Since childhood, I have been fascinated by technology, automobiles, motorcycles, and all kinds of machines. It is no surprise that during my university studies, I decided to pursue a business in a unique and rather specific segment – the field of mechanical watches.
This hidden world of precise mechanics continues to captivate me to this day. For me, mechanical watch is more than just a tool for measuring time. They are the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, engineering precision, and timeless aesthetics. They have the ability to "tame" one of the most abstract concepts – time – in a way that has endured for centuries. The history of the first mechanical clocks dates back as far as the 13th century, following the era of sundials, water clocks, and hourglasses.
Unlike mass-produced electronic watches, every mechanical watch has its own unique character – as if it possesses a soul of its own. They function without the need for electronics or batteries, while simultaneously representing both an artistic masterpiece and an engineering marvel. For me, they are more than just an accessory – they are a legacy, carriers of stories, and a reflection of their owner's personality. In today's digital era, they offer a contrast in the form of traditional craftsmanship, a return to the roots.
After years of working in this watch bussines - filled with passion, continuous learning, discoveries, and challenges—the moment came when I decided to leave behind the familiar certainties and forge my own path. I wanted to create something truly unique – authentically Slovak, yet competitive on the global market. I met a talented designer and an exceptional individual, Miloš Jakubec, who is not only the co-founder of the brand but also an essential part of our company. Another key pillar of our brand is our head watchmaker, Vladimír Wágner, along with my wife, Janka, who takes care of customer service and sales.
Thus, the Biatec brand was born – Slovak watches inspired not only by the rich history of our country but also by the global heritage of watchmaking craftsmanship.
Peter Kožár - (founder, on the left) and Miloš Jakubec (co-founder of Biatec Watches)
And what does the word Biatec actually mean?
The word “Biatec” (or “Biatex”) originates probably from the name of a king who started to appear on the old Celtic coins minted in the area of today’s Bratislava (our capital) during the 1st century B.C. The name is also used to refer to the coin itself.
To enable customers to purchase high-quality mechanical watches that last a lifetime — at a truly fair price. We strive to set our watch prices in a way that allows a Slovak customer to purchase a model from our standard collection for the average monthly salary in Slovakia. Our goal is to offer Swiss-quality craftsmanship while preserving Slovak heritage. You won’t find a Swiss watch inspired with Kriváň mountain or M.R. Štefánik on the dial. When it comes to quality, we stand behind our products with an unprecedented 5-year warranty on all our watches—completely free of additional charges. Our philosophy is direct online sales to ensure the best possible pricing for our customers, rather than spending on expensive brand ambassadors or large-scale advertising. Our watches are available only through a few carefully selected retailers, ensuring convenience for customers who may not be able to visit us in central Slovakia. We prefer a creative approach over a competitive one.