Just before Geneva Watch Day began, I joined the WRK watch team at a rather special moment. Caroline and Nasko, the couple duo behind WRK, were about to receive the first fully functional prototype of their latest creation, ACF-02. The delivery was made at Telos SA, the movement maker Ratchakdfonds, to make this ambitious project come true.
When WRK first announced earlier this year, I already wrote about the release of the ACF-02. At the time, I was desperate to draw promising pictures with the rendering and specifications, and to see the finished product. However, the expression when the watch was finally cased up for the first time, and the expressions on Caroline and Nasco’s faces had the fruit of their labor were completely different. It reminded me that there is always a very human aspect to keeping an eye on watches and watches that are often forgotten.
A smaller, more wearable vision
On paper, the ACF-02 arrives in a compact, confident proportion. The Bead Blast 5 Grade 5 Titanium Case is 38mm wide, 41mm long, and only 8.5mm thick. It reads as slim, refined and intentionally restrained.
However, the numbers only tell part of the story. On the wrist, the watch feels light and organic. The gentle bent caseback really deserves the old cliché of “it’s hugging your wrist.” The pebble-like profile slides under the cuff, but the clock maintains its presence. This comes from the soft, smooth curves and the tactile matte features of the blast. It’s modern without any hard work.
WRK will deliver the ACF-02 to its customers and select three bead blast finishes (natural titanium, silver DLC, black DLC). The exterior is cohesive throughout the lineup, and the surface treatment involves heavy lifting to set the tone. This prototype is in natural titanium, and it is definitely my choice of three.
Dial and movement
The ACF-02 is a time-only watch with traditional central time and minutes. There are no running seconds or other signs. The dial is partially openworked, allowing you to experience the architecture without sacrificing readability. A fine printed track underneath the crystal secures the display, revealing the mechanical choreography below it in the open area. Between the 10-11 o’clock positions, you can see the two-way micro-rotor doing quiet work. It’s low, and the twin barrel has mirrors on both sides of the mirror. This is an option that flattens torque delivery and contributes to a healthy reserve.
The caliber is AMB-01/1, developed along with Telos SA. Beat at 4 Hz with guaranteed 72 hours of autonomy and potential total energy of around 80-84 hours. The bridge and base plate are grade 5 titanium with bead blast finish that suits the character of the watch. Look at the money shot of the caliber from the rear. It’s a beautiful movement.
One detail I particularly enjoyed was WRK’s decision to proudly display the Telos logo behind the movement. This is a clear statement through the sapphire display, not the hidden manufacturer’s mark hidden under the balance wheel. Nasko said the actual run was inspired by the logo found on the engine cam cover. In the end, it’s the ACF-02 engine that moves. It shows WRK’s pride in his confidence in Collaboration and Télôs’ craft. In a world where suppliers are often anonymous, integrity is important.
It’s a prototype grade, but already impressive
The work I dealt with was the first fully functional prototype. The finish was already great, but I was clearly told it was a “prototype grade.” Under the magnifying glass, you may find a small story that will be refined for production. In my eyes, the samples were amazing. If this is the baseline, I can’t wait to see the production pieces for those who subscribe.
The case surface was consistent, the blasted texture was even, and the visual crunchiness of the open work area was beautiful. The loop and macro lens are relentless critics, but if anyone wants it when it comes to the final watch ship, I would be surprised. A small thing that trained eyes may notice is that the seal between the crystal and the case is not perfect as temporary gaskets are used on the day of the meeting. Quick fixes are required when necessary! Of course, the final production piece has a very specific gasket to ensure a smoother transition from the case to the crystal.
The prototypes are rarely perfect, but I think it’s interesting to see this aspect. We end up believing that everything is always rosy and perfect behind the scenes, but that’s not the case. Hiccups, delays, and the last question are standard. In fact, this strap is also a work in progress, and WRK is working with a new strap supplier since ACF-01, and these things take a bit of work (no pun intended).
Wear the experience
Rendering and paper-on-paper measurements never tell the entire story. I loved the appearance of the screen and was hoping for something great. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The watch is beautifully worn. It’s light and balanced, with organic ease, making you forget you’re wearing something technical.
The aforementioned slight curves on the caseback help the watch calm down, and the slim profile keeps you out of the way. Readability is powerful for monochromatic open work designs, in my opinion. The central phone is clear and the printed track does the simple task of grounding fine readings. This is a design that you can see at a glance without demanding a stare.
LOI, designer responsible for working on WRK ACF-02
The moments to remember
I wanted to mention the human element of watchmaking and revisit it. The atmosphere that hit me the most in Telos. The relationship between supplier and customer felt much more than that. I want to avoid clichés, but it felt much more like a friend than a B2B setting. Nasco put a bag of croissants from a nearby bakery, and the Tellos team came over to hold Caroline and Nasco like old friends, solidifying this as a part of friendship, mutual understanding and respect, not a relationship of trade. Both parties were truly proud to have reached this moment and were excited to share it.
Share milestones
This might read like a marketing waffle or a general BS, but if I wasn’t there I would probably agree. But I was there. I witnessed this all happening and it hit a chord. It’s too easy to think of a large, faceless company that produces thousands of watches a year in large quantities, but this is completely different.
Nasko proudly holds the first fully assembled prototype
It was a privilege to see Caroline and Nasko host their first completed prototype. I have been able to feel the weight of my work over the past few years, countless decisions, and the fact that sleepless nights have been distilled in moments of quiet and proudness. The journey is far from the end, as they still have to trust their brand and deliver the final production to customers who have ordered them to be invisible, but it is definitely an important milestone. The Télôs SA is also worthy of credit. The collaboration was the backbone of independent watchmaking, and here it felt like a genuine partnership rather than a trading supply line. The signed movement plate is more than a name. It is nodded to the team’s efforts that made the watch possible.
ACF-02 is as good as I’d like
The ACF-02 was featured prominently in the latest wishlist article earlier this year. That list evolves frequently, but the ACF-02 is firmly close to the top. I checked it by looking directly at the prototype. This is truly a great watch that balances wear-resistant and modern design without resorting to flashes or fuss. If the aesthetic aspect of the design is talking to you, we recommend checking this directly if you get the chance. CHF 18,924 (example: tax) is not cheap, but never comes at high quality small batch production.
Take my money. Take everything. I really love this watch and can’t wait to see the final production version and final strap in metal. If you turn it orange, it will likely collapse on your knees.
From left: Louis (Telos designer), Caroline, Nasco, Frank O’Ny (Telos co-founder), Johnny Girardine (Telos co-founder)
I just wanted to publicly thank WRK for inviting me to WRK for being part of this cool experience. I’ve been wanting to see the behind-the-scenes side of a project like this for a long time, but being there was fascinating. Interested people, at dinner, Caroline and Nasco gave us some small clues about their next project and how it will soon begin to take shape. Getting a sneak peak behind the curtain is always fascinating, so we hope you can document the story from concept to completion. stay tuned!
