Technik4x Skeletor Pro Watch

Introduction

It’s no secret that many of the most coveted Swiss watches—like those from Andreas Strehler, Romain Gaultier, or Christophe Claret—come with astronomical price tags, making them out of reach for all but the wealthiest collectors. And let’s not forget the lengthy waiting lists, which can stretch years into the future. But what if you don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars or a decade-long wait to experience the beauty of an independent watchmaker’s work? Enter Hans Peter Grödel and his Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO—a timepiece that defies convention in all the right ways.

Here, you don’t just get a watch, you get a piece of craftsmanship that’s not only strikingly unique but also built with a conscious mind toward sustainability. From the dual movement design to the solar-powered calibre, every detail feels like a personal statement—one that is both innovative and eco-conscious. In a world where mass-market designs are the norm, this watch offers something that feels like it was made just for you. A watch that’s as distinctive as your taste and values, crafted by an independent designer who’s focused on beauty, individuality, and environmental responsibility. It’s a rare find in a sea of luxury timepieces, and a perfect example of how independent watchmaking can offer far more than just the thrill of ownership—it gives you a connection to the artistry, sustainability, and innovation behind it.

Of course, the real test comes when you wear it. As someone who owns a few of those very high-end Swiss watches—each one carefully selected for its craftsmanship and elegance—trying out the Technik 4X felt like putting it up against some serious competition. The feeling of slipping it on my wrist, knowing it was created by an independent Swiss watchmaker and features a truly unique design, is an experience that quickly made me forget about the hefty price tags of my other timepieces. The question now was: Could it stand up to the high standards set by these watches in terms of comfort, design, and functionality? It was time to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless design. The watch features a unique blend of solar quartz and automatic movement, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of precision and sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of the key technical specifications and how they enhance your experience.

The case is crafted from high-quality 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. It is mirror/satin-finished to create a striking look that balances elegance with robustness. The inclusion of chrome-metalized stripes inside the back’s sapphire crystal is an excellent touch, providing not only a unique aesthetic but also a high level of craftsmanship visible through the case-back. The watch’s back is further enhanced by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings, ensuring clarity and sharpness from all angles.

The black dial is sophisticated and easy to read, with silver printing and skeleton openings that offer a peek into the mechanical heart of the watch. The 3D depth created by the anti-reflective coatings on both sides of the sapphire crystal gives the impression of a “floating movement,” enhancing the visual appeal. The hands are finished with Swiss Super-LumiNova SLN/BG W9, ensuring that they glow brightly in the dark for easy readability at night, while the indexes also feature Swiss Super-LumiNova SLN/C1 for added visibility in low light.

One of the standout features of this timepiece is its hybrid movement system. The watch is powered by two high-quality movements, one automatic and one solar-powered:

Automatic Movement: On the right side, the watch houses the NH05B automatic movement from Seiko/SII. This movement has an accuracy of -5 to +20 seconds per day, and boasts a power reserve of over 40 hours, ensuring that your watch will keep ticking even when not in use for a day or two. The movement also includes a date function for added convenience.

Solar Movement: On the left side, the VS17A solar movement from Epson provides an eco-friendly alternative, powered by light and capable of running for over six months in the dark. With an accuracy of ±20 seconds per month, this movement is an extremely reliable option for the environmentally conscious wearer. It also has a long-lasting accumulator with a lifetime of 8-10 years, reducing the need for constant battery replacements.

This hybrid movement system is housed in a rhodium-plated, beautifully decorated movement holder with Geneva stripes, a hallmark of fine watchmaking. The visible movements through the sapphire crystal case-back are a treat for the eye, with the rotor of the automatic movement adding an extra layer of complexity and elegance.

The Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO is designed for everyday wear. It is water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 meters), making it suitable for swimming, showering, and splashes of water, though it’s not intended for deep diving. This level of water resistance ensures that the watch can handle the rigours of daily life while maintaining its sleek appearance.

At just 11.45mm in height, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO offers a slim profile that sits comfortably on the wrist. The lug width is 20mm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of straps if you want to customise the look of your watch. The lug-to-lug measurement of 49mm provides a balanced fit for most wrist sizes, while the watch weighs just 86 grams with the nylon strap and 138 grams with the stainless steel mesh bracelet. This ensures a solid, yet comfortable feel on the wrist.

The mesh bracelet, mirror-finished, is adjustable and designed for easy wear. It includes a tool-free quick-release spring bar system, allowing you to change straps without needing special tools—ideal for those who like to swap between different looks depending on the occasion.

At 499 CHF plus shipping, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO offers exceptional value for a watch of this quality. With its advanced hybrid movement system, premium materials, and unique design, it stands as a true contender against far more expensive Swiss watches. It combines the beauty of mechanical and quartz movements with sustainable energy, all while being crafted with the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking.

For watch enthusiasts who appreciate both form and function, and for those who want a timepiece that offers sustainability and superior craftsmanship without the prohibitive price tag, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO presents an exceptional opportunity.

Experience

Having worn a variety of expensive Swiss watches, I’ve come to appreciate the distinct feel that each watch brings to the table—especially when you start comparing them against one another. Some of my go-to pieces, which I’ve spent far more on, have that signature luxury weight, the kind of feel that lets you know you’re wearing something premium. These watches typically boast ultra-fine craftsmanship and cutting-edge movements, but at a significantly higher price point. So, when I first slipped on the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO, I’ll admit I was curious—could a more affordable piece from a smaller brand offer something that could go toe-to-toe with these timepieces?

To my surprise, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO felt right at home on my wrist, despite its more modest price tag. The watch sits comfortably thanks to its slim profile of just 11.45mm, making it feel more like a high-end dress watch than a bulky sports model. In comparison to some of my heavier Swiss watches, which can occasionally feel a bit cumbersome, the SKELETOR PRO’s 86 grams (with the nylon strap) felt just light enough to wear all day without any discomfort. Adding the mesh bracelet does make it heavier at 138 grams, but the solid stainless steel and sleek design made it feel balanced—especially given the ease with which I could swap the straps using the quick-release system.

In terms of aesthetics, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO holds its own against pricier Swiss watches, with its stunning 3D dial depth, clear sapphire crystal, and exposed movement that adds a layer of visual intrigue. The hybrid movement is a key differentiator: not only does it deliver the precision of a solar-powered system (with the added benefit of long-term sustainability), but it also gives the watch a sort of refined mechanical elegance. I was especially impressed by how clean the design felt—no unnecessary clutter, just a beautifully executed watch that felt minimalist yet purposeful. The luminous hands and indexes made it very easy to read in low-light settings, a feature that often gets overlooked in many higher-end models.

That being said, it’s impossible to ignore that the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO isn’t quite the same as wearing a Swiss watch that costs several thousand francs. The weight of the watch might feel just a tad too light for some enthusiasts who expect the traditional heft of a luxury watch. The water resistance at 50 metres is adequate for everyday wear, but it doesn’t quite match the professional-grade 100m or 200m resistance found in some high-end Swiss models, especially for those who engage in regular water sports or deep-water diving.

The hybrid movement, while fascinating and eco-friendly, doesn’t quite match the precision of mechanical-only Swiss movements, and the accuracy can vary slightly more over time. That said, for most everyday purposes, this is hardly an issue. The solar side of the movement, in particular, provides excellent reliability and peace of mind for those conscious about battery life and sustainability. Still, if you’re someone who truly lives for the mechanical intricacies and the perfection of Swiss chronographs, you might notice that this watch has a slightly different approach to timekeeping.

Throughout the day, I didn’t find myself wishing I was wearing one of my pricier Swiss pieces. The Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO became a staple in my daily rotation, a go-to watch for everything from casual meetings to weekend get-togethers. The mesh bracelet felt breathable and didn’t stick to my wrist, unlike some heavier bracelets from other Swiss brands, which can occasionally cause discomfort on warmer days. It’s a watch I didn’t need to constantly think about—it’s rugged enough for everyday activities but refined enough to wear in more formal settings.

One of my favourite aspects was how the watch blended in seamlessly with both my casual and more polished outfits. Unlike some of my other luxury watches, which tend to stand out a bit more in less formal settings, the SKELETOR PRO had the versatility to look just as good with a T-shirt as it did with a button-up shirt or blazer. I never had to second-guess whether it was appropriate for the occasion.

Ultimately, the Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO isn’t trying to be the heavyweight champion of Swiss luxury watches. What it does is offer an affordable, striking alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality, aesthetics, or functionality. It holds its own in terms of craftsmanship, and the unique combination of solar and automatic movements gives it a fresh twist on traditional timekeeping. It’s a watch that feels like an extension of your personal style—a sophisticated, yet understated statement piece that is as reliable as it is beautiful.

Final Thoughts

The Technik 4X SKELETOR PRO is a refreshing take on modern watchmaking. Its blend of mechanical and solar movements, coupled with its unique aesthetic and eco-friendly design, makes it stand out in a sea of traditional timepieces. While not as traditional as the well-established Swiss powerhouses, it offers incredible value for the price—bringing a truly independent design to the mainstream market. The watch is practical, stylish, and sustainable, ticking all the boxes for those who value craftsmanship and originality. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable, attractive timepiece with a personal touch, the SKELETOR PRO offers a compelling case. It’s an excellent option for those who appreciate innovative design and sustainable technology, all without breaking the bank.