Peter Kožár

Co-founder, Biatec Watches

Biatec beautifully reflects Slovak heritage and traditions. What inspired you to create a watch brand that connects history with modern horology?

Since I was young, I’ve always admired the beauty of mechanical watches  their precision, craftsmanship, and timeless character. When I decided to create Biatec, I wanted to build a brand that not only delivers quality timepieces but also carries a deeper meaning. Slovakia has a rich yet often overlooked cultural heritage, and I wanted to show that a Slovak brand can stand proudly among respected international names. By combining modern watchmaking techniques with historical and cultural references, we created a bridge between our past and present.

Could you share your personal journey — how did Biatec Watches begin, and what challenges did you face in turning the idea into a reality?

Biatec officially started in 2016, but the dream began long before that. Like many independent brands, we started from scratch — no investors, no big capital, just determination, creativity, and faith in our vision. The early days were challenging: finding reliable partners, overcoming limited resources, and convincing people that a Slovak watch brand could compete internationally. We financed our first models through pre-orders and with the support of friends and family. There were moments of doubt, but the positive feedback from our first customers gave us the motivation to continue. Today, I can say that every challenge shaped who we are as a brand.

Your watches carry a refined, understated elegance. What guiding philosophy shapes the design and engineering of Biatec timepieces?

Our philosophy is simple — "In search of perfection…”, knowing it may never be reached. We are constantly striving to refine every detail, every surface, and every proportion. Biatec watches are defined by clean, timeless lines and technical precision, free of unnecessary decoration.

We design watches that are elegant yet robust — pieces that look refined in any setting, from formal wear to everyday use. Each collection has a soul, a story, and a sense of balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics.

How do you ensure that Biatec maintains uncompromising quality and craftsmanship while competing in a highly saturated global watch industry?

Quality has always been our absolute priority. We use premium materials such as stainless steel 316L, sapphire crystals and Swiss-made automatic movements from Sellita. Our watches are assembled and thoroughly inspected in Slovakia with great attention to detail. Unlike many brands that rely heavily on marketing budgets and celebrity ambassadors, we focus our resources on product development and craftsmanship. This direct-to-customer approach allows us to offer high-quality mechanical watches at fair prices, without unnecessary markups.

Many of your timepieces are inspired by Slovak history and cultural symbols. How important is it for you to weave this cultural narrative into every watch?

It’s essential. The name “Biatec” itself comes from ancient Celtic coins that were found in the area of present-day Bratislava (capital city of Slovakia). Those coins are among the most important archaeological discoveries in Slovak history — and they became our symbol of heritage and pride.

In several models, such as the Heritage or Majestic collections, and in almost all limited edition models, you can find design details inspired by Slovak motifs or symbols, like important persons in our history or, for example, the beautiful mountain called Krivan from Slovakia. Alos our logo is inspired by the double cross from our flag. These elements are not added for decoration; they tell a story, a connection to who we are and where we come from.

What type of watch collectors or enthusiasts do you feel are most drawn to Biatec?

Our customers are people who appreciate authenticity, precision, and a personal story behind a product. They are often professionals, entrepreneurs, or enthusiasts who value craftsmanship over mass production. Most of them are between 35 and 60 years old — individuals who already know what they like and seek something unique and meaningful. Some are Slovak patriots proud to wear a local brand, while others abroad are intrigued by the blend of European design and Slovak identity.

As a brand born in Slovakia, how has the international market responded to Biatec, and which regions have embraced your watches most strongly?

The international response has been very positive. Collectors appreciate that we bring something fresh to the independent watch scene — a strong design language, excellent finishing, and an authentic story.

We’ve gained loyal customers not only in Slovakia and the Czech Republic but also in markets like Poland, Germany, South Korea, and the United States. Each new collector who discovers us abroad proves that passion and quality can overcome geographical boundaries.

How do you balance tradition with innovation when introducing new collections or complications?

We always start with respect for traditional watchmaking values — mechanical movements, classic proportions, and legibility. But we’re not afraid to experiment with new materials, finishes, or modern techniques.

Our upcoming models, for example, explore integrated cases, skeletonized dials, and innovative details while maintaining the elegance and identity that define Biatec. The key is balance — keeping the soul of traditional horology while pushing forward creatively.

Do you have a favorite Biatec model that feels closest to your heart? What story does it tell?

That’s a difficult question — every model represents a chapter of our journey. But if I had to choose, I’d mention the Biatec Golden Ratio 02 in yellow, because it was one of our first successes and helped us gain recognition. It embodies everything we wanted Biatec to be — elegant, timeless, and precise.

More recently, I’m very proud of the Ivan Bella Limited Edition, dedicated to the first Slovak astronaut. It combines technical refinement with national symbolism, reminding us that even a small country can reach the stars. And I think my future favourite watch will be the FUSION 02 model, which I already adore.

What is your long-term vision for Biatec Watches, and how do you see the brand evolving in the next decade?

Build a brand that makes not only us proud but also our best ambassadors - our customers! Bring the beauty of mechanical watches to a wider audience, encouraging people to shift away from technology and return to traditional mechanics - a return to our roots. Offer long-term sustainable products - a well-crafted mechanical watch can last a lifetime, unlike smartwatches, which need replacing every two to three years. Begin writing watchmaking history in Slovakia.