Andreas Strehler - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Andreas Strehler is a watchmaking house founded in 1995 in Switzerland by the independent watchmaker of the same name. Based in Sirnach, in the canton of Thurgau, Andreas Strehler is recognized as an exceptional creator within the sphere of contemporary independent watchmaking. Trained in traditional haute horlogerie and a collaborator with established brands, he chose to develop his own vocabulary, where the mechanism becomes the aesthetic language and every piece reflects a balance between horological science and mechanical poetry.

The “Papillon” and the art of the visible movement

As early as 1998, the presentation of the Andreas Strehler Papillon set the foundations of an immediately identifiable style: a movement whose architectural construction is revealed through the dial, with sculpted bridges and airy time displays. This approach makes the movement the central aesthetic element rather than a hidden one. Strehler’s watches combine technical finesse with visual transparency, reinforcing the idea of a mechanical object living before the owner’s eyes.

The Papillon is distinguished by its double retrograde displays and curves reminiscent of insect wings, a metaphor for lightness and transformation. Through this, Strehler embeds a poetic dimension into a highly precise architecture.

Sauterelle Chronometer and the obsession with precision

In 2013, the brand introduced the Andreas Strehler Sauterelle, equipped with a remontoir d’égalité that delivers constant energy to the escapement. The declared goal is stable timekeeping beyond mere aesthetic refinement. This watch also incorporates a rare function: the world’s most accurate moon-phase indication, with a theoretical deviation of just one day in two million years.

This quest illustrates Strehler’s horological approach: reconciling chronometric rigor with complications that are both poetic and scientific. The Sauterelle has thus become a manifesto of the independent’s ability to push the limits of time measurement.

Constellations, Exact Moon and a cosmic vision

Subsequent creations broadened the field of possibility: Andreas Strehler Lune Exacte and Andreas Strehler Trans-Axial Remontoir d’Égalité continued the dialogue between watchmaking and astronomy. Astronomical precision becomes a field of expression where the watch translates the regularity of celestial cycles. These pieces appeal to collectors fascinated by the age-old link between time measurement and sky observation.

Through these achievements, the brand established itself as one of the few capable of giving a credible mechanical interpretation to the notion of a “cosmic watch,” where complications are not only technical but also narrative.

Independent atelier and discreet collaborations

In parallel with his signed creations, Andreas Strehler applies his expertise in developing tailor-made movements for other brands. This discreet yet essential activity reinforces his reputation as a complete watchmaker, both designer and builder. His workshop in Sirnach, deliberately kept small, produces only a few dozen watches a year, with each piece largely made and finished by hand.

These collaborations, often non-public, have contributed to establishing Strehler as an indispensable reference for independent haute horlogerie, at the intersection of creativity and mechanical engineering.

Positioning, collectors and market

The brand’s positioning is resolutely exclusive. Each watch is priced at very high levels, corresponding to the rarity of production and degree of finishing. Typical buyers are seasoned collectors, often already familiar with the independent scene and seeking pieces with strong technical and aesthetic identity. Distribution is based on an extremely selective network, often involving direct client relationships.

The secondary market remains confidential, reflecting the rarity of pieces and the loyalty of their owners. When an Andreas Strehler watch appears at auction, it attracts attention for its uniqueness and horological signature with no equivalent.

Selection advice and usage

For those interested in the brand, it is essential to define the axis of interest: visual poetry with the Andreas Strehler Papillon, chronometric rigor with the Andreas Strehler Sauterelle, or astronomical fascination with the Andreas Strehler Lune Exacte. The choice will depend on the buyer’s personal relationship with time and its observation. It must be kept in mind that these watches, while extremely well designed, require ongoing, specialized maintenance due to the complexity of their mechanisms.

In all cases, acquiring a Strehler is as much an emotional commitment as a horological investment, with each piece conveying a deeply personal and singular vision of time measurement.

Conclusion

Andreas Strehler represents independent watchmaking oriented towards technical excellence and mechanical poetry. His signature lies in exposed movements, the pursuit of regularity and astronomical precision. The rarity of his production and the authenticity of his language make him a distinct reference in today’s landscape. To decide whether a Papillon, a Sauterelle or a Lune Exacte fits your expectations, start from your personal sensibility toward time and its cycles. To refine that decision, rely on Dialicious customer reviews, which complement the brand’s narrative with lived wrist experience.

(Updated September 2025)