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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDavid Lowinger’s five concepts range from a relatively restrained micro-rotor watch to a wrist-worn instrument packed with proposed functions. Fratello’s December 22, 2025 feature describes them as designs that could be built if funded—not watches currently offered for sale. Their specifications below are therefore reported concept details, not independently verified production-watch specifications.
How the five concepts differ
| Concept | Mechanical focus | Reported dimensions | Standout design or function |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExoRotor | Micro-rotor; central seconds; around 150 components | 43 mm diameter × 11 mm thick | Peripheral green sapphire minute ring leaves much of the movement visible |
| Helix2 | Two double-axis tourbillons; around 220 components | 43 mm diameter × 17 mm thick | Open-worked lugs, crown at 6 o’clock, integrated stainless-steel bracelet |
| Apex Vertical | Central vertical one-minute tourbillon | 41 mm diameter × 15 mm thick, including domed crystal | Regulator-style layout with hours at 9 and seconds at 3; also indicates minutes, power reserve, day and date |
| Tarantula | Double-axis gyrotourbillon and helical hairspring | 36 mm diameter × 47 mm long × up to 15.5 mm thick | Articulated leg-like lugs; removable side keys wind the mainspring and set the time from the back |
| Wastelander | Projected total of around 500 components | 57 mm diameter × 38 mm long × 16 mm thick | Proposed timekeeping, calendar and chronograph functions alongside a suite of instrument features; still a work in progress |
Dimensions and component counts in this comparison are those reported by Fratello for the concepts; they are not the result of independent inspection or wear testing. The source for all five entries is Fratello’s feature published December 22, 2025.
ExoRotor: a visible movement with a micro-rotor
ExoRotor is the most restrained of the five in overall character, but its dial treatment is anything but conventional. Instead of a full dial, a green sapphire minute ring sits around the perimeter, leaving much of the movement on view from the front. Fratello reports a micro-rotor movement with central seconds and around 150 components inside a 43 mm case measuring 11 mm thick.
Helix2: twin tourbillons in a sculptural case
Helix2 makes its mechanical spectacle explicit: it uses two double-axis tourbillons and is reported to comprise around 220 components. Its 43 mm case is 17 mm thick. Open-worked lugs and an integrated stainless-steel bracelet give the design a sculptural, futuristic character, while a crown at 6 o’clock shifts the familiar layout.
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Apex Vertical: a regulator around a vertical tourbillon
Apex Vertical puts a vertical one-minute tourbillon at the center of the composition. Its regulator-style arrangement separates the hours at 9 o’clock from the seconds at 3, with minutes, power reserve, day and date also reported among its indications. Fratello gives its diameter as 41 mm and its thickness as 15 mm including the domed crystal.
Tarantula: a watch wound and set with removable keys
Tarantula pairs a double-axis gyrotourbillon with a helical hairspring and gives the case an unmistakably creature-like silhouette through its articulated, leg-like lugs. Its reported measurements are 36 mm across, 47 mm long and up to 15.5 mm thick. The apparent crowns on the sides are removable keys: one winds the mainspring, while the other sets the time from the back.
Wastelander: a developing wrist-worn instrument
Wastelander is the largest and most function-heavy concept, and the one Fratello explicitly identifies as still evolving. The article projects around 500 components and lists time, calendar, power reserve, day/night indication and two monopusher chronograph functions. Its proposed additional instruments include a star map, compass, spirit level, magnifier, ruler, sundial, screwdriver and spare screws. The reported dimensions—57 mm diameter, 38 mm long and 16 mm thick—belong to the concept, not a finished product specification.
Fratello compares Wastelander’s look and name with the Fallout universe’s Pip-Boy. That is a visual and naming comparison; the feature does not recommend a related Fallout product.
Rank #3
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Are the concepts available to buy?
No. Lowinger’s official site currently displays UFO, Digital One, Series Two and Blue Maze, but does not list ExoRotor, Helix2, Apex Vertical, Tarantula or Wastelander. The concepts are described as potentially buildable if funded, which is different from being completed watches available to order. Product listings and availability can change; check Lowinger Watches’ official site for its current catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is David Lowinger?
Lowinger’s official site describes him as a self-taught independent watchmaker. In its About Me section, he writes, “My journey in watchmaking started in 2014.” The site also offers watch-design services, including bespoke design, CAD models and photorealistic renders, and describes some work as ready for manufacturing. Readers developing or commissioning a watch can find details and contact information on the maker’s official site.
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