Selten Watch Company is an independent microbrand based in Hong Kong, founded on the principle of bringing traditional, high-end dial crafts to accessible price ranges. By working with specialized dial makers, Selten integrates materials like meteorite, stone, and Grand Feu enamel into watches under four figures.
Overview
Founded: 2017
Based in: Hong Kong
Typical Price Range: £300–£2,300 GBP
Known For: Hand-engraved silver dials, Grand Feu enamel, meteorite and aventurine stone dials, large moonphase complications
Website: seltenwatch.com
Brand Story
Selten was founded in 2017 by Leonardo Tsai. The name “Selten” is the German word for “rare,” reflecting Tsai’s appreciation for Glashütte-style German watch design and the scarcity of high-artisan dial materials. The brand debuted with the Series 00 and 01 meteorite watches, followed by the Salvage Bronze collection featuring hand-patinated dial structures. With the M1 Moonphase and the Spiral collection, Selten cemented its reputation as a dial-focused powerhouse for enthusiast collectors.
Design Language
Selten’s design language revolves around dial artistry. Whether featuring hand-turned guilloché, translucent enamel over hand-engraved solid silver, or polished stone, Selten designs its cases to frame and emphasize these textures. Case lines are kept clean and classic, ensuring the focus remains on the light play across the dial face.
Movements & Manufacturing
To power their watches, Selten utilizes movements from respected external manufacturers. For their core line, they modify reliable Japanese Miyota automatic movements with custom moonphase modules. For their premium artisan series like the Spiral, Selten adopts Swiss-made automatic movements like the Soprod M100, which are adjusted in-house in five positions to verify accuracy.
Notable Models
Spiral: A series showcasing hand-engraved silver dials covered in translucent Grand Feu enamel, powered by a Swiss Soprod movement.
M1 Moonphase: A collection with high-impact dials (such as aventurine and Musou Black) featuring a prominent photorealistic moonphase indicator.
Salvage Bronze: A rugged dive watch series in marine-grade bronze with hand-patinated dial surfaces.
Why Enthusiasts Care
Traditional decorative watch crafts (haute horlogerie) like hand-engraving and Grand Feu enameling are typically exclusive to major Swiss luxury brands. Selten bridges this gap, giving collectors access to hand-crafted, limited-edition dial finishes at an entry-level price point, combined with modern dimensions and reliable automatic performance.
Official Website
Featured Models
Spiral "Golden Fall"
An artisan automatic watch featuring a handcrafted Grand Feu enamel dial over a hand-engraved silver base, powered by a Swiss Soprod movement.
M1 Moonphase
A dress-style watch featuring unique stone and meteorite dial variations with a custom modified Miyota moonphase movement.
Journal Coverage
Selten Brings Hand-Engraved Grand Feu Enamel to the Enthusiast Market with the Spiral “Golden Fall”
Hong Kong-based independent watch brand Selten has released the Spiral "Golden Fall," a stunning 39mm automatic watch featuring a handcrafted Grand Feu enamel dial over a hand-engraved silver base. Powered by a Swiss Soprod M100 movement, it offers haute horlogerie craft at an accessible price point.
