It’s a well-known fact that we have a deeply rooted passion for independent watchmaking, and as such, we always keep an eye out for talented newcomers. Fortunately, with the rise in popularity of indie watchmaking, there is a lot to be discovered from all around the globe! Whether something is super-complex and ridiculously finished, or of a more sensible and thus attainable level, if it’s done with passion, we’re all for it! One such newcomer is Benedikt Prand-Stritzko, who bravely ventured out on his own earlier this year, launching Aurelia Horology. With a history at H. Moser & Cie, Benedikt quickly found success and sold out his debut watch. So naturally, with all this in mind, it was time for us to learn more!

Robin, MONOCHROME Watches – Benedikt, you’ve recently launched your own brand, Aurelia Horology. Can you quickly introduce yourself before we dive into the watches?

I’m a 26-year-old watchmaker and grew up on a farm in a small village near Austria’s only watchmaking school. After years in Switzerland, I’m now back home — living with my wonderful wife Alexandra and our daughter Aurelia. I originally studied engineering but found my passion in watchmaking. Today, I design, develop and build watches with a small team of exceptional and talented individuals. I’m really excited to share a part of our journey, so thank you for the opportunity.

Where does your passion for watches come from? What’s your earliest memory of watches, for instance?

I remember flipping through a catalogue in November 2014 and seeing the HYT H2. As a young engineering student, I simply couldn’t understand how something like that was even technically possible. I immediately thought: I want something like this. And if I can’t afford it, I’ll just build it myself. I was 17. Of course, I quickly learned it wasn’t quite that easy!

What triggered you to make a career in watchmaking?

Once I dove into the world of mechanical watches, I couldn’t stop. Every minute I could spare, I had to think about the stunning complex mechanisms. After finishing my engineering degree, I made a clear decision: I wanted to go into movement development, and I wanted to learn the craft from the ground up.

You worked for H. Moser & Cie, one of the most revered indie brands. What did you work on at Moser?

I was incredibly fortunate to join H. Moser & Cie’s Research & Development team, right after completing my watchmaking education. My dual background in engineering and watchmaking allowed me to work across several projects.

I was involved in the design of the HMC 201 automatic calibre and the HMC 805 tourbillon. I also worked on the optimisation of escapement components, Breguet overcoils, and their perpetual calendar. Later, I moved to Hautlence, the sister brand of Moser. As a development engineer and technical project leader, I contributed to the collection development and led the full reengineering of the Hautlence Sphere. That was certainly the most important project I’ve worked on so far, and it was honoured with a GPHG award in 2023.

What pushed you to venture out on your own and launch Aurelia Horology?

The birth of our daughter Aurelia brought us back to Austria, closer to family, and into independence. I started working as a freelance developer, designing complications and prototyping for several manufacturers. At the same time, I wanted to build that one watch for myself — something that brought together all the elements of fine watchmaking that I admire: a special movement with hand-finishing, a wearable case, an enamel dial, hand-finished hands, a proper leather strap… and so on.

Friends and family took notice, and a tiny batch evolved from that: the Founders Edition. But I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with Severin Loewert, one of Austria’s most talented young watchmakers. From day one, he’s played a key role in shaping and finishing our movement components.

You’re making your debut with two watches, the Kollektiv I and II. What’s the inspiration behind the two?

After the Founders Edition, I finally had the confidence to think a bit bigger — and I found clarity very quickly: I wanted to build watches that were independent, exclusive, but also accessible to collectors who share my love for traditional watchmaking. Why two models? Simply because I couldn’t decide between them, so we made both.

Kollektiv I has a more classic layout, but features a unique arched element. Kollektiv II is a bit more unconventional, with the crown at 4 o’clock and a slightly more sporty, contemporary feel. Every component, from movement parts to the case, dial, hands, strap, clasp, and even the box, was developed in-house and is manufactured by us or in close collaboration with local partners.

A lot of thought has gone into the design, as well as how everything is finished. Can you tell us a bit about that?

We take our time and try out many approaches. The bridges feature a traditional grainage surface — a very old hand-applied technique that creates a matte, shimmering texture and offers strong contrast to the polished bevels. We also use a number of other finishes: double snailing with a polished groove on the ratchet wheel, and sunburst finishing on the shock protection, among others. It’s important for us to make the craft visible — and to put it at the centre of what we do.

And what about the movement?

For a watchmaker, the movement is always the heart of the watch. I wanted to create something distinctive, but without making it financially unreachable for most collectors. We start from a reliable base, the 6497 or 6498, like many independents, but we keep almost nothing apart from the gear train. Everything else is redesigned or rebuilt, and the remaining components are finished by hand.

We developed our own bridges, an integrated crown wheel click system, gold chatons for every jewel, a separate cap for the fourth wheel bearing, and custom screws. We call it, with a bit of a wink: JA97/98 — Just Another 97/98.

How has the reception been so far? I know the Founders Edition is sold out, but how about these two?

Honestly, overwhelming. Both models were limited to 20 pieces and sold out within 48 hours. Orders came in from around the world. Since then, we’ve also started creating a number of unique pieces and special editions for collectors.

What can we expect from you and this collection in the near future?

We want to push the boundaries of what’s possible in accessible independent watchmaking. With our next release, we’ll take the concept and finish it to the next level. There will be two models again: one in 40.5mm and a new 34mm version, with a newly developed calibre similar to the JA98, staying true to our aesthetic and philosophy.

We’re planning to release them in February 2026, but we’ve intentionally kept a low profile until now to focus on delivering the first watches and planning the future strategically. People often express an emotional connection to our watches, and it’s difficult to tell them “sorry, we’re sold out”. So this time, out of respect for our collectors, we’re working to have a proper batch ready at launch.

What do you hope to achieve in your watchmaking career? What’s the dot on the horizon you’re working towards?

We want to show what we’re capable of. My personal passion lies in developing high-complication movements, and our first prototype is already ticking on the bench. It will be the foundation of a new haute horlogerie collection, set to debut in mid-2026. In parallel, our clear goal is to develop a completely in-house base calibre for the Kollektiv series, designed and manufactured in Austria.

How can people get in touch or stay up to date with your work?

We’re preparing our first official newsletter, and I personally respond to every inquiry via the contact form on our website. We’re also on Instagram, where we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes insights moving forward. It’s extremely important to us to stay connected with the community, and just as much to inspire the next generation of watchmakers.

For more information, please visit Aurelia.watch.

https://monochrome-watches.com/portrait-independent-watchmaking-benedikt-prand-stritzko-aurelia-horology-kollektiv-specs-price-pics/