The Berlin collection was originally launched in 2022 and quietly became one of STERNGLAS’ hidden champions. My goal was to evolve this successful design into an automatic watch while preserving the proportions, elegance and understated character that defined the original.

What initially appeared to be a straightforward product extension developed into an 18-month process shaped by engineering challenges, movement integration and supplier strategy. The project was originally based on a new automatic platform, but supply chain uncertainties and long-term availability led us to rethink the concept. We ultimately returned to the proven Miyota 8205 platform, leveraging an established supplier relationship to improve manufacturing stability, serviceability and long-term scalability without compromising the design.

Beyond the technical development, I was responsible for refining the product’s visual identity. The final collection combines the bestselling Sepia Gold, Midnight Blue adapted from another successful STERNGLAS collection, and Copper Beige—a completely new salmon-inspired dial color developed specifically for this launch. The result is an automatic timepiece that demonstrates how thoughtful product development extends beyond aesthetics, balancing industrial design, engineering and strategic decision-making to create a product built for long-term success.