REXHEP REXHEPI
FOUNDER & WATCHMAKER
AKRIVIA
“My inspiration comes from many fields beyond watchmaking. Wandering in nature with my children keeps me curious, filling me with wonder and creativity. I’m drawn to architecture, design, and furniture—their shapes and materials spark ideas for my creations. Music stirs my emotions, helps me stay focused, and motivates me every day. And of course, food connects me to others, whether at work or home. These precious moments connect and inspire me.”
Rexhep Rexhepi is widely regarded as one of the most talented independent watchmakers of his generation. Born and raised in Kosovo, Rexhep and his family moved to Switzerland when he was 12 years old. Two years later, Rexhep began his horological journey as an apprentice at Patek Philippe. In 2012, at just 25 years old, Rexhep founded Akrivia in Geneva. Initially focusing on complicated watches including chronographs and tourbillons, Akrivia’s breakthrough moment came in 2018 with the release of the Chronomètre Contemporain I at Baselworld. The watch, with its classical dial design and hand-finished movement, earned widespread acclaim, including the Men’s Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Rexhep continued to build on this success with the Chronomètre Contemporain II, which featured subtle refinements and the RRCC02 movement with dead-beat jumping seconds. His Chronomètre Antimagnétique watch also garnered attention for its technical innovation and modern interpretation of classical antimagnetic watches.
The expansion of Rexhep’s workshop in Geneva’s Old Town reflects his growing in-house capabilities. His collaboration with master casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann and a recent partnership with Louis Vuitton underscore his commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary challenges, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of independent horology.
GPHG 2018
Men’s Watch Prize
Chronomètre Contemporain I
GPHG 2022
Men’s Watch Prize
Chronomètre Contemporain II
GPHG 2018
Men’s Watch Prize
Chronomètre Contemporain I
GPHG 2022
Men’s Watch Prize
Chronomètre Contemporain II