Horology Planet Exhibition Series — 14
In October 2026, Beijing becomes a meeting point for Chinese imperial aesthetics, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Held at the National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Beijing), the “Forbidden City Divine Craft” Chinese Imperial Aesthetics & Contemporary Creation Exhibition and the “Horology Planet” International Creative Exhibition bring together a range of creative works that explore the connections between Eastern cultural heritage and modern craftsmanship.
The exhibition is about more than the objects on display. It also asks how traditional art forms can continue to evolve, finding new relevance through modern materials, innovative design, and precision engineering. From decorative techniques rooted in imperial workshops to the intricacies of independent watchmaking, the works on show offer different perspectives on how the past can inform the present.
As part of this exhibition series, Horology Planet takes a closer look at the participating watch brands and the ideas behind their creations.
MECEXP: Where Mechanical Engineering Meets Electronic Intelligence
MECEXP, also known as Mechanical Exploration, approaches watchmaking as a field open to experimentation. Rather than relying solely on conventional mechanical structures, the brand explores how mechanical engineering, digital control, sensor technology, and programmable systems can work together to create entirely new ways of displaying time.
Its philosophy is built around the interaction between traditional mechanical principles and modern electronic intelligence. The objective is not simply to add digital features to a conventional watch, but to rethink how its moving components function and how the wearer interacts with them.
This approach takes center stage in the MECEXP × Group63 Limited Edition Watch. Created in collaboration with Group63, a Dubai-born private membership club serving Mercedes-AMG owners, the timepiece draws inspiration from the performance-oriented character of the AMG G63. Its angular forged-carbon case, automotive-inspired details, and unconventional linear time display reflect a shared appreciation for engineering, individuality, and uncompromising design.
Limited to just 63 pieces worldwide, the collaboration brings the spirit of high-performance motoring to an independent watchmaking concept that challenges the familiar conventions of timekeeping.
MECEXP × Group63 Limited Edition Watch: A New Direction for Time Display
Traditional watches display time through hands rotating around a central axis. MECEXP takes a different approach: its hands move back and forth along a straight line, replacing the familiar circular motion with a distinctive linear display.
At the heart of this concept is the proprietary MS1001-TT electromechanical hybrid movement. Built around MECEXP's patented linear reciprocating hand mechanism, the system links a series of gears, lead screws, guide rods, and sliding components to create a coordinated linear motion. Two independent lead-screw transmission systems drive the hands, allowing them to travel along their designated paths.
The movement also incorporates digital drive modules, sensors, and chip-based algorithms within a dedicated operating system. A high-precision optical chip continuously detects the hands' positions, enabling contactless homing and reset. By replacing the complex cam mechanisms traditionally associated with chronograph movements, the design offers an alternative approach to controlling and resetting the display.
Mechanical components and electronic intelligence work together to translate the wearer's input into precise movement. The result is a timepiece in which programmable control and physical mechanics are closely integrated, giving the act of reading and operating a watch a distinctly different character.
The design carries this experimental philosophy into its exterior. The case combines forged carbon-fiber composite with forged titanium, forming a sharply defined silhouette inspired by the rugged, muscular proportions of the G63. Its dark carbon texture is accented by red hour markers, creating a striking contrast reminiscent of performance cars and motorsport instrumentation.
Automotive references continue throughout the watch. The strap draws inspiration from the vertical slats of a waterfall-style grille, while its inner surface features a tire-tread pattern. Made from two-tone, skin-friendly fluororubber, it balances the collaboration's motorsport aesthetic with everyday wearing comfort. The raised, contoured caseback is designed to follow the curve of the wrist.
Measuring 43.8 × 38.2 × 15 mm and weighing 78.3 grams, the watch combines a substantial mechanical presence with a relatively lightweight construction. An artificial sapphire crystal protects the display, while the angular case and red accents reinforce its technical, performance-driven identity.
Beyond its visual impact, the watch is designed for practical use. Its listed functions include night vision, energy retrieval, time display, chronograph timing, and sleep mode. A full charge takes approximately three hours and provides up to 30 days of operation, while the stated timekeeping accuracy is within −1 to +1 second per day.
Limited to 63 pieces worldwide, the MECEXP × Group63 Limited Edition Watch represents an alternative vision of contemporary watchmaking. It brings together the precision of mechanical construction, the responsiveness of electronic control, and the visual language of high-performance automotive design. For collectors interested in unconventional time displays and emerging horological technologies, it offers a compelling example of how the traditional wristwatch can evolve beyond its established forms.
Key Specifications
- Brand: MECEXP
- Model: MECEXP × Group63 Limited Edition Watch
- Edition: Limited to 63 pieces worldwide
- Case Material: Forged carbon-fiber composite and forged titanium
- Dimensions (L × W × H): 43.8 × 38.2 × 15 mm
- Weight: 78.3 g
- Movement: MECEXP in-house MS1001-TT electromechanical hybrid multifunction movement
- Functions: Night vision, energy retrieval, time display, chronograph timing, and sleep mode
- Timekeeping Accuracy: −1 to +1 second per day
- Charging Time: Approximately 3 hours for a full charge
- Battery Life: Up to 30 days per charge
- Crystal: Artificial sapphire crystal
- Strap: Two-tone, skin-friendly fluororubber
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Exhibition Guide
- Exhibition Name: “Forbidden City Divine Craft” Chinese Imperial Aesthetics & Contemporary Creation Exhibition, and the “Horology Planet” International Creative Exhibition
- Opening Date: October 23, 2026
- Exhibition Dates: October 23, 2026 – December 16, 2026
- Venue: 3rd Floor Art Space, Building D7, National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Beijing), No. 3 Jinhang East Road, Shunyi District, Beijing
- Organizer: National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Beijing)
- Academic Support: Research Group on Qing Dynasty Court Craftsmanship Inheritance Examples, The Palace Museum; Watchina
- Executive Curator: Horology Planet
