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Stealth automatic watch

How would the simplest possible form for analog wrist watch look like. Inspired by Japanese minimalism and vintage watches from the 70s. A minimalist fashion statement piece.
 
Inspiration
Minimalist architecture, japanese design and simplicity in products were main leading ideas in this project.
 
 
One design - two materials
Two different material directions were chosen. Those were also pointing at different customers and different price points. Stainless steel version with automatic movement. Second version was hardened plastic case with quartz movement. For each material different tooling and different case design had to be developed
 
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Prototyping
Several versions were printed and CNC milled before proceeding to the factory for samples. We tested size, proportions as different strap options. Also tested which movement will fit and how it will affect the case size. The crown is flushed with the outer surface, only pops out when needed for setting the time.
 
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Movements
Two different material directions were chosen. Stainless steel version with automatic movement. Second version was hardened plastic case with quartz movement. Miyota 8215 automatic is inside metal watch and Citizen Quartz 2105 is inside the plastic version
 
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CMF
Metal plating, right finishing - polished or matte in the right combination with leather, textile strap or metal mesh
 
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PVD
The metal cases and mesh straps were plated with basic silver. Both polished and brushed finishes were used, several models are matte black matte smoked silver. Also gold and rose gold. Several models had shiny metallic accented markers and hands.
 
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Selection
For the basic colors, more saddle dial designs were chosen as well as case plating. Straps were leather, clean textile and mesh with rougher texture.
 
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CMF
We wanted the textures, colors and finishes to speak up. Very calm and toned town tones as well as loud, statement colorways were introduced. Color inspiration was aligned with the brand’s shoe collection. Some of the colors were borrowed from Issey Miyake, brand we were collarorating with at the time.
 
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Selects
The color selects were supplementing the seasonal shoe collection. Some colorways and straps were on more colorful side to elevate and supplement the collection.
 
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Toned down collection
The other part of the watch collection was focused on more black and white tones with accents on the dial.
 
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Injection molded parts
Injection molded parts comes with limitation of pieces per color. We decided to work with basic colors - black and white for both ABS plastic case and silicone strap. Dials created different personalities throughout the more affordable line.
 
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Renderings
Both 3D and Illustrator renderings helped to make the decision on which colors will work best with what dials.
 
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Display
Part of the challenge was to design suitable display for the pieces. We came up with several options for flatlay and for the silicone straps, since they couldn’t sit flat, this pin solution with luxurious polished black acrylic elevated the collection.
 
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Packaging
Two versions of packaging were made and introduced. Silicone molded strap has to stand and the leather strap with stainless steel case was sitting flat.
 
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Advertising shots
Several lifestyle shots were made based on the customer. Clean and simple aesthetic, demographic that dresses simple, but let his or her accessorries stand out.
 
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Role
Product design, CMF

Credits
Creative direction, design lead — Rem D Koolhaas
Art direction, photography — Frankie Sun, Clement Balavoine