The horological landscape is set to welcome a thought-provoking newcomer with the Nectere Order from Chaos watch collection which launched on Kickstarter on April 18, 2025.
This limited series of manually wound mechanical timepieces draws inspiration from chaos theory and the “butterfly effect” — Edward Lorenz’s 1970s concept suggesting that small changes can trigger vast, unpredictable consequences.
Each variant in this philosophical collection is limited to just 175 pieces worldwide, offering collectors a rare opportunity to wear a physical reminder of how minor decisions can create significant ripple effects throughout life.
The collection’s distinctive 38mm by 40.5mm case design embodies its conceptual foundation with smooth, irregular pebble-like curves juxtaposed against sharp bevels and a tapering stepped caseback. The bezel features subtle ripples along its edge, symbolizing the unpredictability inherent in chaotic systems.
Unique Watch Form
Despite its asymmetrical form and unexpected angles, the watch achieves remarkable wearability at just 8.5mm thick. Crafted from 316L stainless steel with alternating brushed and mirror-polished surfaces, it maintains a 30-meter water resistance rating. The ergonomic curved profile slides easily under a shirt cuff, though its unconventional aesthetics firmly distinguish it from traditional dress watches.
The dials further reinforce the central “order from chaos” philosophy through contrasting finishes. An off-centered running seconds subdial adorned with concentric circles provides visual counterpoint to the sunray-finished central area where the mirror-polished hour and minute hands converge. A striped peripheral section divided into 12 sectors serves as hour markers, viewed through a double-domed sapphire crystal.
The collection offers three distinct colorways: The Mist (silver), The Dune (champagne), and The Forest (green). Each comes paired with an 18mm tapered leather strap — green for The Mist, black for The Forest, and elephant gray for The Dune — featuring traditional pin buckles and quick-release spring bars for easy customization.
Powering these timepieces is the ultra-thin Seagull ST-17 manual-wind movement, visible through a caseback crystal cutout. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a 39-hour power reserve, the movement contributes to the watch’s svelte profile. The crown’s 4 o’clock position maintains case balance while adding a subtly unconventional touch consistent with the chaos-to-order theme.
Nectere, derived from the Latin word for “connecting,” represents the collaborative vision of James Wong and Tony Yip — passionate collectors and design enthusiasts with shared interests in Art Deco, photography, and philosophy. Wong contributes his background in creative direction, traditional print manufacturing, retrofitted vehicles, and Leica cameras, while Yip brings over a decade of watch industry experience across traditional European brands and modern trading platforms.
According to the founders “We hope to create an art piece that serves as a physical embodiment of our seemingly chaotic lives, and a daily reminder of our actions – the butterfly effect of life and decisions. It’s less about keeping time and more about reflecting on where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we’re going – a thread through time.”
Priced at an accessible $475 USD during the Kickstarter campaign (rising to $720 USD post-campaign), the Nectere Order from Chaos collection offers a thoughtfully designed mechanical timepiece that balances artistic expression with horological craftsmanship.
