Where did that ‘identity’ come from?
Following on from our recent thread on identity and recognizable watches [ click here ], I would really like to hear how you think the watch or company has achieved this. Does it require a new and distinctive design? A long uninterrupted history (eg. Po...
Great question
I would like to say that I think most designers do not think they have an icon when designing any object- They design for their client and then I think blind luck takes over. Why should the reverso be more iconic than the the Rolex Prince Why should the P...
Out of their time?
Great comments. I particularly agree with this statement: " In fact I think it is the ugly ducklings which tend to become design icons rather than the " it" design of the present." ... and frequently the watches (and other designed objects) that are immed...
If there's a common thread . . .
. . . amongst manufacturers (and not specific watches) that successfully forge an identity, I would hazard a guess that perceived value would be the quality all of them offered. Rolex, with watertight cases and the first mechanically proven self-winding m...
Identity?...
Where do our watches gain their identity, Andrew? The answer is so much easier for those of us who incline toward the artisan watchmaker. Nowhere else will you find a greater expression of the talents, beliefs, wishes or mindset of the designer. The AHCI ...
This is a significant attraction of the independent manufactures
... and watchmakers. And many go out of their way to produce a distinctive design to mark their wares and stand out from the crowd. And Sarpaneva is a strong example. Thanks! Andrew
I believe that "identity" is made ...
On the brilliant minds of the "dream makers" working hard to persuade us that we are part of each dream. This dream can be adventurous, like "wear a Omega Speedmaster and dream to fly to the Moon", "wear a Rolex Submariner and dream to dive to the ocean" ...
It would be a bit sad if identity was manufactured ...
... in the Marketing Department. But it is often the situation. This seems to be more of a recent phenomenon and reaches its peak with the brand ambassadors - create (or buy) an immediate backstory for a watch by linking it to an celebrity with their own ...
Watches with a purpose.
Watches become iconic when they are made for a purpose and fulfill that purpose extremely well. Consider the Submariner, the Speedmaster, the Reverso, the Explorer, the Polerouter or the original Ingenieur (among others): they were not made to be toys. Th...
Are there modern examples?
All great historical references, Michael. Can watchmakers achieve the same thing today? Has Richard Mille done this for motor racing, yachting, golf, tennis, etc.? Are there other modern examples? Andrew
Mkvc.... Beautifully put
And I agree dead on. When a thing is designed for a purpose, and fulfills that purpose ( and then some) and is probably overbuilt for that purpose... And it's design embodies that purpose... This IS the 911. This is the submariner. I love the way you desc...
