It is extraordinary to think that a watchmaker in his early 30s is heading a brand that launched its first wristwatch just about a decade ago and has ever since garnered cult-like following, with waiting lists that are counted in years and some of the world’s greatest collectors as clients.

Rexhep Rexhepi is however far from an overnight sensation, having built his brand on hard work, talent and “blood sweat and tears”. At the age of 14, Rexhepi began his horological career with an apprenticeship at Patek Philippe and moving up as watchmaker, focusing on tourbillons. He later joined F.P. Journe and BNB before opening his own ateliers. He named his brand Akrivia, inspired by the Greek word for precision and immediately created a design language with his somewhat tonneau shaped watches with flamboyant dials. Rexhepi states that he wanted his first wristwatch to be a tourbillon, but his AK01 is not “just” a tourbillon but an incredibly ingenious single button chronograph tourbillon with a 100 hour power reserve!

The caliber is constructed in a way where not only the tourbillon but also the chronograph elements are visible dial side, including the chronograph’s column wheel that sits proudly at 12 o’clock. A gear placed at 4 o’clock engages directly with the tourbillon once the chronograph pusher is pushed. The 100 hour power reserve display is placed on the left hand of the dial.

The unique blue dial is absolutely gorgeous with engraved tone on tone numerals and silver elements providing a visually arresting effect.

The movement side is as attractive as the dial side, perfectly symmetrical with gorgeous Geneva stripes, mirror polished elements and interior angles it is an ode to beauty and craftsmanship.

Fresh to the market and from the original owner, the present AK01 one of less than 20 ever made and is the first Akrivia model created - the first step to building this iconic brand.

Please note that Akrivia has offered complementary servicing of the the present watch for the new owner of the timepiece.