In our line of work, we see our fair share of water-inspired watch dials, from the stunning Grand Seiko SLGA007 Lake Suwa or the various takes on the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300. But rarely do these models work as wholly-conceived timepieces, rather than ocean-themed variants, with a few exceptions.
Enter Toledano & Chan’s B/1.3r, a third-entry in the indie brand’s burgeoning brutalist series. This time around, the young firm has made critical changes to its inaugural series in a way that makes this feel like a completely new watch.
The Brutalist Backdrop
If you’re unfamiliar with Toledano & Chan, the brand emerged in 2024 as a collaboration between New York-based artist Phil Toledano and Hong Kong designer Alfred Chan. The duo bonded over their shared obsession with brutalist architecture (specifically the angular windows of New York’s Met Breuer building) and 1970s integrated-bracelet watches like the Rolex King Midas. Their debut B/1 with a lapis lazuli dial sold out in 45 minutes, establishing them as one of the most buzzed-about indies in recent memory. Since then, they’ve released a mother-of-pearl variant (the B/1.2) and even a meteorite prototype that fetched $35,000 at auction.
Titanium Takes Center Stage
The B/1.3r is the brand’s first foray into titanium, swapping the stainless steel case and bracelet for Grade 5 titanium. Since the original steel versions wore heavier than their 33.5mm dimensions suggested, thanks to the substantial bracelet and angular case construction, titanium drops the weight considerably while adding a darker gray tone that better suits the watch’s brutalist influence. The switch to titanium also bumps up scratch resistance.
The case has been refined as well, shrinking from 33.5mm to 32mm in diameter while maintaining its asymmetrical profile. The destro crown placement (on the left) remains, as does the faceted sapphire crystal that was introduced with the B/1.2.
Ripples in 18K Gold
Where previous B/1 models featured stone dials, the B/1.3r pivots to solid 18K yellow gold with a textured ripple pattern inspired by water. The dial’s matte surface catches light differently depending on the angle, designed to play off the faceted crystal above it. The broad dauphine hands remain asymmetrical, keeping with the watch’s architectural style.
Inside, you’ll find the same Sellita SW100 automatic movement that powered earlier models. It’s a 25-jewel caliber running at 28,800vph with a 42-hour power reserve.
The integrated titanium bracelet tapers nicely from case to clasp, with individual links that vary in thickness and design. Sizing is straightforward thanks to central screws on the interior of each link. The hidden butterfly clasp keeps things clean, and the whole package comes with 50m of water resistance.
Spec Sheet
Model: Toledano & Chan B/1.3r
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Case Size: 32mm
Lug-to-Lug: 31.5mm
Case Thickness: 9.1–10.4mm
Dial: 18K yellow gold with ripple pattern
Movement: Sellita SW100 automatic
Crystal: Faceted asymmetrical sapphire with AR coating
Water Resistance: 50m
Bracelet: Integrated Grade 5 titanium with butterfly clasp
Functions: Hours and minutes
Limited Edition: 300 pieces
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 300 pieces, the Toledano & Chan B/1.3r will be available starting February 12 directly from the brand and through select retailers. Priced at $10,200 (excluding taxes), it’s a significant jump from the original B/1’s $4,000 price tag.
Recap
Toledano & Chan B/1.3r
Toledano & Chan’s third brutalist watch, the B/1.3r, swaps steel for lightweight titanium and ditches the stone dials for a textured 18K gold “ripple” pattern that plays beautifully with the faceted crystal. At $10,200 for 300 pieces, it’s their most refined (and priciest) release yet, but the material upgrades and Swiss production back up the jump from the original’s $4,000 price tag.
