Independent watch brand Toledano & Chan continues to refine its architectural aesthetic with its fourth major release, the b/1.3R. Notably, the brand moves away from the industry’s reliance on traditional materials. Instead, it introduces a custom “ripple dial” crafted from 18k solid gold to mimic the organic movement of water. As a result, the design emphasizes originality over standard catalog options. Moreover, the approach signals an effort to counter the commoditization of high-end watchmaking features.
As founders Phil Toledano and Alfred Chan explain, “The point of Toledano & Chan is to delight and surprise – we had originally planned a watch with a stone dial, but given the tsunami of stone dials over the last year, we decided to invent a new dial – riskier, but creatively much more satisfying.”
Technical Upgrades and Manufacturing
Meanwhile, the b/1.3R marks a technical step forward for the brand. The watch transitions to a full grade 5 titanium case and bracelet to improve wearability. In addition, the case size shifts to a more versatile 32mm, down from 33.5mm. The model now carries a “Swiss Made” designation, which supports its global market positioning.
The Toledano & Chan B/1.3R showcases a distinctive ripple dial paired with a bold, architectural case. 
The Toledano & Chan B/1.3R showcases a distinctive ripple dial paired with a bold, architectural case. 
The Toledano & Chan B/1.3R showcases a distinctive ripple dial paired with a bold, architectural case.
Regarding these upgrades, the founders noted that “Every new Toledano & Chan watch is an opportunity to improve our watch, to keep honing it — this one is no exception—it’s now titanium, a slightly smaller size, and Swiss made.” Inside, the Sellita SW100 Swiss automatic movement powers the watch. Consequently, the mechanics align with the piece’s sculptural exterior.
Market Positioning and Release
Visually, the watch remains rooted in brutalist inspiration drawn from the window of Marcel Breuer’s Whitney Museum building in New York. However, it retains the asymmetrical sapphire crystal and geometric case lines that define the brand’s identity. These elements continue to blend 1970s watch design with modern architectural purity. As the creators view it, “With the b/1, we created a new visual language, and now the trick is to create new words and phrases in that language.”
The b/1.3R is priced at $10,200 USD. It is scheduled for release on February 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. EST. Therefore, the launch positions the model firmly within the upper tier of independent watchmaking.