Z.L.Toh & Dzwonek Series 1.5 'Aubergine'

The Z.L. Toh & Dzwonek Series 1.5 “Aubergine” is an exceptionally limited independent timepiece that brings together traditional hand-finishing, contemporary engineering, and an unmistakable sense of individuality. Introduced in July 2025, the Series 1.5 represents the first collection released under the ZLTD Watches name, a collaboration between Singaporean watch enthusiast Z.L. Toh and Canadian watchmaker Rafal Dzwonek. Its beautifully proportioned 38.5mm stainless steel case measures just 9mm thick with a compact 44.5mm lug-to-lug, featuring fully polished surfaces and elegantly curved lugs inspired by traditional cow-horn and teardrop designs. The defining feature is its extraordinary Aubergine anodized titanium dial, displaying a rich purple finish that shifts between violet, maroon, and copper tones depending on the lighting. Individually mirror-polished hour markers complement elegant Breguet-style hands, while a beautifully heat-treated bronze seconds hand provides a striking contrast against the purple dial. The chapter ring features minute markers and branding painstakingly filled by hand with Japanese Cashew Urushi lacquer, along with a distinctive red infinity symbol at 6 o'clock representing the brand's Singaporean and Canadian heritage. A handcrafted Kudu leather strap by Atelier Kai completes the sophisticated design.

Inside is a specially modified Swiss Sellita SW330 automatic movement, featuring a unique independently adjustable jumping-hour mechanism developed by ZLTD. Unlike a conventional three-hand dress watch, the Series 1.5 allows the wearer to advance the hour hand independently through the crown without stopping the seconds or disturbing the minute hand, providing practical travel functionality without introducing an additional GMT hand. This unusual modification reflects the brand's commitment to combining traditional watchmaking artistry with original mechanical engineering. The Series 1.5 also represents an important step forward from the original manually wound Series 1, introducing automatic winding while retaining the meticulous hand-finishing that established the young independent watchmaker's reputation. Production was exceptionally limited, with just 30 watches allocated worldwide across both the Aubergine and Bronze variations, all of which sold out on their July 12, 2025 launch day. With its remarkable color-shifting titanium dial, individually polished components, heat-treated hands, bespoke movement modification, and extremely small production run, the Series 1.5 Aubergine is a particularly compelling example of modern independent horology, offering the craftsmanship and individuality typically associated with far more established watchmakers.

Model: Series 1.5

Dated: 2025

Limited: 30 Pieces

Strap: Gray Leather Strap

Case Size: 38.5mm x 44.5mm lug to lug - Stainless Steel

Dial: Anodized 'Aubergine' Titanium Dial With Heat Treated Bronze Seconds Hand

Movement: Modified Sellita SW330 - Automatic

Functions: HMS

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 8”

Case has no wear. Strap has no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.