Timepieces are similar to cars in that there are certain levels of exclusivity involved when the price tag starts to get steeper and steeper. Just like how a Ferrari->ke252 will never be as affordable as a Toyota->ke88, it also holds true for a Rolex and a Swatch.

Nothing against Toyota and Swatch but the target markets are completely different. Whereas these two target a broader segment of the population, luxury brands, like Rolex and Ferrari, have a more diluted, albeit richer, client base.

So where does a watchmaker like Fortis fall into the picture? Well, for one, it's done quite well by partnering with Volkswagen->ke94 to make one dandy watch in the Spaceleader Chronograph. Created in collaboration between Fortis and Volkswagen Design, the Fortis Chronograph has been pulling in a steady number of design awards already, including the iF product design award, the Good Design award, and the Red Dot design award.

In terms of exclusivity, this particular timepiece is as rare as it gets with only 2,012 units being built. As far as the price is concerned, well, we don't have any info on that yet, but rest assured, it won't come as cheap as one of those cutesy, little Swatches a lot of you are probably wearing right now.

Press Release after the jump

Spirit of the time: Volkswagen Design encounters the tradition of FORTIS Uhren AG

Honoured by awards – three prizes already for the new FORTIS Spaceleader Chronograph by Volkswagen Design

Wolfsburg, 08 April 2010 - In collaboration with the long-established Swiss watchmaker FORTIS, Volkswagen designers have developed a new high-tech chronograph: the FORTIS Spaceleader Chronograph by Volkswagen Design. This automatic chronograph unites visionary ideas of the Volkswagen automotive group with premium precision clockworks of the Swiss FORTIS brand. The result is striking: It has already been distinguished with the "iF product design award," the "red dot design award" and the "GOOD DESIGN Award" by the onset of 2010.

The creative team at Volkswagen was commissioned to prepare a concept for the new Spaceleader by the tradition-rich FORTIS brand. By transferring future automotive-related design forms to the design concept of the chronograph, the very notion of a "wristwatch" was expanded into a new dimension. The result: A micro-mechanic precision clockwork, embedded in black caoutchouc, with a butterfly folding clasp. A mirror-finish polished steel watch casing, as well as sapphire glass with double-sided anti-reflective coating. In brief: The FORTIS Spaceleader by Volkswagen Design.

Three of the most renowned design awards had already been bestowed upon it before the official presentation of the FORTIS Spaceleader. It got the coveted "iF product design award 2010," which has constituted the hallmark of fine design since 1953. Furthermore, it was honoured by the "red dot design award – honourable mention 2010" and the "GOOD DESIGN Award" of the Athenaeum Museum Chicago, the most senior among the three prizes mentioned. This prize was established in 1950 and has been bestowing awards in various categories for excellent design ever since. Thus not only purist watch lovers may crave the limited edition-only 2,012 units will be produced-but those free spirits who think out of the box and individualists will also be thrilled by it.