Pop music for the wrist?

[TimeTexas]

I know that one thing I appreciate about independent watchmaking is being able to see the watchmakers vision and how they implement that vision. And I greatly appreciate when there are some bespoke options that can be customized to individualize the timepiece for you and create a unique piece.

And certainly there are groups/clubs that support watchmakers (see Cronotempvs and others) and have some input into the design choices implemented into those specific timepieces. And I think that's obviously a good thing as it supports the watchmakers financially, maybe in developing a new movement or timepiece which might not otherwise be feasible without some initial funding.

That said, I've seen a lot of discussion the past two days about how wonderful Tudor is for taking customer feedback into consideration in developing and designing their watches. And I guess that's where I take issue. In my mind, that means two things - 1) the watch is being made simply to appeal to the largest number of people (i.e., the lowest common denominator theory) and 2) Tudor's design decisions are simply a function of the accounting department telling them what to make to maximize revenue instead of following a true design ethos.

Further, I think this approach turns watchmaking into "pop radio" for the wrist. If you listen to the radio, you're hearing pretty much the same formulaic songs over and over. Sure its catchy and easy-listening, but is there any really art or feeling behind it? By appealing to the masses, you lose creativity, you lose the individuality, and you lose the passion. Further, there is no challenge in trying to understand why certain decisions were made and by losing that challenge (very similar to music), you lose the opportunity to gain a true appreciation for what the watchmaker (or musician) is really trying to convey. What you get instead is a very nice looking, but imminently forgettable and uninteresting, timepiece. Just like a song on pop radio.

And so while there are some similarities between implementing bespoke elements into a timepiece and implementing customer input in your design process, in my mind they are fundamentally opposed. And I think its diametrically opposed to the ethos of independent watchmaking and everything that makes independent watchmaking special.

[Nakkdry]

That's a nice subject you mentionned !

I think Tudor's not listening customers, they just reduce a size 'cause it will sell more to different people. And when it looks succesful, they pretend they have listened.

As for the independents, the debate is vast. I think the middle ground is to impose a general design, come out with "designer" watches and let the client modify certain elements for customed one. It doesn't distort the artist's work and vision that way.

[TimeTexas]

That could be. I think its just one of those things that irks me as my IG feed just gets swamped with it. As a watch its fine and inoffensive. Actually its quite nice - all of the Tudor watches generally look good. But there's NOTHING interesting about it to generate the amount of hype it gets. And good is the enemy of great.

And from an independent watchmaking standpoint, there are certainly watches and brands that just don't appeal to me. But what I love about that is that they are creating their own vision, creating something new and unique and beautiful that doesn't appeal to the masses, but that appeals to the watchmaker. If others like it, great. And I can at least appreciate that versus the other approach which is to simply create something inoffensive and formulaic that appeals to the most people possible. I guess that's the fundamental difference in people who like independent watchmaking compared to regular watch people.

And I can only look at the same watch so many hundreds of times before getting frustrated. So basically this was a post to vent.

[Ed the Grocer]

If Ajime  Asaoka  had asked everywhere if the launch of a 34 mm diameter watch in 2022 was a good idea, it is sure the last Kurono Tokyo special project would never have left .

Thanks him to do what he feels !

[TimeTexas]

I love that watch - great use of color and balance in the design. It is a bit small for my wrist (18cm). I have some vintage watches that are about 35mm and those look pretty small on my wrist and don't get much wear because of it.

[Ed the Grocer]

My wrist is 17,5 cm,  and for my point of view  small diameter are acceptable , if the watch is thin. 

I am waiting for the Ochre / White, we will see.