How Fam Al Hut is Putting China on the Independent Watchmaking Scene

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How Fam Al Hut is Putting China on the Independent Watchmaking Scene

Based in Chongqing, China, Fam Al Hut aims to elevate Chinese watchmaking to the ranks of haute horlogerie’s luminaries.

by Constant Kwong . Jun 25, 2025

by Constant Kwong
Jun 25, 2025

What Fam Al Hut has accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary. In my view, the rise of the brand marks a defining moment that firmly puts China on the map for haute horlogerie. Among a new generation of independent watchmakers, its ascent is especially significant. Given the country’s immense capabilities in precision engineering, abundant talent and deep pool of resources, I’ve always believed it has the potential to become a true watchmaking superpower. And I had the great privilege of witnessing this milestone come to life.

But before diving into Fam Al Hut’s first watch, it’s important to understand the people behind the brand — the visionaries whose story led to this breakthrough.

The Fam Al Hut Möbius Mark I is the brand’s debut timepiece

The Founders

Known by their first names — Lukas, Dai and Zoe — the founders of Fam Al Hut come from creative yet distinct backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the brand.

Dai, one of the co-founders of Fam Al Hut

All three share deep, personal ties to Europe. Lukas was an exchange student in Germany and later spent several years working in Switzerland; he speaks both German and English fluently. Dai studied the Art of Decoration in Italy and is fluent in Italian, while Zoe pursued her studies in Paris and is proficient in French.

Lukas is a passionate music enthusiast and accomplished photographer, while Dai built his career in art and creative design. Both achieved significant success in their respective fields before venturing into watchmaking.

The trio first connected through an online community of watch collectors. Bonded by a mutual passion for horology, design and science fiction, they formed a lasting friendship and continued exchanging ideas over the years.

The Inception of Fam Al Hut: China’s First Haute Horlogerie Brand

In April 2024, Lukas made the pivotal decision to leave his previous role, feeling an urge to create something truly his own. At the same time, Dai was also contemplating launching a brand — and with Zoe equally enthusiastic about the idea, the timing was perfect — and by May 2024, Fam Al Hut was born. Their deep fascination with astronomy and their reputation among friends as “hardcore nebula hunters” shaped the identity of the brand.

That led me to one of my biggest questions: Why would a Chinese independent watch brand carry an Arabic-style name? I’m sure many of us have wondered the same. As it turns out, there’s quite a romantic reason behind it.

Fam-al Hut, or more commonly known as Fomalhaut, is a hot white star located about 25 light-years away. It is the brightest star in the southern constellation Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish, and ranks among the most luminous stars in the night sky. The star’s name originates from the Arabic phrase Fom al-Haut (فم الحوت), meaning “the mouth of the [Southern] Fish,” or more literally, “mouth of the whale.” This was an interpretation of how the ancient Greek astronomer Ptolemy had described it.

While Fomalhaut is a main-sequence star and only slightly larger than our Sun, it radiates about 16 times more energy in the visible light spectrum, making it remarkably bright and distinct.

Fomalhaut is 16 times as bright as the Sun and lies 25 light-years from Earth

Fomalhaut is the only bright star in the southern half of the autumn sky, located within the constellation Piscis Austrinus

This star was first cataloged by Arabic astronomers during the Islamic Golden Age, around 750 A.D. — a period that ushered in extraordinary advancements in science, culture and astronomy. While observing the southern skies, early Arab astronomers identified this solitary yet radiant star, a fitting symbol of brilliance, independence and discovery.

In ancient China, this same star was known by a name rich in poetic and martial symbolism — 北落师门 (Bei Luo Shi Men) — which translates to “Northern Camp Army Gate.” The name conjures the image of a soldier standing alone outside the camp gate, guarding the peace of the region.

As Lukas explained: “Since independent watchmaking is often a solitary yet luminous journey, naming the brand after a star — Fam-al Hut, a celestial body known for its brilliance and singularity — felt perfectly fitting.”

Thus, in paying tribute to the early Arabic astronomers who first documented the star, while also honoring its deep cultural resonance in Chinese tradition, the trio found the perfect metaphor. The star’s solitude, its symbolic meaning across civilizations, and its luminous presence in the night sky captured the very essence of independent watchmaking — solitary, purposeful, and ultimately, a work of art. Fam Al Hut now stands as an emblem for a new generation of independent watchmakers seeking to chart their own celestial paths. And so, the name Fam Al Hut was born.

Fam-al Hut Möbius Mark 1

With such a deep well of creative vision behind the brand, it’s no surprise that Fam-al Hut’s debut timepiece is equally bold and boundary pushing. Introducing the Möbius Mark 1 — a watch that makes a striking entrance into the world of independent watchmaking.

The Möbius Mark I combines a bi-axis tourbillon with retrograde hours and minutes in a uniquely compact, capsule-shaped case

Housed in a distinctive capsule-shaped case, the Möbius Mark 1 features a bi-axis tourbillon paired with retrograde hours and minutes — a highly complex configuration rarely seen, let alone executed in such a compact form. Remarkably, the watch maintains a sleek profile, measuring just 12.9mm thick at its thinnest point, with a maximum thickness of 17mm at the dramatic bulge of the exposed tourbillon display — a design feat on par with icons like the Rolex Daytona in wearability, yet far more mechanically ambitious.

The tallest point of the watch measures 17mm, due to the domed sapphire crystal over the tourbillon display

Crafted in Amorphous Zirconium

The capsule-shaped case marks a striking departure from traditional watch case designs

The 42.2mm × 24.3mm capsule-shaped case of the Möbius Mark 1 is anything but conventional. Unlike classic round or angular cases, this unique form is inherently complex to manufacture. Yet Fam Al Hut took it one step further — introducing a subtle convex curvature to the case, creating a distinct three-dimensional presence rather than settling for a flat silhouette. Mirror polished to an impeccable finish, the case shimmers with an almost unbelievable level of refinement.

At launch, the Möbius Mark 1 was offered exclusively in stainless steel. But within just a few months, the team succeeded in mastering a much more unconventional case material: Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) — a cutting-edge alloy that has only been used sparingly in watchmaking, most notably by Audemars Piguet in select Royal Oak bezels.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 16202XT features a bezel crafted from Bulk Metallic Glass

BMG, also known as amorphous metal, is a solid alloy with a disordered atomic structure — similar to glass. Unlike traditional crystalline metals, BMGs possess non-crystalline, glass-like structures while retaining metallic properties such as electrical conductivity and a distinctive luster. This unique material is often described as “glassy metal.”

Fam Al Hut uses a specific formulation of BMG that it calls Amorphous Zirconium, which boasts impressive properties. With a Vickers hardness of nearly 600HV, it far surpasses conventional case materials: 316L stainless steel ranges between 150–200HV, while titanium falls between 300–400HV. Its density of approximately 6.8g/cm³ places it between steel and titanium, offering a balanced feel on the wrist. It also has scratch resistance comparable to ceramic — yet is significantly tougher and less brittle than traditional ceramics or oxide-based glasses.

Beyond its durability, Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) is exceptionally well suited for everyday wear thanks to its hypoallergenic properties, low thermal conductivity and outstanding corrosion resistance. However, working with this advanced material is no easy task. Machining and polishing BMG requires highly specialized equipment, and the team have reportedly invested over USD 1 million in building out the necessary production capabilities. Each case undergoes an intensely demanding polishing process with a high rejection rate, reflecting the painstaking level of precision required to achieve its signature futuristic finish.

One key reason for using BMG was its visual luster. When polished to perfection, the material exhibits a fluid, futuristic sheen that’s unlike any metal used in traditional watchmaking — a visual language that aligns with the brand’s avant-garde vision.

The case features a lug-less design with a custom rubber strap and deployant clasp, integrated into the underside for improved ergonomic balance

To preserve the purity of the capsule case, the team also developed a lug-less design, ensuring the silhouette remains unbroken. A custom rubber strap with accompanying deployant clasp is screwed directly into the underside of the case, with a slight elevation that enhances ergonomic balance. The result is a 42mm watch that wears more like 36–38mm on the wrist — a fit inspired by the comfort and design language of modern smart bands, such as the Xiaomi Smart Band, which subtly influenced the case’s concept.

Handcrafted M01T Movement

The Fam Al Hut Möbius Mark 1 is powered by the fully in-house, hand-wound M01T movement that mirrors the watch’s distinctive capsule-shaped case. Ingeniously divided into two functional zones, the movement is as much a work of mechanical sculpture as it is of horological innovation.

The Calibre M01T

The first zone features a bi-axis tourbillon, whirling gracefully along two separate axes. This dramatic mechanism is not just the visual and technical centerpiece of the Möbius Mark 1 — it’s also the inspiration behind the watch’s name. The Möbius strip, a surface with only one side and one edge, represents infinity — an endless loop of time and space. The tourbillon cage is thus shaped with a subtle twist, evoking the continuous flow of a Möbius form.

Crafted from an exclusive titanium alloy, the bi-axis tourbillon is optimized for both performance and aesthetics. Its light weight ensures greater efficiency, while the alloy’s distinctive sheen gives it a uniquely luminous quality not found in any other tourbillon on the market.

Initially, the prototype was developed with a 60-second and 150-second rotational cycle across its two axes. However, the team soon realized that the slower 150-second rotation lacked the dynamic visual impact they desired. As a result, all production models have been fine-tuned to feature 60-second and 90-second rotations, enhancing the visual rhythm and kinetic presence of the tourbillon.

The bi-axis tourbillon, originally rotating at 60 and 150 seconds respectively, will be fine-tuned to 60 and 90 seconds in the final production

Behind the tourbillon is a 15.55mm frame that subtly doubles as a commemorative plaque. Laser engraved into the black background and finished with hand-polished lettering are the brand name, contributor acknowledgments, technical specifications and the poetic line: “All that exists was once imagined.” This meticulous inscription, though miniature in scale, is finished entirely by hand — a testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship.

The 15.55mm frame serves as a discreet commemorative plaque

The second zone of the movement is devoted to a retrograde hour and minute display, arranged in two elegantly arched spirals. The hour hand is identified by a square-tipped white marker, while the minute hand ends in a circular pointer. Once each hand reaches the end of its scale, it instantly snaps back to the beginning — a tactile, almost theatrical motion that’s equally as exciting as the design of the watch. What’s more, the time displays are lumed, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions.

The retrograde hour and minute arched spiral displays

The retrograde displays and hands are coated in a striking lume

The entire mechanism is built on a gunmetal-colored frosted baseplate, providing a moody yet refined backdrop. Due to the compact dimensions of the watch and the complexity of the movement, most of the components are exposed and integrated in an open layout. This creates the appearance of a miniature mechanical city — intricately layered, precisely arranged and brought to life with mirror-polished surfaces that contrast dramatically with the textured baseplate.

The Calibre M01T undergoing testing prior to polishing

Each movement undergoes over 200 hours of hand finishing, with attention paid to every bridge, bevel and surface — a feat of craftsmanship rarely seen at this level of complexity. The Möbius Mark 1’s M01T movement is composed of 297 components, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), with a power reserve of 50 hours.

Wearability and Collectability

One of the most surprising aspects of the Möbius Mark 1 is its wearability — and the fact that it could easily be considered a daily watch. I had the chance to wear the prototype for a few days, and despite its complex specifications, it wears remarkably well. Thanks to its lug-less design and ergonomic architecture, the watch sits balanced on the wrist, with most of the weight distributed evenly. Even at its thickest point — 17mm at the tourbillon bulge — it doesn’t feel tall or cumbersome at all.

The Möbius Mark I on my 6.5-inch wrist

The rubber strap is well designed, with a generous number of adjustment holes to accommodate a wide range of wrist sizes. It wraps snugly and comfortably, even over long hours of wear. I wore the stainless steel prototype, which is slightly heavier than the version in Amorphous Zirconium, yet it still felt surprisingly lightweight on the wrist.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Möbius Mark 1 is its distinct, avant-garde aesthetic. It’s an unconventional piece with a futuristic silhouette — even a little “odd” in the best possible way — yet its monochrome tones lend it a certain subtlety. It may not easily slide under a cuff, but it never shouts for attention either; it quietly asserts its uniqueness.

The watch features an open sapphire caseback showcasing a stylized “8”

In my view, the Möbius Mark 1 isn’t necessarily a beginner’s watch — it’s more of a companion for seasoned collectors, particularly those who appreciate the convergence of futuristic design and traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship. If you’re drawn to the world of independent watchmaking, this is right up your alley.

Given the intensive labor and meticulous hand finishing required for each piece, Fam Al Hut is limiting annual production to an estimated 50 to 70 watches. While the team is actively exploring ways to increase capacity in the future, they are already fully allocated through 2027.

A Vision Brought to Life

Having been involved with this project from the very beginning, it’s been nothing short of an incredible adventure to witness its journey and see the results come to life. But what’s just as meaningful as the creation of the watch itself is the team behind it — Lukas, Dai and Zoe. Not only are they immensely talented, but they are also truly genuine individuals with an infectious passion for horology. Most importantly, they share a common mission: to present a new and distinctive vision of Chinese watchmaking to the world.

Wei, Dai, and I at the Revolution Watch Bar

I asked the trio, “Why is being the first haute horlogerie brand in China important to you?”

Lukas replied, “Oh, we truly appreciate the recognition from Revolution! For us, it’s about exploring the boundaries of watch design — with focus and integrity. China has long been the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, but it has rarely produced truly high-end brands. With Fam Al Hut, we hope to become the first Chinese haute horlogerie brand with scaled production, one that presents a modern, forward-thinking image of China to the world.”

To me, that’s a bold and almost spiritual mission — one that very few in China have dared to pursue. And I’m not referring to capability — because I believe China undoubtedly has the talent and technical know-how — but rather the courage to step onto the global stage of haute horlogerie and show the world what authentic, modern Chinese watchmaking can be. Even more remarkably, this watch is entirely made in-house — and I truly mean in-house: the case, the movement, the crystal, even the strap and buckle are all crafted by Fam Al Hut.

It’s an extraordinary thing to witness and a privilege to be a part of. That sense of wonder was shared by many during the brand’s official debut at Time to Watches 2025 in April, where thousands of journalists, retailers, ambassadors and collectors visited their booth. Fam-al Hut quickly became one of the most talked-about independent watchmakers to emerge from China.

Journalists, retailers, and collectors from all walks of life came to discover the Fam Al Hut Möbius Mark I during Time to Watches 2025 in Geneva

I particularly loved what Lukas shared: “We wanted to create something crazy — but not too crazy. Although modern manufacturing has advanced a lot, fine watchmaking must stay rooted in traditional aesthetics and spirit. With the Mark 1, we aimed to bring a futuristic design while keeping its soul anchored in traditional watchmaking values.”

And of course, the phrase engraved on the movement sums up the brand’s ethos beautifully: “All that exists was once imagined.”

For Lukas, Dai and Zoe, independent watchmaking is a playground — a place where creativity thrives, boundaries are challenged, and fun is essential. Because without fun, what’s the point of creating in a field where passion is everything?

Personally, what they’ve built inspires me to always stay brave enough to imagine — because sometimes, if you imagine hard enough, what you dream just might come to life.

(Please note that all images of the Fam-al Hut Möbius Mark I feature prototypes and will not reflect the final production models.)

Find out more at famalhut.com.