Äonic
ActiveOverview
Äonic is a German watch startup founded in 2022 by Jörg Wichmann, a designer known for his work in Berlin's design and fashion sectors. The brand focuses on contemporary tool watches with innovative display systems, departing from traditional watch design conventions. Äonic's debut model, the Automat, features a proprietary three-dimensional disc display system developed in collaboration with fellow German manufacturer Damasko, representing a significant technical and aesthetic innovation in the watchmaking space.
History
Äonic was founded in 2022 by Jörg Wichmann, a designer and entrepreneur who previously established Berlonomat (a Berlin design platform) and co-founded Panorama Berlin International Fashion Fair. The brand's inaugural timepiece, the Automat, underwent 18 months of development in partnership with German manufacturer Damasko. The Automat's unique disc-play display system resulted in three patent filings, establishing the foundation for the brand's future product roadmap. The watch combines German engineering precision with contemporary design aesthetics, positioning Äonic as a design-forward entrant in the luxury watch market.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Automat | Contemporary tool watch with innovative disc display | $4,500 - $5,500 |
Manufacturing
The Äonic Automat is manufactured in collaboration with Damasko, a German watchmaker. The case is crafted from hardened stainless steel (1,000HV) and finished with Damasko's proprietary matte-black Damest DLC coating. The movement is a manufacture caliber A 26-1 W with automatic winding, featuring Äonic's custom bidirectional spring-loaded disc-play system developed specifically for the brand.
Notable Products
- Äonic Automat - Debut model featuring a proprietary three-dimensional disc display system with jumping hours, minutes, and seconds across independent discs beneath a sapphire crystal dome.
Reputation
The Äonic Automat has been well-received by watch enthusiasts and design-focused collectors for its genuine innovation and departure from conventional watch design. The brand is recognized for combining German engineering quality with contemporary aesthetics, though as a startup with limited production, it remains relatively niche. Reviewers praise the technical achievement of the custom disc-play system and the quality of materials and finishing, though the premium pricing and limited product range reflect its early-stage status. The brand's design-first approach appeals to collectors seeking alternatives to traditional watch formats.