When tradition meets the mechanical future, the result can be stunning – and in 2025, the Czech watchmaker Robot proves exactly that with its new chronograph, the Robotic One. This release not only celebrates a century-old cultural connection but also pushes the brand into a new design era that fuses biomorphism, precision engineering, and industrial charm. It’s an ambitious statement piece – one that redefines what Czech horology can look like in the age of modern robotics.
To understand the significance of the Robotic One, you have to start with the brand’s name itself. 
The word “robot” has Czech origins, coined in 1920 by playwright Karel Čapek in his iconic sci-fi work R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). In that story, “robots” were artificial workers, a metaphor for mechanized labor. Over a century later, the name comes full circle: a Czech watchmaker inspired by its own linguistic heritage has created a timepiece that embodies the mechanical soul of its name
. The Robotic One is not just another watch – it’s a reinterpretation of the very idea of robotics in wearable form.
The Swiss Connection: A Design Collaboration With Marcus Eilinger
For this project, Robot joined forces with Swiss designer Marcus Eilinger, known for his collaborations with horological heavyweights such as IWC, H. Moser & Cie., and Tudor. Eilinger is celebrated for his fluid, biomorphic design sensibility – most famously evident in the Moser Streamliner series. His fingerprints are immediately visible on the Robotic One: a seamless integration of curved geometry, metallic grace, and technical boldness that reflects both his signature style and Robot’s evolving design language.
Until now, Robot’s watches were fully designed in Prague, while relying on Swiss movements for precision. 
The Robotic One marks the first time the Czech brand has invited an external designer into its creative process – and the result is a fusion of mechanical precision with sculptural artistry. Eilinger’s Swiss discipline meets Czech creativity, forming a watch that feels engineered and alive at the same time.
Industrial Design Meets Fluid Aesthetics
Crafted from 904L stainless steel – the same high-grade alloy favored by Rolex – the Robotic One exudes toughness and refinement in equal measure. Measuring 43.2mm in diameter and 14.8mm thick, it’s substantial but not overwhelming
. The choice of 904L, known for its superior corrosion resistance and ability to achieve mirror-like finishes, signals Robot’s intent to step into a higher luxury tier. Yet, intriguingly, the finish here is largely brushed rather than polished, giving the watch a more industrial, utilitarian aesthetic – a decision that has divided enthusiasts. Some find the satin texture a refreshing change from the usual “liquid metal” sheen; others wish Robot had leaned into the full reflective potential of 904L.
The case’s asymmetric shape nods to the head of a robot, and the unusual geometry makes it instantly recognizable. Every curve and bevel seems deliberate, evoking the balance between mechanical logic and organic flow. The crown and chronograph pushers on the right side add further personality – one being a large, round pump-style button for start/stop, and the other a sleek, elongated reset lever. The asymmetry might seem unconventional, but it makes ergonomic sense and gives the watch a charming quirkiness that aligns with Robot’s spirited design ethos.
Unlike the cushion-shaped Moser Streamliner, the Robotic One opts for a bolder silhouette, yet Eilinger’s influence remains visible in its brushed surfaces and the seamless transition into a sculpted single-link bracelet. The bracelet tapers from 22.5mm to 20mm, connecting to a folding clasp equipped with a tool-free micro-extension system – an appreciated touch for comfort and practicality. Robot’s use of quick-release end links suggests future strap options, a smart move for collectors who enjoy customization.
A Dial With Character and Depth
The dial continues the robotic theme subtly but effectively. It features a vertically brushed silver base with accents of electric blue and bright orange, arranged in a balanced yet playful composition. The 3-6-9 chronograph layout gives it a familiar architecture, but the details bring it to life. The subdials at 3 and 9 resemble a robot’s eyes, while the one at 6 doubles as a “mouth” enclosing the date window – a clever wink to the watch’s name.
Arabic numerals rendered in an angular, techno-style font mark the hours, while applied rings frame each subdial with depth and precision. The hands – a standout detail – are three-dimensional, featuring recessed sandblasted centers bordered by polished steel frames. Coated with Super-LumiNova, they glow vividly in low light, ensuring both style and function remain intact after dark.
The Beating Heart: Caliber R11242
Through the sapphire display caseback, the Robotic One reveals its Caliber R11242 automatic chronograph movement, a 4 Hz engine (28,800vph) offering a 55-hour power reserve. Built upon La Joux-Perret architecture – the same base used in Robot’s previous chronographs – the R11242 adds refinement and personality. The most striking feature is the new oscillating weight: skeletonized to form the Robot logo and finished in black and gold. 
It’s an elegant blend of mechanical artistry and branding sophistication.
The movement itself exhibits traditional Swiss traits – a blued column wheel, meticulous finishing, and reliability that collectors trust. Yet, it’s the aesthetic presentation that elevates it beyond pure mechanics; the transparent caseback gives the impression of peering into the core of a futuristic heart, beating inside a metallic being.
The Price of Innovation
At $9,000 USD, the Robotic One commands the highest price of any Robot timepiece to date. The brand justifies the increase with its 904L steel construction, advanced bracelet mechanism, and Swiss-collaborative design. While some enthusiasts argue that the watch would feel more competitive around $5,000, it’s undeniable that Robot has moved into a new class of craftsmanship and ambition. As one collector joked, “I’d trade the 904 for 316L with a hardened coating, but honestly, this thing still has character for days.”
Others are more critical, noting that 904L can cause nickel allergies and that its heavily brushed finish somewhat underplays its metallurgical brilliance. Still, this deliberate design choice may be what sets Robot apart from its Swiss counterparts – a refusal to chase shine for its own sake. As one commenter put it, “If Rolex is about the liquid polish, Robot’s about the mechanical soul.”
Where It Fits in Robot’s Legacy
The Robotic One doesn’t discard Robot’s past – it evolves it. Compared to the Minor Chronograph and Albatros pilot’s models, this new release feels more approachable, modern, and even playful. The brand hints that this is “the beginning of a new generation,” a pivot toward the future of Czech watchmaking – one that embraces its history while competing confidently with global names. Fans of Robot’s earlier Aerodynamic series will still recognize the fluid forms and mechanical references, but here, they’re distilled into something sleeker, more cohesive, and unmistakably contemporary.
In essence, the Robotic One is not just a product of its time – it’s a bridge between eras. It speaks to those who love machines not just for their utility, but for their poetry. And for Robot, it’s proof that a brand rooted in tradition can still reprogram itself for the future without losing its soul.