Collection: Qian GuoBiao Watches

About Qian GuoBiao

Qian GuoBiao represents a new generation of independent haute horlogerie emerging from China. Working in extremely small numbers, the Dongguan-based watchmaker combines traditional hand-finishing with unusual mechanical architecture. His watches often expose the regulating system instead of hiding it behind a conventional dial. Every design favors clear function, disciplined proportions, and mechanical depth. For collectors seeking independent watchmaking beyond established centers of production, Qian GuoBiao offers a distinctive and highly personal approach.

Qian GuoBiao History

Qian GuoBiao was born in Ninghai, Zhejiang, in 1975 and later established his workshop in Dongguan, Guangdong. His path into watchmaking began through repair rather than conventional brand production. He started repairing watches full-time in 2005 and developed particular expertise in restoring highly complicated mechanical timepieces. In 2015, he passed China's National Senior Watch Repair Technician Examination at senior level.

That restoration background became the foundation for his own watches. Qian gradually moved from servicing complicated mechanisms to designing movements and watches under his own name. Creations including Facing The Sky, Double Balance Wheel, and the Split-Seconds Chronograph demonstrate his interest in making mechanical architecture part of the visual identity of a watch.

His international profile grew further through the 2024 Behrens Kung Fu collaboration. In 2025, both the Double Balance Wheel and Facing The Sky 2.0 received GPHG pre-selection recognition. Collector interest reached another milestone in June 2026, when a Facing The Sky 2.0 workshop prototype sold for CHF 102,000 at auction.

Qian GuoBiao Collections

Rather than maintaining large conventional collections, Qian GuoBiao develops a tightly focused sequence of numbered creations. Models progress from relatively classical small-seconds watches to exposed balance-wheel designs, twin-balance architecture, split-seconds chronographs, and partially openworked pieces.

AB-01 Small Seconds

The AB-01 Small Seconds established a more traditional side of Qian GuoBiao's watchmaking. Its black dial, small-seconds layout, three-quarter bridge construction, and free-sprung balance draw on classical mechanical watch architecture. Details such as the distinctive balance cock and carefully finished components reveal the independent character beneath its restrained appearance. The AB-01 is documented as a prototype rather than a regular production model.

AB-02 Facing The Sky

Facing The Sky moved Qian's work in a more experimental direction. The original AB-02 prototype positioned a flying balance prominently on the dial side, allowing one of the movement's most important components to become part of the watch's face. Its original 43mm format contrasts contemporary mechanical presentation with more traditional movement finishing visible from the rear.

AB-02.0 Facing The Sky 2.0

Facing The Sky 2.0 refined the idea into a more wearable 39mm format. The exposed dial-side balance remains the focus, but its proportions and architecture are more restrained. Powered by the hand-finished in-house AB-02-2.0 caliber, the production watch was limited to only 12 pieces and offered through subscription.

AB-03 Double Balance Wheel

The Double Balance Wheel turns the regulating organ into both a technical and visual feature. Its in-house AB-03 movement uses two balance wheels mounted on the same axis, with one visible from the dial and the second from the caseback. Production is exceptionally limited at approximately one or two watches per year, making the AB-03 one of Qian GuoBiao's rarest current creations.

AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph

The AB-04 introduces the demanding rattrapante, or split-seconds chronograph, complication. Its modified automatic movement begins with an ETA 7750 architecture but receives a newly developed split-seconds mechanism, altered mainplate, and redesigned bridge layout. An opening in the purple dial exposes part of the clutch system. Production is limited to five pieces.

AB-05 Skylight

Skylight introduces a more extensively openworked design while retaining Qian's recognizable exposed balance architecture. Both models use a slim 39mm steel case and the hand-wound in-house AB-05 caliber.

The Skylight Original has a cooler silver-toned frosted appearance and is limited to 12 watches. The Skylight Sun adds a gold-colored, hand-textured tremblage treatment and is limited to 18 pieces.

How Much Do Qian GuoBiao Watches Cost?

Qian GuoBiao watches occupy the high-end independent watchmaking category. Production is extremely small, and many watches are available only through inquiry, subscription, or limited allocation.

Exquisite Timepieces currently lists all four Qian GuoBiao references as Price on Request. Publicly announced pricing for recent production models has generally ranged from approximately $30,000 to $40,000 before taxes, depending on the watch.

Model	Starting Price	Unique Features
AB-01 Small Seconds Prototype	Not offered for regular retail sale	Classical small-seconds layout; traditional three-quarter bridge
AB-02 Facing The Sky Prototype	Prototype / Price not publicly listed	43mm concept watch; dial-side flying balance wheel
AB-02.0 Facing The Sky 2.0	Approx. $30,000 when announced	39mm case; limited to 12 subscription pieces
AB-03 Double Balance Wheel	Price on Request at ETP; publicly announced at $40,000	Two balance wheels on one shared axis; roughly 1–2 produced annually
AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph	Price on Request at ETP; CHF 29,000 announced retail	Rattrapante chronograph; limited to five pieces
AB-05 Skylight Original	Price on Request at ETP; $37,000 announced retail	Frosted openworked dial; limited to 12 pieces
AB-05S Skylight Sun	Price on Request at ETP; $37,000 announced retail	Gold-colored tremblage dial treatment; limited to 18 pieces

The announced prices above provide useful reference points, but current availability and pricing should always be confirmed with Exquisite Timepieces because production is exceptionally limited.

Best Selling Qian GuoBiao Watches

Qian GuoBiao does not publish conventional sales rankings, and annual output is far smaller than that of mainstream luxury brands. The following four watches are better understood as some of his most prominent and collectible current creations.

Qian GuoBiao AB-03 Double Balance Wheel

The AB-03 has become one of Qian GuoBiao's signature watches. The 39mm steel case houses a hand-wound movement beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour with about 40 hours of power reserve. Its defining feature is the pair of synchronized balance wheels positioned on a common axis. One is viewed from the dial and the other from the caseback, creating symmetry without relying on a conventional differential system.

Qian GuoBiao AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph

The AB-04 demonstrates Qian's approach to a far more complicated form of mechanical timing. Its split-seconds chronograph can time two events that begin together but finish separately. The movement uses a heavily modified automatic ETA 7750 base with Qian's rattrapante mechanism and reworked display architecture. At just five pieces, scarcity is an important part of its appeal.

Qian GuoBiao Skylight Original AB-05

The Skylight Original makes the movement architecture easier to appreciate from the front. Its partially openworked gray and silver-toned dial exposes the balance and sections of the gear train without becoming fully skeletonized. The 39mm case is only 10mm thick, while the hand-wound AB-05 movement provides approximately 40 hours of power reserve. Production is limited to 12 pieces.

Qian GuoBiao Skylight Sun AB-05S

The Skylight Sun uses the same fundamental architecture but creates a warmer, more decorative presentation. Its openworked copper dial receives a gold-colored tremblage-style surface treatment, paired with contrasting blue hands. The in-house AB-05 caliber remains visible through the design. Limited production of 18 watches makes the Sun slightly less scarce than the Original, but still exceptionally exclusive.

Qian GuoBiao Movements

Manual-wind mechanical movements form the foundation of most Qian GuoBiao watches. Rather than hiding their operation, these movements frequently place the balance, bridges, gear train, or regulating components in prominent positions. Several current calibers are developed in-house and finished with a combination of traditional techniques and Qian's distinctive architectural style.

Automatic mechanical movements are less common but appear in the AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph. Its caliber uses an ETA 7750 as a foundation, then significantly modifies the architecture to accommodate Qian's split-seconds system and reorganized displays. This approach combines a proven automatic base with specialist complication work.

Qian GuoBiao Watch Colors

Qian GuoBiao generally uses a restrained palette that allows mechanical details to command attention. Silver, gray, black, and polished steel tones appear throughout the collection. Blued hands provide a recurring contrast and reinforce the traditional hand-finished character of several watches.

More expressive colors appear when they serve a specific design. The AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph combines a purple-toned dial with pale yellow elements, giving the technical chronograph an unexpectedly contemporary appearance. The Skylight Sun moves toward warmer gold tones with its textured openworked dial. These occasional uses of color keep the catalog varied without distracting from its primary focus on visible mechanics.

Qian GuoBiao Watch Materials

Stainless steel is the dominant case material in Qian GuoBiao's current production watches. It provides durability while allowing polished and finely finished surfaces to complement the mechanical architecture.

Dials and movement components receive considerably more specialized treatment. The Double Balance Wheel uses German silver and blued hands, while Skylight incorporates copper openworked dials with either frosted or gold-colored tremblage-style surfaces. Sapphire crystals are commonly used on the front and, where applicable, exhibition casebacks.

Straps are typically crafted in leather or textile-and-leather constructions. Qian has also worked with Chinese strap specialist JeaYou on custom straps tailored to individual references. Precious stones are not a defining feature of the collection; finishing and mechanical construction provide the visual luxury instead.

Qian GuoBiao Watch Types

Qian GuoBiao focuses almost entirely on mechanical wristwatches rather than jewelry, smartwatches, or lifestyle accessories. Within that narrow focus, the brand explores several very different types of horology.

Time-only watches include the AB-01 and Skylight models, where simplicity allows the finishing and mechanical architecture to take priority. Facing The Sky and the Double Balance Wheel make the regulating organ itself a central attraction. At the more complicated end is the AB-04, which adds a split-seconds chronograph.

Prototype, subscription, and highly limited-production watches are also an important part of Qian GuoBiao's output. This structure makes the brand especially relevant to collectors who value rarity and direct involvement from the watchmaker.

Qian GuoBiao Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Qian GuoBiao's most significant documented collaboration is with Chinese independent watch company Behrens. In 2024, the two introduced the Behrens Master Kung Fu, the first watch in Behrens' Master collection.

The Kung Fu combines Behrens' engineering capabilities with Qian's watchmaking input. Its design draws on Chinese cultural references, including Qin Dynasty coin forms and traditional martial arts. Qian was directly involved with the finishing of key components. The watch was launched in titanium as a 90-piece edition and platinum as a nine-piece edition.

Unlike large luxury watch companies, Qian GuoBiao does not currently promote a conventional network of celebrity brand ambassadors. The watchmaker himself remains the public face of his creations. Recognition has instead come primarily from specialist collectors, watch publications, exhibitions, awards, and auctions.

His growing prominence was reinforced when Facing The Sky 2.0 and Double Balance Wheel earned GPHG pre-selection recognition in 2025. In 2026, the CHF 102,000 auction result for a Facing The Sky 2.0 prototype further expanded international awareness of his work.

Buying Qian GuoBiao Watches

Because production is extremely limited, buying a Qian GuoBiao watch is different from shopping for a mass-produced luxury watch. Some pieces are offered through subscriptions or direct inquiries, while others may have lengthy production schedules.

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Qian GuoBiao dealer and currently presents the Double Balance Wheel, AB-04 Split-Seconds Chronograph, Skylight Original, and Skylight Sun. Each ETP listing includes a three-year Qian GuoBiao warranty, and the retailer offers worldwide shipping subject to destination availability.

Caring for Your Qian GuoBiao Watch

A Qian GuoBiao watch combines low-volume craftsmanship with highly specialized mechanical construction, making careful ownership particularly important. Protect the watch from strong shocks, magnetism, extreme temperatures, and unnecessary moisture. Always observe the stated water-resistance rating and avoid operating pushers or manipulating the crown around water unless specifically permitted.

Mechanical watches also require professional maintenance as lubricants age and components wear. Exquisite Timepieces can assist with watch servicing and repairs by coordinating work with authorized service facilities. Its service program includes mechanical movement work, complication servicing, water-resistance testing, timekeeping adjustment, crystal work, refinishing, and restoration where appropriate. Customers can also request a free service estimate before proceeding with repairs.

Qian GuoBiao FAQ

Where are Qian GuoBiao watches made?

Qian GuoBiao creates his watches in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. His workshop combines traditional hand-finishing with original movement and mechanical development.

Who is the founder of Qian GuoBiao?

The eponymous brand was created by independent watchmaker Qian GuoBiao. He began his career repairing and restoring complicated mechanical watches before developing original watches under his own name.

Is Qian GuoBiao a luxury watch brand?

Yes. Qian GuoBiao operates in the high-end independent watchmaking segment. Watches feature hand-finished mechanical movements, specialist complications, very limited production, and pricing comparable with other artisanal independent watchmakers.

Who makes Qian GuoBiao watches?

Qian GuoBiao personally develops and works on his watches from his atelier in Dongguan. Production remains exceptionally small, with certain models limited to only one or two examples annually.

Find Your New Qian GuoBiao Watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Discover Qian GuoBiao through Exquisite Timepieces, an authorized retailer offering access to some of this independent watchmaker's most important current creations. The ETP online store currently features the Double Balance Wheel, Split-Seconds Chronograph, Skylight Original, and Skylight Sun, while its Naples, Florida showroom gives collectors the opportunity to work directly with experienced luxury-watch specialists.

Purchases include the applicable Qian GuoBiao manufacturer's warranty, and ETP offers fully insured shipping, including complimentary U.S. shipping on orders over $1,000. Its team can also assist with availability, financing, trade-ins, and after-sales servicing. For watches produced in such small quantities, an established authorized dealer provides valuable support throughout both the purchase and long-term ownership experience.