Andreas Strehler is one of the most successful independent watchmakers. Known for sophisticated creations such as the Sauterelle à Lune Exacte and the Trans-Axial Tourbillon, his work has long been associated with complex mechanics and meticulous execution. With the launch of the Strehler brand three years ago, he wanted to create watches that were simpler in function, but still designed and manufactured in-house, with the same level of attention. The Strehler brand's first model, the Sirna, a timepiece, was designed as a daily companion and established the principles of the new brand: clarity, restraint and mechanical integrity. The new Säntis, named after the Appenzell mountain where Strehler's studio is located, introduces a world time complication and is intuitive, elegant and mechanically coherent.
The Säntis is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case that is 9.7mm thick and 47mm lug-to-lug diameter. A single crown positioned at 3 o'clock controls all functions, which is a smart choice for the sake of maintaining a clear profile alone. The crown functions in three positions: winding in the neutral position, setting the city and 24-hour rings in the intermediate position, clockwise and counterclockwise respectively, and fully extended for time setting. The water resistance is 30 m, which corresponds to everyday, non-sports use. The housing is self-made and has a deliberately reserved design, with a clear focus on ergonomics.
The dial follows the same design principles as the Sirna, but adapts it to the requirements of a world time display. The central element is a machined, hand-polished titanium dial with pattern engraving, which is surrounded by three functional layers. The outer ring displays 24 time zones, with some locations marked with a sun symbol to indicate daylight saving time and a Strehler name to indicate CET.
Closer to the center, the rotating 24-hour ring is divided into day and night segments for instant reading of world time. On the edge of the dial there is a minute track with luminous markers at 5-minute intervals. Both the city ring and the 24-hour ring feature a luminous print, while the hand-polished steel hour and minute hands with arrow-shaped luminous tips remain clearly visible. The dial, minute ring and crown offer personalization options; However, the locations of the city disks cannot be changed.
The Strehler Säntis is powered by the SA-30W caliber, an in-house automatic movement that is derived from the Sirna's SA-30. The base was retained, but a world time module with 41 components was added, bringing the total to 224 components. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is regulated by a free-swinging balance wheel with four adjustment screws and Strehler's own Swiss lever escapement. The power reserve is 60 hours. The automatic winding system uses an 18k gold skeletonized rotor mounted on ceramic ball bearings. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement features polished facets with inward angles, circular Geneva stripes, perlage and finely grained wheels.
The watch is worn on a brown calfskin strap, manufactured by Ledertique and Atelier Petrov. The strap has a slightly grained texture with contrasting cream stitching. Alternative materials and colors are available upon request. The stainless steel pin buckle is made in-house. The Strehler Säntis is not a limited edition, but the size of the atelier limits production, and annual production is estimated at 30 to 50 watches, shared between the Sirna and Säntis models. The price is CHF 24,750 (excluding taxes).
Further information can be found at Strehler.watch.
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