The Rolleiflex is an iconic twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera from German outfit Franke & Heidecke that dates back about a hundred years. If you’ve seen one — and specimens are still floating about today — you’ll know about it. If you happen to be a vintage camera fan and a horologist, you’re about to be especially well treated.
The Rolleiflex × Artra Camera Dual Watch is inbound, supposedly launching soon. The wristwatch based on the century-old German design is limited to just 100 numbered units, and it’ll cost buyers around R33,500 (HK$15,800). As wristwatches go, it’s positively affordable.
Weird Rolleiflex, but okay
Artra Design is working on the historical collaboration, according to several posts on Instagram. Rather than twin camera lenses, the watch layout includes two separate dials capable of tracking two different time zones. Or you could just track the same one twice. It’d be your watch, after all. The classic camera’s layout and branding, including a mention of Franke & Heidecke, replicate the old photography hardware in miniature.
The collaboration actually marks the hundred-year anniversary of the Rolleidoscop, but the Rolleiflex isn’t far behind in age. It’s also easier to convert into a wristwatch design. The old German projector would be a much more complicated affair.
The wristwatch is reportedly fitted with a Seiko NH05 automatic movement, but this — and many other details — have yet to be confirmed. Other sources claim that a Miyota automatic movement powers the Rolleiflex wristwatch. Even pricing isn’t entirely official, but Artra Design certainly seems dedicated to creating a unique, impressive, and hard-to-purchase piece.
