This $1,900 Watch Turns a Classic Rolleiflex Into a Timepiece
Oct 30, 2026
Alysa Gavilan
Alysa Gavilan has spent years exploring photography through photojournalism and street scenes. She enjoys working with both film and mirrorless cameras, and her fascination with the craft has grown over the decades. Inspired by Vivian Maier, she is drawn to capturing everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
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Most camera inspired watches borrow a few familiar details, perhaps a lens shaped crown or a dial that resembles an aperture. The new Artra Camera Dual Rolleiflex takes the idea much further, arranging two circular displays on its face to recreate the unmistakable look of a classic twin lens reflex camera.
Made to celebrate Rollei’s 100 year heritage, the limited edition timepiece is designed for photographers who want their love of cameras to extend beyond the gear in their bags.
The watch is an officially licensed collaboration between Hong Kong based Artra and RCP Technik Verwaltungs GmbH, which holds the Rollei trademark. Only 100 pieces are planned, matching the anniversary theme.
Two dials take center stage
The most distinctive feature is the vertically stacked dial design, inspired by the two lenses on a Rolleiflex twin lens reflex camera. On the original camera, the upper lens provides the viewing image, while the lower lens captures the photograph. Artra translates that arrangement into a wristwatch, turning the camera’s defining feature into its central design element.
The two displays are protected by sapphire crystal, with tinted reflections inspired by the optics of the classic camera. The case also features fine vertical grooves reminiscent of the Rolleiflex body, while a branded nameplate and vintage manufacturer markings reinforce the connection to the original equipment.
Even the smaller details follow the same theme. A control inspired by the camera’s film advance crank recalls the mechanical process of shooting on film, while the strap buckle carries vintage Rollei branding.
A mechanical watch with photographic roots
The Camera Dual Rolleiflex is more than a standard watch with a camera themed face. Its dual display arrangement uses a custom module paired with an automatic mechanical movement. Published reports have differed on the movement manufacturer, so the final specification should be confirmed with Artra.
The two dials also give the design a practical function beyond its visual resemblance to a camera. Reports indicate that they can display two time zones simultaneously, making the unusual layout useful for travelers as well as photography enthusiasts.
The stainless steel case measures approximately 47 by 30 millimeters and is 11 millimeters thick, according to published specifications. Those dimensions give it a rectangular profile closer to the shape of a camera body than a conventional round watch.
Only 100 watches for a century of Rollei
Artra plans to produce just 100 examples of the Camera Dual Rolleiflex. Recent reports list the standard edition at HK$13,800, although buyers should check the manufacturer’s latest release information for confirmed details.
The watch will also feature in Etched in Time, an exhibition celebrating Rollei’s centenary from November 7 to 9 at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. The event will bring together classic Rolleiflex cameras, photography, and timepieces, giving visitors a closer look at the relationship between image making and the passage of time.
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Alysa Gavilan
Alysa Gavilan has spent years exploring photography through photojournalism and street scenes. She enjoys working with both film and mirrorless cameras, and her fascination with the craft has grown over the decades. Inspired by Vivian Maier, she is drawn to capturing everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
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