Viribus Unitis is an independent Austrian watch brand founded in 2017 by Thomas Hiden, who currently serves as the company’s CEO and owner. Based in the Vienna Woods, the brand was established to revitalize the tradition of old Austrian watchmaking and is named after the imperial motto of Emperor Franz Joseph I, meaning “With United Forces”. The brand’s identity is deeply rooted in the military and naval history of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, a theme that informs both its design language and its thematic collections.
Collectors are often drawn to Viribus Unitis for its “modern vintage” aesthetic, which features large-format, robust tool watch designs. A defining characteristic of the brand is its commitment to individualized manufacturing; watches are built exclusively to order rather than being produced for mass-market stock. The timepieces utilize high-quality materials such as 316L stainless steel, bronze, and titanium, paired with double anti-reflective sapphire crystals and reliable mechanical movements from manufacturers like Sellita, Miyota, and STP.
The brand’s catalog is organized into collections based on the elements of Land, Air, and Water. Key models include: – Airborne Series: This collection features watches like the A11 and 153.52, which are directly inspired by historical military aircraft and pilots of the k.u.k. era, such as Godwin von Brumowski.
– Land Bound Series: This line includes models like the IR27, a field watch designed with the same utilitarian and historical focus as the aviation pieces.
– Seaborne Series: A forthcoming collection intended to complete the brand’s elemental thematic structure by focusing on naval-inspired designs.
