Viktor Vlahek (aka Ekaeoq) is an independent watchmaker at Viktor Watches from Croatia.
Prior to his life as a watchmaker, he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and used to work as a software engineer at a programming methodologies laboratory as a student.
He is now also about to begin studying architecture at TU Wien.
Let’s explore the workspace of a well-rounded creator who is bridging the digital world with the analog mechanics of time.
Twitter (X) → x.com/Ekaeoq
Where software engineering meets watchmaking — Viktor's digital workspace anchors around an Apple Studio Display, MacBook Pro M1, and a scratch-built custom split keyboard.
Viktor's desk is where the analog craft of watchmaking gets its digital foundation.
A watch dial begins taking shape on screen.
A stack of books, a chess set in the background, a calculator, and a watch movement on screen — Viktor's desk is a window into a mind that is blending pixels with the analog world.
After hours, the studio takes on a different character. Books, art, and a warm Artemide lamp help set the mood.
The other half of Viktor's world — a workshop bench where digital CAD designs become physical watch components.
Pixels to parts — Viktor's MacBook Pro displays the dial design while the milling machine inches away is ready to make it real.
An independent watchmaker's arsenal — laser engraver, milling machine, Artemide lamps positioned for precision, and workbenches covered with the tools to bring it all together.
Between machining sessions, the turntable still gets its spins.
What are the main items in your setup?
Computer: MacBook Pro with M1 Pro
Display: Apple Studio Display
Mouse: Logitech MX Master
What are the different types of lighting that you have included in the space?
Desk lamps: 2× Artemide Tolomeo lamps and one Artemide Demetra (I really like lamps)
Favorite lamp: Xiaomi Desk Lamp Pro
You have a very unique keyboard. What is it?
Keyboard: Fully custom, scratch-built, 3D-printed split keyboard
What do you use for audio?
Daily headphones: AirPods Pro
Occasional IEMs: Moondrop Blessing 2
My past setup used to be much more into audio, but I still listen to vinyl from time to time.
What is the most recent item that you've added to your workspace?
I honestly don’t think there’s much left for me to add setup-wise, after designing and building my own keyboard, the setup itself feels pretty complete. Now I’m much more interested in everything around it: books, lights, cool knick knacks and art, and one thing I recently got, and am especially proud of, is an original Le Corbusier sketch, although it’s unfortunately still being framed.
What is one change you'd like to make to your current workspace?
There are a million changes I’d like to make at any given time, so I don’t think I could pinpoint just one. For me, the only constant is that things are always in fact, changing.. constantly moving things around, building my own furniture, and collecting new cool objects that make the space feel even more enjoyable to be in.
How do you spark creativity?
I don’t really think you “spark” creativity. I think creativity is something that builds over time, through years of looking at things, absorbing what inspires you, and slowly developing your own taste and way of thinking.
But more than anything, I think it comes through work, through starting, trying, failing, adjusting, and trying again. I can think of so many times where I wasted so much time overthinking something, when the real solution was simply to start, test what works, and see what doesn’t.
So to me, the only real way to “spark” creativity is to get up, do the work, and keep iterating until you’re happy with what you’ve made. That applies to pretty much every part of life.
What does your typical day look like?
Ever since I started my watch company, no two days really look the same. Some are filled with paperwork, some are spent machining, and others go into R&D for the watches: testing materials, sanding, polishing, painting dials under a microscope, and eventually assembly. The one thing that unfortunately never changes is the long hours spent sitting down.
What do you enjoy most about WFH life?
Nothing I enjoy more than sleeping in late. My days usually start off more relaxed, then get progressively less chill as the hours go by and the work intensifies. But at the same time, I firmly believe there’s no better feeling than going to bed completely exhausted from doing the thing you love.
