At just 26 years old, Benedikt Prand-Stritzko has taken a bold step into the world of independent watchmaking by launching Aurelia Horology. Growing up near Austria’s only watchmaking school, Benedikt’s path to horology wasn’t immediate he first studied engineering. But after discovering the wonders of mechanical watches, he knew he had found his true calling.
Inspired by the technical artistry of brands like HYT, Benedikt immersed himself in the world of watchmaking. He trained extensively and later joined the Research & Development team at the renowned indie brand H. Moser & Cie, where he contributed to movements like the HMC 201 and HMC 805 tourbillon, as well as the reengineering of the award-winning Hautlence Sphere.
The birth of his daughter Aurelia inspired a move back to Austria and the founding of his own brand. What began as a personal project to create his dream watch evolved into a limited run of handcrafted timepieces. With the help of skilled collaborator Severin Loewert, Benedikt launched the Founders Edition quickly followed by Kollektiv I and Kollektiv II.
Both models reflect Benedikt’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship, featuring in-house developed components and high-level finishing. Kollektiv I presents a classical design with a unique arched motif, while Kollektiv II introduces a more modern, sporty aesthetic. From bridges with traditional grainage finishing to gold chatons and custom screws, each piece showcases attention to detail and mechanical beauty.
The watches use a heavily reworked base movement dubbed the JA97/98 retaining only the gear train from the original Unitas 6497/6498. Everything else is redesigned, bringing a distinctive identity to Aurelia Horology’s creations.
The response has been extraordinary. All 40 pieces of the debut collection sold out within 48 hours. With new releases planned for February 2026, including a 34mm and 40.5mm model with further refined finishing, Aurelia Horology continues to build momentum. A haute horlogerie collection and a fully in-house calibre are already in development, signaling a promising future.
Benedikt’s commitment to accessible excellence and community engagement ensures Aurelia Horology is more than a brand it’s a passion-driven movement.
