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As it’s our design issue, it seemed the appropriate time to ask – what watches do the designers wear? Well, their own, mostly, which should come as no surprise. After years spent perfecting their own visions, why should they settle for something second-rate on their wrist? Designers are fascinated by the concept of a timepiece, finding the combination of design, functionality, comfort and wearability to be an irresistible one. Zaha Hadid, who was one of the stars of the architectural world, dabbled in smart watches with Will.i.am, creating slick special editions for his Puls range.
Tom Dixon Block Watch Stainless Steel and Rose Gold (£150)
Paul Smith’s watch collection is made up of the pieces he would wear – classic timepieces and modern chronographs are still noticeably him, characterised by the odd cheeky bit of colour and no-nonsense design. Watch designers are swift to see the appeal of a legendary designer at the helm: one of the best examples comes from Braun, who were quick to utilise the creations that one of the world’s most respected designers, Dieter Rams, did for them in the Seventies. Their new releases of watches include his famous design accents, such as the yellow second ticker previously used on an alarm clock.
For Tom Dixon, creating a watch was a chance to rectify all the things he found annoying about contemporary watches. “I wanted to make sure you could tell the time, because with all too many contemporary watches you can’t tell what time it is,” he says. “And I wanted to set it in a square because the strap has to go to a square anyway.” You can’t argue with this logic, and the resulting piece – the Block Watch features a square case stamped out of stainless steel or brass – is as clear as day. Just how designers like it.
