Today, I would like to shine a light on a watchmaking project that is still flying under the radar. A watchmaking project whose ethos is built on three fundamental principles: Design, Engineering, Ergonomics. For the more knowledgeable among you, you will have recognized WRK. Before presenting their second watchmaking iteration, I am going to tell you more about the two founders, as well as the foundations of this slightly crazy concept that became reality.
WRK, for Watchmaking Research Kinematics, was created at the initiative of Nasko Fejza and his partner Caroline Castets. Nasko grew up in France in a deeply technical environment, with a father passionate about cars and watchmaking. Very early on, he developed an obsession with engineering and design. He has always been curious to understand how things work, why they hold together, and how they could be designed even better.
Nasko was initially headed toward illustration studies, but ultimately chose marketing in the video game industry, which allowed him to express a form of creativity through a strategic approach. Caroline, for her part, comes from the communication and events sector. Both passionate about watches, after acquiring a few vintage pieces, they decided to create a new brand from scratch. A project built on ideas and a distinct vision in which technique would take precedence over outward display. They drew their inspirations from engineering, motorsport, and icons of contemporary design.
More than 8 years ago now, they began entering the watchmaking world and surrounding themselves with partners who could support them on this project. Their initial ambition was to offer contemporary haute horlogerie for mechanical hedonists. A watch with a restrained, organic case and noble calibres. The goal was not to create yet another luxury brand built on status values. Here, no gold or gem setting. They favor avant garde architecture, transparency toward their manufacturing partners, and high tech materials, without trying to break records in lightness, shock resistance, or anything of that kind.
The design philosophy behind each WRK watch is based on the fusion of art and engineering, where aesthetics and functionality unite in harmony. Born from the meeting of men and women, WRK watches are the result of a relentless quest to redefine the limits of precision watchmaking. A technical approach guided by precision, but also by the passion of the project’s artisans: SYVACO Sàrl, FSmicromec Sàrl, Télôs Watch, CV Décor Sàrl, TMH SA, MULTICUIRS SA, ECONORM, Technew SA. When precision mechanics meets architectural design, WRK aims to redefine the technical language of contemporary watchmaking.
Not being from the trade nor from the watchmaking sector, this very ambitious project took time, energy, and many sleepless nights. In 2021, they told themselves: it is now or never to bring this project to life. The most difficult part was starting with the case for their first model, the inaugural ACF-01 tourbillon. They initially explored a round version, but it lacked singularity. After many prototypes and ergonomic studies, they arrived at a pebble tonneau case, combining originality with optimal wrist comfort. A shape that is taut yet soft, technical yet organic. One of their sources of inspiration was the McLaren F1.
Then came the movement, with a distinctive suspended titanium architecture. Very difficult to machine, especially when microblasted. The greatest challenge for this first model was integrating the upper and lower wishbones while respecting the target of a 42 mm case with a thickness below 11 mm. For the second model, they wanted to develop a micro rotor watch in a more compact case, with a movement made to be contemplated, open to the main components.
Launched in 2025, the ACF-02 builds on these foundations with subtle improvements in both design and mechanics. It is also significantly more affordable than its predecessor, making it an ideal entry level model for those who want to discover the WRK universe. Now, let us move on to the presentation of this watch weighing just 34.200 g.
Table of Contents – WRK ACF-02
What are the features of the WRK ACF-02?
Case
The WRK ACF-02 features a microblasted natural grade 5 titanium case that continues the philosophy of the first model, with a focus on lightness, comfort, and wearability. This time, the case profile is more minimalist, with no crown cutout and discreet chamfers on the lower side. The sandblasted finish gives it a matte, industrial look that feels both modern and elegant. The brand also offers the ACF-02 to its clients in two other microblasted finishes of choice: silver DLC and black DLC.
At only 20.22 grams, including the case and caseback, with crystals included, this compact and rigid case, measuring 38 mm wide, 41 mm long, and only 7.95 mm thick, is simply perfect on the wrist. Free from superfluous ornamentation and visible screws, this discreet case benefits from precision machining to achieve a finish of incomparable smoothness. Take a pebble polished over centuries and you will have a fairly accurate idea of the feeling delivered by the ACF-02. Slim, refined, and deliberately understated, this well balanced watch is designed for everyday wear, with its slightly curved caseback fitting the wrist perfectly.
Dial
Strictly speaking, the WRK ACF-02 does not have a dial, with the minute track printed on the sapphire crystal. That said, there is a plate with a very minimalist decoration. The plate is partially openworked, allowing the architecture of the underlying mechanism to be admired without harming legibility. Time is displayed centrally for the hours and minutes, with skeletonized hands of uniform thickness and rounded tips.
Between 10 and 11 o’clock, the bidirectional micro rotor can be seen in action. Lower down, two barrels are arranged symmetrically, a choice that optimizes torque distribution and contributes to a comfortable power reserve. As for the overall legibility of the watch, I find it fairly good, even if I would have preferred a few touches of color on the minute track or around the edge of the hands. I also find it a little regrettable that such a futuristic watch does not include lume.
Movement
The WRK ACF-02 houses the AMB-01/1 high performance automatic double barrel micro rotor movement, developed in collaboration with movement specialist Télôs Watch SA, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Machined in grade 5 titanium by TMH SA, this ultra thin calibre features an openworked architecture with barrels working in parallel, rather than independently, ensuring constant power and optimized torque for maximum long term efficiency. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph), it offers a guaranteed autonomy of 72 hours, with a potential power reserve of around 80 to 84 hours.
Its maximum torque of 730 gr.mm ensures the robustness required for optimal operation. In terms of finishing, the bridges and main plate are in grade 5 titanium with a microblasted finish that perfectly matches the character of the watch. Each component is hand finished by the artisans of CV Décor Sàrl. I particularly appreciated the brand’s decision to proudly display the Télôs logo on the back of the movement, recalling the logos found on the rocker covers of racing car engines.
Strap
The WRK ACF-02 is presented here with a green technical fabric strap with Velcro® closure, an Alcantara inner lining, and a simple titanium buckle. Personally, I found this strap quite comfortable. Because of the watch’s light weight, it is quickly forgotten on the wrist. To meet the requests of future clients, other strap colors and materials are of course available.
What is the price of the WRK ACF-02?
The WRK ACF-02 is a limited series of 12 pieces per configuration, offered by subscription. Priced at CHF 18,924 (excluding taxes), this watch remains, in my opinion, relatively fair within the segment of so called futuristic sports watches, considering the amount of research behind the design and the mechanics it carries. For those looking for a unique piece, WRK also offers a bespoke customization program, allowing buyers to choose materials and finishes according to their preferences.
WRK ACF-02: Precision, Ergonomics and Performance
The WRK ACF-02 is a very interesting piece, both in terms of its conception and design, but also its mechanics. The ACF-02 is a watch that tries to coexist harmoniously between two worlds: one where a nature inspired design and cutting edge engineering must come together. A major challenge that requires a good dose of originality. For me, it is an excellent watch that combines comfort and modern design without ostentation. Nevertheless, I still prefer the first model, which, even if more expensive and more substantial, features a simply breathtaking movement architecture.
What I also appreciated about this brand is a certain level of perfectionism, illustrated by their Veten program. It starts from the idea that every wrist is unique. After a detailed 3D scan, the collected data is analyzed: width, height, curvature, and pressure points. The caseback is then precision machined by partner FSmicromec Sàrl to fit the wrist shape perfectly. It is an idea that truly makes sense when you know that some brands do not necessarily pay much attention to the wearability of their watches.
Unique engineering with uncompromising manufacturing comes at a price. I think this watch will find its audience among collectors who want a watch that is easy to wear every day while keeping a unique character. I am looking forward to discovering the ACF-03, which will be presented later during this year 2026. This model will make it possible to enter the WRK universe with a target price below €8,000 while still retaining a noble and modern calibre. I would like to thank Caroline and Nasko, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Monza, Italy, and who allowed me to better understand their emerging brand universe and discover their watches.
WRK ACF-02 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: WRK
- Model: ACF-02
- Case Material: Bead-blasted Grade 5 titanium with natural silver DLC
- Dial: None (minute track printed on crystal)
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Movement: Télôs AMB-01/1, Self-Winding, 28’800vph frequency (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 38mm (Diameter) × 41mm (Length) × 7.95mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Choice of technical fabric or suede leather in multiple colors with hook-and-loop fastener
- Availability : Limited to 12 pieces per configuration on subscription basis
- Retail Price: CHF 18,924 (Excluding VAT)
Did you already know the WRK brand? What did you think of this project? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.
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For more information about WRK, click here.
