Developing the Zirkel X

Watch Design & Product Development | STERNGLAS | 2025–2026

Exploring a New Design

In late 2025, I started working on an idea for a new STERNGLAS watch built around symmetry and circular shapes. The concept was to create a balanced dial with two subdials positioned at 12 and 6 o'clock, within a compact case.

With the 10th anniversary of STERNGLAS approaching, we also started considering whether this design could become our anniversary watch.

The first prototypes had a 36 mm case with 10 bar water resistance. While I liked the compact diameter, the combination of the movement, case construction and water resistance made the watch feel too thick for its size.

We eventually moved towards a 38 mm design, which offered better overall proportions.

Refining the Concept

In early 2026, we included the design in a community survey with more than 5,000 participants. The positive response encouraged us to continue developing the concept.

Around the same time, we had completed the development of the Naos Moonphase, which uses a Miyota movement from the same 6P family.

Since the Miyota 6P23 was compatible with the existing case architecture, we decided to use the Naos Moonphase case for the Zirkel X. This allowed us to avoid additional case tooling, reuse existing components and focus our development efforts on the dial.

I continued refining the layout, particularly the proportions of the subdials, the typography and the overall balance of the different elements.

We introduced Neue DIN, a contemporary interpretation of the classic German DIN typeface, and adjusted the numerals to improve legibility. The hands were also updated with Luminova for better readability in low-light conditions.

One of my favorite details is the vertically brushed dial. Combined with the domed surface, it creates a subtle play of light that gives the otherwise minimal design more depth.

Launching the Anniversary Watch

We launched the Zirkel X on October 13, 2026, to celebrate ten years of STERNGLAS.

The first 1,000 watches featured a special anniversary engraving on the caseback, while the design itself was introduced as a permanent addition to our collection.

The response exceeded our expectations. The Zirkel X became the most successful product launch in the company's history, accompanied by particularly positive feedback from our community.

Looking back, what I appreciate most about this project is how the design developed through several stages. The original idea remained largely the same, but decisions about case size, proportions, typography and materials made a significant difference to the final watch.

It was also a good example of how we could develop a new design while making use of existing components and production experience.

The result is a watch that feels quite different from our previous models, while still being recognizable as a STERNGLAS.