Perun is a Croatian micro-watch brand based in Split, dedicated to creating high-quality, meticulously designed wristwatches. It was founded by Jelena and Ante Kalajžić as a passion project with the goal of creating lasting and meaningful watches that reflect Slavic heritage and tradition.
Ante and Jelena Kalajžić
The name "Perun" is inspired by the main Slavic deity, the god of thunder and lightning, symbolizing strength, power and order. This name reflects the brand's connection with Croatian cultural heritage and the desire to preserve often neglected traditions through contemporary design.
Perun watches combine Slavic symbolism with modern craftsmanship, using Swiss automatic movements with a date display complication. The cases are made of 316L stainless steel, with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating, and are water-resistant to 150 meters. The design is adapted to different wrist sizes, with a diameter of 40 mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47.5 mm. The watches also have micro-adjustment on the clasp and quick-change bracelets with a width of 20 mm.
Perun Midnight Black
We spoke with Jelena and Ante about their vision, and find out what answers we received below.
What inspired you to name your watch brand Perun, after the Slavic god of thunder and lightning?
J: Perun is the main Slavic god and a very authentic figure in Slavic culture. Most people are not very familiar with Slavic mythology, legends and traditions, but they know who Perun is. In addition to the fact that the name is recognizable and clearly tells people where we draw our inspiration from, Perun is also characterized by precision, determination, endurance - everything we want to achieve with our brand.
How does your Croatian heritage influence the design and manufacturing of your watches?
J: We wanted to design a watch that celebrates Slavic heritage, which we don't see often in pop culture and the global scene. Mythology and Glagolitic are two key elements in Slavic heritage, and their common point is precisely the people who shared much in common throughout their history, from symbols, stories and identities. What is specifically Croatian is the version of Glagolitic that we use, which is the angular Glagolitic script that is originally Croatian and was used in our country for over a thousand years, from the 9th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
"The first design is our Veles watch. The first sketches were just from the get-go, I knew what kind of watch I wanted and I couldn't find anything similar on the market. I wanted a pointer date because they are rare, and personally I don't like watches with date windows and I wanted something that aesthetically works in different occasions. At that time, there were no big plans to start a microbrand, I just wanted to design a watch for my soul, a watch that is not only beautiful and functional but has a story, our story, which has never been told in this way. Our philosophy is to combine history and tradition with the future, to create something timeless that will last for generations." - Ante Kalajžić
What aspects of Slavic folklore tradition are most represented in your watch designs?
J: Slavic folklore is an inexhaustible inspiration, rich in stories, legends, and symbols.
Veles, our first watch, is named after a Slavic deity characterized by duality and perfectly represents the way the Slavs imagined their deities, complex and morally ambiguous.
The Veles watch features mythological symbols such as the symbol of the god Veles instead of the number 12, but we have also incorporated various traditional motifs such as the deep engraving of the "kolovrat" on the back, an ancient solar symbol representing the cycle of life. Also on the crown is an engraving of a symbol called “thunder signs”, a symbol of Perun that the Slavs carved into the roofs of their houses to protect against lightning.
Perun White
How do you balance modern watchmaking techniques with respect for ancient stories and values?
J: Our watches are a blend of tradition and modernity. We use modern techniques to manufacture each component, while key parts such as the movement and lume are imported from Switzerland. However, each watch is hand-assembled, thus paying homage to the tradition of watchmaking and maintaining a high level of artisanal precision.
What challenges did you face in transitioning Perun from a passion to a serious business venture?
J: There are challenges at every step, but like any start-up, there was everything from nerves, doubts and questioning “do we really need this?” to happiness and pride after each problem was solved. The biggest challenge was that we didn’t know where to start and who to pull by the sleeve, but after months of rejections and unanswered emails, we managed to build a network of partners and start production. Also, what was especially difficult was the lack of time in the day. In addition to having two small children, we both had our own jobs at the time that we weren’t ready to leave until Perun came to life. Today, I no longer work as an orchestral violinist and music school teacher, and I have completely taken over the management of Perun, while Ante is the one who focuses exclusively on design.
They produce limited edition watches and pay maximum attention to each piece. Each material is carefully considered and selected, and they work with renowned suppliers for key components such as Swiss movements, lumes, sapphire crystals, etc., ensuring that each watch is hand-assembled.
Why do you believe a watch should be more than just a functional accessory?
J: Watches, like people, come in different shapes, styles and personalities. Some are simple and unobtrusive, others are bold and striking, but all are special. A watch is a highly personal choice – it carries emotional value, it accompanies us through our everyday lives and often the watch we wore at a certain moment is associated with memories, which makes it much more than just a fashion accessory. Those who are looking for functionality exclusively choose smartwatches.
Can you explain the symbolism or story behind one of your most popular watch designs?
J: Although we have several designs in the works, only the Veles watch is currently on sale. Veles is designed to look and function great in a variety of situations. From a picnic on the beach to an elegant dinner, you don’t need to change your watch. It is this ability to transform and adapt that characterizes the Slavic god Veles. Considered the god of the underworld, livestock, trade, magic and wisdom, Veles embodies the contrasts and balance between the worlds of life and death, chaos and order. His complex nature is perfectly reflected in our watch – universal, adaptable and always ready for any occasion.
How do you ensure that your watches remain timeless while also appealing to modern tastes?
A: It's impossible to make something that everyone will like, and I believe that thinking too much about how to achieve that results in a product that loses its character. Personally, I prefer classic, timeless models, and Veles is one of them. However, we hope to release something more unusual in the future, but no matter what the model is, I am guided by my own inspiration, taste and vision.
What makes Perun watches special compared to other microbrands on the market?
A: I would like to answer with a recent comment from one of our customers, a gentleman from Switzerland, who said that thanks to our watch he finally understood the meaning of the symbol carved on his grandfather's old oak house. Although he was not born in Croatia, he said that through our watch he carries a part of his roots close to him. It is because of stories like these that I believe that Perun is not just a microbrand, but something more – a bridge between the past, culture and identity. On the other hand, there is also the practical side of the story. We make really high-quality watches at an affordable price. Those who understand watches know how to recognize the value and quality of our models. Compared to other brands, we are considered one of the more affordable, while at the same time offering materials and design that stand side by side with much more expensive models.
How important is sustainability or ethical sourcing of materials in your production process?
J: One of the main features of our watches is their durability. They are not ephemeral fashion accessories that are worn for one or two seasons and then end up as waste, but rather they transcend trends. This philosophy is in line with the principles of sustainable fashion – investing in quality and durable products that withstand time and styles rather than following fleeting trends. We also ensure that our partners and suppliers use materials from renewable sources, apply processes that minimize environmental impact and ensure responsible working conditions, thereby contributing to sustainability and ethics in production.
What role does storytelling play in connecting with your customers through your watches?
J: A big role. It is precisely this introduction or pointing out of customs, traditions, and even bedtime stories, which are woven into our everyday lives, without us often realizing how old they are and how they have been passed down for centuries and generations before us, that has invaluable value.
Many of our customers come from different parts of the world and Europe. There are those from the diaspora who, through our watch, feel closer to their roots, but also those who have no connection to Croatia. They come from other Slavic countries such as Poland, Bulgaria or the Czech Republic, and find themselves in that common heritage that connects us all. We also write blogs on our website where, in addition to interesting topics about horology, we also write about Slavic customs, so you can read there from the kolovrat symbol to Baba Roga .
Can you share more about the materials and techniques you use in watchmaking?
A: Veles is made of high-quality 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance, strength and durability. The dial is made of enamel, which is a special technique where layers of glass powder are applied and baked at high temperatures to obtain a perfectly smooth and durable surface with a deep, glossy finish. This technique not only gives visual beauty but also increases the resistance of the dial to weathering. The glass is made of sapphire crystal, one of the hardest materials available, resistant to scratches and with exceptional transparency. Its quality ensures that the dial is always easy to read, regardless of the lighting conditions.
In addition to the watch itself, we also paid attention to the packaging. The box is made of wood and decorated with mythological symbols using the screen printing technique. This design makes every time you open the box a special experience.
How does the concept of "passing down a watch through generations" resonate with your customers?
J: In today's time when everything is transient and short-lived, our watch represents something permanent, an object that, with proper care, can last for generations and become an heirloom . Older generations, perhaps due to a different lifestyle and time, had an ingrained habit of investing in quality things, whether it was furniture, clothing or fashion accessories, while today the situation is different. Most of us, including me, often buy cheaper things, even though we know that they will not last long. However, owning something that you know can outlive you is a special feeling and I believe that most of our customers recognize and appreciate that feeling.
How has the global interest in microbrands affected Perun's growth and visibility?
A: There are a lot of microbrands on the market today, which is great. Customers have started to recognize quality and authenticity, communication is often direct with the founder, which customers especially appreciate because it gives them a sense of connection and individual attention. People have also started to appreciate the uniqueness of the product more, i.e. the knowledge that what they bought was not mass-produced. And of course there is the desire to support small businesses instead of large corporations. This trend has also helped Perun break into the market. Through social networks, reviews, comments, as well as through marketing, we are slowly but surely building recognition and attracting people who are looking for something special.
They plan to add more models in the future. Each new model requires time to be perfected and completed so the exact time when we can't say with certainty yet.
What message or feeling do you want people to experience when they wear the Perun watch?
J: We want people to feel like they are wearing a piece of themselves and their personal story when they wear a Perun watch, that it gives them a sense of pride and connection in a way that is unique to each person. A watch should be more than just an accessory – something that reminds them of important moments, reflects their style, and naturally becomes a part of their everyday life.
Currently, Perun offers the "Veles" model in two variants: Pearl White and Midnight Black. These watches are available for purchase through their official website.
Perun is also a proud partner with Donat Faragun Gnjatović, one of the most successful Croatian freedivers, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence and precision.
Donat Faraguna Gnjatović
For more information about Perun watches, their philosophy and available models, you can visit their official website or follow their profiles on social networks.
Images: Perun Watch
Kommentare