Design · 2026
Kratistos Wrist Watch
by Costis
- A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Watch Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Kratistos by Costis
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 9,024
- Verification code 4264352D7D · Verify this award
About Kratistos Wrist Watch
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.
Kratistos Wrist Watch by Konstantinos Chamamtzis represents a compelling synthesis of contemporary horological design and classical Mediterranean ornamental vocabulary, positioning itself within the continuum of tool watch tradition while introducing sophisticated cultural-historical references that elevate functional timekeeping into the realm of considered design objects. The composition demonstrates exceptional formal discipline through its restrained chromatic palette limiting color deployment to essential black, white, steel, cognac leather, and a singular coral-red accent, this economy of means allowing each chromatic element to carry maximum symbolic and compositional weight while projecting timeless visual sophistication that resists ephemeral fashion cycles. The technical execution reveals meticulous attention to material finishing standards evident in the graduated surface treatments ranging from profound matte absorption on the dial face that creates optical depth and visual gravitas to carefully controlled satin-brushed directionality on case surfaces that catches ambient light as subtle linear highlights, and finally to mirror-bright specularity on hand edges and protective crystal that introduces dynamic light interaction, this textural variety demonstrating manufacturing precision and quality consciousness characteristic of accomplished horological design. Particularly noteworthy is the integration of classical Greek meander ornamentation encircling the bezel as continuous bas-relief geometric pattern, this decorative element introducing cultural-historical resonance that links contemporary timepiece design to Mediterranean architectural and decorative arts heritage spanning millennia, the repeating rectilinear motif creating textured boundary definition while suggesting permanence, continuity, and connection to enduring design traditions that transcend temporal boundaries. The compositional architecture employs radial symmetry anchored by the circular dial configuration while achieving dynamic asymmetrical balance through strategic distribution of visual weight between substantial case mass and extending leather strap, the interplay of rotational organization and bilateral compositional forces creating stability with visual interest characteristic of resolved design thinking. The hour marking system alternates between bold luminous triangular indices at cardinal positions and circular dots at remaining hours, establishing rhythmic visual cadence that facilitates intuitive time reading while the generous luminescent fill suggests functionality in reduced visibility conditions, the overall indexing strategy balancing clarity with aesthetic refinement. The substantial sword-style hands with their clean angular profiles and white luminescent fill recall mid-twentieth-century professional instrument design vocabulary where legibility and functional clarity constituted primary design imperatives, yet the execution exhibits contemporary precision and finishing quality that honors this heritage while meeting current manufacturing standards. The singular coral-red seconds hand introduces calculated chromatic vitality as the sole warm accent penetrating an otherwise cool-neutral palette, this slender linear element creating dynamic visual interest through its continuous rotation while its color choice suggests Mediterranean sunset skies or coral formations, subtle environmental references that enrich the design narrative. The cognac leather strap with its natural grain texture and visible pore structure provides essential material and chromatic counterpoint to metallic precision, the warm amber tone evoking aged leather patina, autumn foliage, or honeyed sunlight, while cream stitching traces strap edges as delicate linear accent emphasizing artisanal construction quality and attention to finishing details. The case architecture with its cushion-form geometry and prominent curved lugs extending organically from the main body suggests substantial three-dimensional mass and engineered solidity, the form language balancing masculine robustness with elegant proportional relationships that avoid excessive bulk, the overall silhouette achieving presence without ostentation. The watch appears to embody design philosophy valuing essential qualities, material honesty, functional clarity, and enduring aesthetic principles over decorative excess or trendy styling, positioning itself for viewers who appreciate considered design thinking, manufacturing quality, and objects that reward sustained contemplation through accumulated details rather than immediate visual impact. What relationships between contemporary functionality and historical ornamental tradition does this timepiece invite consideration of, and how might the integration of classical Mediterranean design vocabulary into functional instruments suggest continuities between ancient craft traditions and modern precision engineering?
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
Colors of Kratistos Wrist Watch
Design Interview about Kratistos Wrist Watch
The KRATISTOS WATCH is based on the principle that a watch should not only measure time, but express identity and character. The inspiration comes from Alexander the Great, a historical figure whose legacy represents leadership, vision, and the idea of global influence. I imagined how such a personality would exist in the present day and what kind of object would reflect his presence. The result is a watch that transforms historical symbolism into contemporary design language, merging strength, precision, and meaning into a single object.
The main focus was to create a watch with a strong conceptual identity that goes beyond aesthetics. I wanted to achieve a design where every element carries meaning, from structure to detailing, while maintaining clarity and elegance. The goal was to translate the idea of strength and leadership into form, proportion, and mechanical expression, creating a watch that feels both powerful and refined when worn.
The KRATISTOS WATCH is part of a broader design ecosystem that evolves around identity-driven luxury objects. Future development focuses on expanding the concept into variations while maintaining its core philosophy of strength, simplicity, and symbolism. It is conceived as a limited edition of 323 pieces, referencing the year of Alexander’s death in 323 B.C., reinforcing its historical and collectible nature.
The development process took several months of continuous refinement, from conceptual exploration to technical realization. It required careful balancing between symbolic storytelling and mechanical precision, ensuring that the final design remains coherent both visually and structurally.
The design was not a conventional commission but an internal conceptual exploration. It originated from the question of how Alexander the Great would be represented in the modern world through a wearable object. This allowed me to combine historical narrative with contemporary luxury design, resulting in a watch that functions as both a timepiece and a symbolic artifact.
The KRATISTOS WATCH is developed within the COSTIS / KRATISTOS brand ecosystem as an independent luxury creation. It is not a third-party product but a signature expression of my design philosophy, produced in controlled quantities with a focus on exclusivity and craftsmanship.
My background in high jewelry naturally led me toward objects that combine symbolism, precision, and emotional impact. The watch became a natural extension of my design language into horology, allowing me to apply jewelry principles to a mechanical object while maintaining narrative depth and sculptural clarity.
The strongest influence comes from my 30-year journey in jewelry design and craftsmanship. My education at the Benvenuto Cellini Institute in Valenza and my experience in high jewelry workshops shaped my understanding of proportion, material integrity, and mechanical detail. The influence is therefore rooted in craftsmanship itself rather than specific external designers.
The KRATISTOS WATCH is designed for individuals who identify with strength, confidence, and personal expression. It is intended for modern collectors and wearers who see design as a reflection of identity rather than decoration, and who appreciate objects with conceptual depth and refined execution.
The uniqueness of the KRATISTOS WATCH lies in its fusion of symbolic narrative and structural design. The four lugs are reinterpreted as lion fangs, creating a visual and functional “grasp” of the wrist. The case references Alexander’s shield, the seconds hand becomes a sarissa spear, and the crown carries the Macedonian emblem. The case back depicts Alexander with his final words “ΤΩ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩ,” meaning “to the strongest.” Every element is intentionally designed as part of a unified symbolic system.
The name KRATISTOS comes from Alexander the Great’s final recorded words, “ΤΩ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩ,” meaning “to the strongest.” It represents a philosophy of excellence, strength, and achievement. The name reflects the idea that greatness is not given but earned, and it defines the conceptual foundation of the entire design.
The design process began with hand sketches, focusing on proportion, symbolism, and structural balance. This was followed by detailed refinement and collaboration with technical specialists. Physical prototyping and iterative adjustments were essential in translating conceptual ideas into a precise mechanical object.
The most unique aspect is the transformation of historical symbolism into functional watch architecture. Each component carries meaning: the shield-inspired case, the lion-fang lugs, the sarissa seconds hand, and the engraved royal Macedonian emblem. Together, they create a unified narrative system that merges storytelling with mechanical design.
The KRATISTOS WATCH was developed in collaboration with highly specialized technical partners experienced in precision watchmaking and high-end mechanical production. Their expertise was essential in achieving the required level of structural accuracy, finishing quality, and mechanical reliability while maintaining the integrity of the design vision.
Technology ensures precision, reliability, and performance in the mechanical execution of the watch. The timepiece is powered by a Swiss-made Sellita SW300-1B automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. However, the design itself remains driven by hand sketching and conceptual development, with technology serving as an enabler rather than the origin of form.
Yes, the KRATISTOS WATCH was strongly informed by in-depth qualitative research rather than quantitative data. I studied the life and legacy of Alexander the Great through historical texts and literature, and further enriched my understanding by visiting museums and consulting historians, archaeologists, and art curators. I also attended the Hong Kong Watch Fair and engaged with industry experts in Milan, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Switzerland to understand both historical context and contemporary expectations in luxury watchmaking. This combination of cultural, historical, and technical research helped define a clear insight: there is a strong demand for simple yet pioneering products that carry meaning without excess complexity. This research directly shaped the conceptual direction of the watch.
One of the main challenges was avoiding the risk of creating a historically inspired object that could fall into visual cliché or kitsch. Translating such a powerful historical figure into a contemporary watch required strict control of proportion, symbolism, and restraint. Another major challenge was maintaining a balance between functional innovation and aesthetic purity, where even a millimeter of change could significantly affect the visual harmony of the design. On the technical side, the integration of the lion-fang lugs and royal symbolism into the case structure required complex, multi-stage manufacturing processes, particularly in titanium. Ensuring precision in these components while preserving elegance and wearability made this one of the most demanding aspects of the entire project.
I decided to submit the KRATISTOS WATCH to an international design competition in order to place the project within a global design discourse and test its relevance beyond its conceptual origins. After completing the design and production process, it was important for me to evaluate how the work communicates across different cultures and professional fields, from horology to industrial and conceptual design. International recognition also provides a platform where ideas are not judged only by commercial parameters but by their conceptual depth, execution, and originality, which is essential for a project of this nature.
This project reinforced the importance of precision, restraint, and conceptual discipline in design. I learned that working with strong historical narratives requires a careful balance between interpretation and distortion, ensuring that symbolism enhances rather than overwhelms the object. It also deepened my understanding of how small technical adjustments can have significant aesthetic consequences, especially in high-precision objects like watches. Most importantly, it strengthened my ability to integrate research, storytelling, and technical execution into a single coherent design language without compromising clarity or elegance.
The KRATISTOS WATCH represents the convergence of history, identity, and contemporary design philosophy. It is both a functional timepiece and a symbolic artifact that expresses strength and individuality. It reflects my broader design approach at COSTIS, where every object—whether jewelry or watch—is conceived as a vessel of meaning, craftsmanship, and emotional presence.
Grand Interview about Kratistos Wrist Watch
What I am most proud of in the Kratistos Wrist Watch is the seamless fusion of symbolism and engineering. The lion’s fang lugs are the clearest expression of this philosophy. They are not decorative elements applied to the watch; they are structural components that secure the strap while embodying strength, sovereignty, and protection. In many historically inspired timepieces, symbolism is confined to engravings or visual references. In the Kratistos, symbolism becomes part of the architecture itself.What distinguishes the watch is that it does not simply replicate history. Rather than creating a piece that belongs in a museum, we sought to transform timeless ideals into a contemporary object meant to be worn and experienced. The lion’s symbolism of courage and authority is reinterpreted through modern craftsmanship and precision engineering. Every detail serves both a functional and symbolic purpose, creating a watch that honors heritage while establishing a distinct identity of its own.
The Kratistos Wrist Watch answers the growing demand for story-driven design by integrating history directly into its architecture rather than treating it as decoration. Every element, from the lion’s fang lugs to the sculptural case, reflects ideals associated with Macedonian heritage—strength, leadership, vision, and excellence. Its symbolism resonates across cultures because it draws inspiration from Alexander the Great, one of history’s most recognized figures, whose influence extended from Greece to India and beyond. In Greece, the watch reflects cultural heritage and historical continuity, while in Asia and the Americas it speaks to universal themes of ambition, achievement, exploration, and the pursuit of greatness.
The extensive research behind the Kratistos Wrist Watch ensured that every design element was rooted in historical authenticity rather than superficial inspiration. The lion fang lugs are inspired by actual lion tooth remains discovered by archaeologists, while the bezel features the decorative motif of Alexander the Great's ceremonial shield, unearthed in Vergina, Greece. The seconds hand takes the form of the Sarissa, the legendary six-meter Macedonian spear that revolutionized ancient warfare and became one of the most formidable weapons of its era. Together, these historically significant elements are seamlessly integrated into a cohesive design that transforms heritage into a contemporary expression of strength, leadership, and excellence. Our goal was not to reproduce history, but to reinterpret it through contemporary watchmaking. By transforming heritage into a functional object worn every day, Kratistos encourages a living connection with the past, showing that cultural legacy can remain relevant, meaningful, and inspiring in the modern world.
Receiving the A' Watch Design Award was especially meaningful because it demonstrated that a design deeply rooted in Macedonian history can resonate with an international audience. The Kratistos Wrist Watch balances cultural specificity and universal appeal by translating historical symbols into a contemporary form that speaks to values recognized worldwide—strength, ambition, leadership, and achievement. I hope this recognition shows collectors and the broader watchmaking community that authentic heritage can inspire innovative design, and that history can remain relevant when thoughtfully reinterpreted for the present.
One of the greatest challenges was working with titanium itself—a material that is notoriously difficult to machine due to its hardness, heat sensitivity, and resistance to conventional tooling. Much of the finishing had to be done by hand to preserve precision and surface integrity, making the process exceptionally labor-intensive. Another complex stage was the integration of the sculpted lugs with the case, ensuring structural stability while maintaining visual harmony under stress and movement. Even the custom-made leather strap required careful iteration to achieve balance with the case proportions. Throughout the process, a constant discipline was avoiding aesthetic excess—ensuring that symbolic elements never became exaggerated, but instead remained integrated, functional, and restrained within the overall design language and my design philosophy of balance and symmetry.
The Kratistos Wrist Watch began in Athens in 2019 with a guiding question: “What if Alexander were alive and asked me to design a watch for him?” This idea led to a long period of research across museums and galleries, studying historical texts, consulting experts, and attending watchmaking trade fairs. It was followed by extensive market research with consultants in Milan, Switzerland, the USA, and China. In Valenza, the first prototype was created in 18K gold, after which different materials were explored, though titanium remained the primary choice for its associations with strength, power, and durability. By the time the project reached Biel in 2025, the design had been distilled into a precise, balanced system where symbolism is embedded through engineering rather than decorative excess. Of course, before production, the brand name and the design were internationally patented.
Kratistos establishes a foundation rather than an endpoint, and its real influence lies in how it reframes the relationship between structure, symbolism, and material honesty.Moving forward, this language opens the door to a broader ecosystem of design exploration. One direction is the use of precious stones not as decorative surface embellishment, but as structural or narrative anchors. Another is the expansion into new materials.Equally important is the development of a family of custom-made straps, each engineered as an extension of the case architecture rather than an accessory. In this way, personalization becomes part of the design language itself.Beyond watchmaking, Kratistos is evolving toward a broader brand ecosystem. The intention is to build a coherent universe where watches, accessories and design objects for men share a unified philosophy of heritage, power, and modern craftsmanship.
What has not been fully told is how much the project is about restraint rather than symbolism. Every element had to earn its place through function, not narrative. Kratistos is ultimately a study in reduction—turning a highly charged idea into a disciplined, wearable system where meaning is embedded in structure, not decoration.
Placing Alexander’s portrait on the case back was a deliberate decision to avoid turning the watch into a souvenir or a piece of folklore. We wanted to prevent the symbolism from becoming literal or overly illustrative on the exterior surface. Instead, the front of the watch carries only subtle layers of meaning, expressed through proportion, structure, and restrained references that can be felt rather than immediately read.The reverse side, however, allows for a more explicit and intimate expression of the narrative. The coin-like portrait becomes a hidden dedication, almost like a personal seal that belongs only to the wearer. This creates a duality: restraint and abstraction on the outside, clarity and recognition on the inside.Over time, this hidden element deepens the emotional bond with the watch. It shifts the experience from passive viewing to personal discovery, reinforcing the idea that Kratistos is not a decorative object, but a layered system of meaning revealed through ownership and time.
My background in jewelry design and sculpture fundamentally shaped Kratistos by treating the watch not only as a timekeeping instrument, but also as a piece of wearable jewelry and contemporary sculpture. In a world where time is already accessible through phones and other devices, the watch must justify its existence through presence, craftsmanship, and emotional value.This perspective allowed me to approach form more freely than a purely technical watchmaking education might permit. Proportions, surface tension, and tactile experience became as important as mechanical precision. The result is a design vocabulary where engineering and jewelry-making are inseparable, and where the watch becomes an object of identity, not just function.Ultimately, Kratistos sits at the intersection of horology and jewelry, where aesthetic intention carries equal weight to mechanical performance.