Today, I’d like to introduce you to a truly unique watchmaker, unlike any other: Ondřej “Papi” Berkus. I met him unexpectedly in Milan after leaving a meeting. Thanks to the magic of social media — yes, social media has its positives too — we were able to set up a quick meeting in Pisa 1940. Naturally, we talked about watches, but we also discussed travel and a shared passion: automobiles. It was a meeting I’ll remember for the rest of my life, thanks to its sheer simplicity. Now, it’s my turn to share his story with you, along with one of the unique timepieces he crafted for a client.
Ondřej Berkus is a self-taught watchmaker from the Czech Republic who seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with unconventional and, at times, futuristic designs. With a background in precision engineering, Ondřej began his career crafting knives for several years. However, he found knives lacked the “life” inherent to watches. Inspired by spotting a unique piece on the wrist of a collector, Ondřej decided to design a watch of his own.
Despite facing initial challenges, Ondřej persevered. He started by making components and gradually improved over the years until he could craft his own complicated watches. From his initial sketches, he takes great pleasure in overcoming intricate challenges to meet the demands of his clients, many of whom have become his close friends.
Today, Ondřej uses unconventional materials such as meteorite, Damascus steel, and tantalum — known for its difficulty to machine — in his creations. Every part of his watches, except for the mainspring, hairspring, and jewels, is made in his workshop. The result? Timepieces brimming with creativity and a sense of magic, reminding us that we’re all just big kids at heart.
Ondřej’s work often features innovative complications and artistic elements that attract collectors who value individuality and artistic horology. In the model I’m about to introduce, he sought to explore his fascination with what he calls “ancient extraterrestrial artifacts.” This tourbillon watch is designed to resemble an alien device left behind by a technically advanced ancient civilization thousands of years ago. Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating timepiece.
Table of Contents – Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0
What are the Features of the Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0?
Case
The Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0 features a 40mm diameter case crafted in mokume gane. Mokume-gane is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique dating back to the 17th century, originally used to decorate the sword guards of samurai blades. The name translates to “wood grain metal,” a reference to the unique patterns it produces that resemble wood grain. This process involves layering and thermally bonding multiple layers of different metals — in this case, silver and copper. These layers are then hammered and sculpted to reveal intricate, organic patterns. The final result is an otherworldly aesthetic reminiscent of Damascus steel.
Dial
The Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0 showcases a dial made of blued meteorite, curved into a large toroidal ring that mimics a black hole encircling the central tourbillon. Two heat-treated steel hands, bent by hand to follow the curvature of the hour and minute tracks, hover with a gap of just 0.15mm above the meteorite. In darkness, the indices, hands, and the edge of the balance wheel emit a luminescent glow, evoking the light being pulled into the depths of a black hole.
Movement
The Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0 is powered by a central one-minute tourbillon movement. Unfortunately, no detailed technical information about the movement is available. However, Ondřej was so captivated by the idea of making this watch resemble a relic of an ancient spacefaring civilization that he collaborated with his friend, engraver Narimantas Palšis, to create a pictorial engraving depicting what these beings might have looked like. The caseback features an Aztec figure inside a spaceship, gazing at a stepped pyramid displayed on a screen. Behind him, another screen shows a space traveler being attacked by a Godzilla-like monster.
Strap
The Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0 comes with a comfortable blue ostrich leather strap. The strap is secured with a deployant clasp, also made of mokume gane, adding an exquisite touch to the overall design.
Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0: A Sketch Turned into Reality
This watch is a truly unique piece that transports us to dimensions still unknown to humankind. I greatly admire how this timepiece plays with textures, forms, and light. What I also appreciate about this watchmaker is his philosophy, simplicity, and down-to-earth attitude. People who don’t know him may see him as a genius, but I see him as someone who has proven that through perseverance and hard work, one can create something that initially seemed impossible.
Ondřej is driven by something beyond money, and this is both visible and palpable. Every new project is a journey, a new adventure that he shares with the lucky individuals who become part of it by owning one of his creations. Owning the result of such thoughtful craftsmanship takes on a whole new meaning, and I now understand why all his clients eventually become his friends. Of course, the waiting list for one of his pieces is long, but this naturally filters out those who are only interested in flipping watches for profit.
Interestingly, Ondřej still makes knives, rings, and fountain pens, which his cousin designs and crafts under his own name. These rings and pens align with their zero-waste policy; for example, the rings are an excellent way to repurpose material cut from inside watch cases.
I want to extend my gratitude to Ondřej Berkus for this down-to-earth meeting and @jirivratislav for the beautiful picture of the movement. Encounters like this remind me how fortunate I am to cross paths with people I’d never have met if I hadn’t started sharing my passion with the world.
Ondřej Berkus Black Hole 2.0 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Ondřej Berkus
- Model: Black Hole 2.0
- Case : mokume gane
- Dial: meteorite
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Movement: In-House
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 40 mm (Diameter)
- Strap: Blue Ostrich Leather with Mokume Gane Deployant Clasp
Do you have thoughts on Ondřej Berkus? Let’s discuss in the comments section below!
For more information about Ondřej Berkus, click here.
