watch design | GIZMODO.cz

One of my most memorable visits to a museum (so far) is the first time I saw a Monet painting in person at the National Gallery Singapore a few years back. Seeing something in real life that you only previously saw in books and online is a always a magical experience for art lovers. Now imagine being able to carry a replica of this painting on your wrist every day. Well, that is, if you can afford it.

Designer: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre is releasing a very limited edition collection called the Reverso Tribute Enamel Monet “Venice” series. These luxury watches have three of Oscar-Claude Monet’s most famous paintings, the Venice series, hand-painted on the case-back of each watch. The three models – “San Giorgio Maggiore”, “The Doge’s Palace”, and “The Grand Canal” – are reproduced paintstakingly on the 2 centimeters squared case-backs by these master enamellers. They also had to recreate these using the impasto technique to retain the dream-like and ethereal quality of the original paintings.

To make things even more intricate, the three dials are decorated with hand-guilloché distinctive patterns underneath the translucent coloured enamel. Enameling takes nine hours work for each dial since it has up to five layers of enamel and seven separate firings. Each of the models have separate, distinct colors with “San Giorgio Maggiore” and “The Doge’s Palace” sporting two shades of blue while the “The Grand Canal” has a green finish. All three sport the brand’s distinct appliqued hour markers and dauphine hands.

Since the creation of these watches call for extensive man hours and a certain level of intricacy, only 10 pieces for each model will be produced. And if you want to know how much it costs, you’ll have to inquire directly with them, which probably means us mere mortals will not be able to afford this.

The post Jaeger-LeCoultre intricately replicates Monet’s Venice pieces on case-back first appeared on Yanko Design.

For those of us who grew up in the age of analog watches, it’s quite unfathomable that there are kids now who have a hard time, or worse, don’t know how to actually read time. They’re so used to looking at their smartphones to tell time that reading the short hand and long hand of is pretty difficult and at times even impossible. But analog watches are still a big thing for those who want to own classic or funky timepieces on their wrists. And there are brands that keep churning out great designs for those of us who still prefer telling time the “old school” way.

Designer: Sō Labs

Sō Labs is one such brand that is creating watches that are distinct, colorful, and dynamic. They previously released their limited edition Layer 1 collection that has since then sold out so now it’s time to unveil Layer 2. The collection features the signature triangular and circular shapes from the brand but this time bringing a different twist to the design. The day and date complications are now both functional and an aesthetic feature. Each day and date corresponds to a different color so you get 217 color combinations since each wheel has a gradient pattern.

Each of the watches in the Layer 2 collection have 40mm cases and a Swiss SW220-1 automatic movement. They also have a domed sapphire crystal transparent caseback, 20mm lugs, and a 10ATM. You also have the option to switch between the suede and stainless steel strap that comes with each watch. The colors in this collection are more muted compared to Layer 1 but the dials and layers are still pretty interesting.

There are five models in the Layer 2 collection: Obsidian Frost, Iron Flamingo, Plum Punch, Charcoal Fog, and Iced Oatmeal. Each of the watches are uniquely numbered so you can also guess that the price tag is pretty hefty compared to other funky designed analog watches. If you’re a collector though, you already expect that limited edition watches are pretty expensive (but maybe worth it as well?)