CKL Taiwan (often referred to simply as CKL Watches) is an independent microbrand based in Taiwan. The brand was founded in 2019 by 廖哲寬 (Che-Kuan “Kirk” Liao), a Taiwanese watchmaker and master repairer who previously spent years restoring mechanical watches. Drawing on his background in traditional horological repair, Liao launched CKL to build hand-assembled mechanical timepieces that emphasize technical modifications and open-worked movement architectures.
Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to CKL for its focus on hand-finished craftsmanship, custom engineering, and accessible approach to high-concept independent horology. Liao hand-assembles the watches himself, often modifying key components or rearranging movement layouts to expose kinetic mechanics directly on the dial side. The brand also provides options for personalization, allowing customers to select specific case finishes, dial textures, and hand-engraved details.
Among its notable creations, the CKL Model V stands out for its high-concept architecture inspired by classic independent watchmaking. It features a floating balance wheel suspended on a V-shaped bridge directly over the center of the dial, turning the movement’s regulation organ into the primary visual centerpiece while displaying time across smaller subdials. Another key piece is the CKL Reverse Auto (Model 2 Auto), developed in collaboration with Taiwanese brand Fiber Watch and watch platform Link and Tag. This model inverts the automatic movement to bring a custom-designed, luminous winding rotor—styled like a spinning “wind-fire wheel”—to the front dial side, creating a dynamic visual effect with wrist movement. CKL has also produced regulator-style displays utilizing a “Three Bridges in Line” layout that splits hours, minutes, and seconds across aligned skeletonized bridges.
