Dragonfly inspiration from Kieser Design

Having followed Kieser Design for many years now, I’m glad to finally have this custom Tragwerk 2.0 with purple dial in my collection. Matthias, Sandra, and Carolin have really developed an amazing brand and design language, based on the exoskeleton of a dragonfly.
Their latest 2.0 design improves on the original design with a 3D printed titanium exoskeleton, which not only protects the case but serves as the skeletonized lugs for the watch. The finishing on the exoskeleton features a mix of finished on the top/visible surfaces while remaining in a raw state inside the cage. This allows you to appreciate the hand finishing while also reminding you of this watch’s more technical 3D design.
Even the clasp is 3D printed and finished in a similar manner to the case.

The impressive finishing also is very apparent on the dial and hands. The circular brushed dial and the straight graining on the hands and milled titanium indices not only have a very consistent finish but also play with the light at all angles, aiding in legibility. For me, the star of the show is this amazing custom blurple dial color they were able to make a reality for me.
(While they no longer make one-off piece uniques (they do offer custom editions of 5+ pieces), their standard designs are quite dynamic and visually interesting, with a honeycomb pattern manually milled into each dial.)

Having followed the brand for many years now, I knew what I was getting into. You don’t “accidentally” purchase a watch like this with such an opinionated design. The rubber straps have quick release and while you could put another strap on the watch, the custom shape of the strap really integrates so nicely into the design. The lug width is 22mm, but the strap meets the exoskeleton/lugs at around 27mm and then tapers to 20mm.

Their website states a diameter of 42mm, a thickness of 11.2mm, and lug to lug of 43mm. However the lug to lug measurement is measured from the underside of the case where the straps attach. If measured from the top down view of the case, I get a measurement closer to 53mm. Given the curvature of the skeletonized lugs and the fact the case is made from titanium, the watch wears so comfortably for me, even though I prefer watches with a lug to lug of no more than 52mm normally. This watch has 100m water resistance and a screw down crown, making it a perfect everyday wear sports watch.

Part of the appeal of working with a small independent maker and team is that you know you’re directly contributing to the livelihood of people who truly have a passion for opinionated design and true craftsmanship. The whole process of communicating with Matthias and Sandra makes the ownership experience even more special, and the end result of the craftsmanship from Matthias and Carolin puts a smile on my face every time I glance down at my watch.

{Note from the editor: if you want to know more about Kieser Design, klick here}

Pros
– Purple perfection in dial form
– All the titanium, none of the weight
– Supporting truly passionate craftsmen

Cons
– May need a custom strap if you want something other than the standard rubber offering
– Case may look big, depending on your wrist size and preferences
– Would prefer an SW300-based movement over SW200

Quality
100

Style
100

Value
95

Wearability
90