Obaku Catalogue 2008

watches 2008/2009

OBAKU ENGLISH FINAL NEW 2008 C.indd 1 03/04/08 7:26:29

FORGET ABOUT TIME - LET THE MOMENT RULE


the unityof simplicity

4 I 5 o b a k u h a r m o n y


Merging two things in an artful way means getting rid of everything not really

needed. Paring something right down to the bare essentials of simplicity and

then giving it life, shape and texture.

Obaku Harmony is an exclusive collection of watches with a focus on simple,

serene design. This collection is backed by a philosophy of blending the two

diff erent traditions of simplicity found in the European and Asian cultures.

simplicity is a lifestyle

An oasis of calm, balance and harmony in the midst of a world in constant

movement. Regardless of where on the planet we may be we all need our own

personal paradise where we fi nd pleasure in the small details.

A soft curve, the spray from a wave or the sound of rustling leaves.

the philosophy of obaku harmony

The idea that there should be a sense of calm and balance in the items we use to

adorn ourselves is what gave birth to the Obaku Harmony collection.

In Asia, Zen philosophies have given rise to a natural simplicity – in both thought

and act. Obaku Harmony takes its name from a branch of Zen philosophy and

has created a universe characterised by a sense of calm – free from all superfl u-

ous details.

The Northern European countries have a long design tradition featuring func-

tionality and simplicity of composition.

Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from both these cultures, and has blend-

ed the simplicity found in both.


obakuemotions

infinity

Obaku Harmony watches fea-ture a design that is both classic and timeless. Infinity watches reflect a relaxed, unpretentious style via simple – yet confident – details. These are watches for people who recognise the importance of time, and who want classic watches with a new twist.

blossom

Obaku Harmony design pays tribute to the delicate balance between untamed nature and man-made perfection. Blos-som blends both of these, with a bold choice of colour and only partially tamed rugged-ness. Together, these represent trendsetting design that exudes confidence. Blossom combines imagination, creativity and elegance in one simple design.



purity

Purity and simplicity are the core of Obaku Harmony de-sign. Purity is the light, white part of the collection, and re-flects discretion in the delicate femininity of its details, with their origin in nature. Experi-ence a flower discreetly pat-terned in the leather strap, the reflection of mother-of-pearl in the watch face or the sparkle of the crystal.

night

Carefully considered design is one of the distinguishing fea-tures of Obaku Harmony. The design idiom in Night – from the dark part of the collection – radiates both simplicity and the mystique that only the night can bring. Night is for those who appreciate discretion, and who don’t need to demonstrate that time reflects power – it is a luxury we all deserve.

confidence

The best way to achieve results is via determination and effort. Obaku Harmony creates Confi-dence with a dynamic yet sim-ple design to signal the idea of activity via performance. These watches are for the active per-son who wants to show an as-sured, physical style.


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V121

“This watch is created with a simple clean design, yet

it has many sophisticated details. There are no legs on

the case as on traditional watches and this adds to the

sense of complete harmony in the design. The three

dimensional dial has clean, detailed graphics and the

shape of the hands is well balanced with the rest of the

design. Functional and user friendly design.”

V121 Gentssize: Ø 41 mm

titan glass



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V120

“This watch has a feminine expression. Its case which

curves in a rectangular shape, the beautifully curved

legs of the case, its softly rounded crown and slim

strap all add to the elegant, clean look. The three di-

mensional dial creates an image of depth and com-

pletes this perfect piece of jewellery.“

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V120 Ladiessize: w 20.1 - h 29.1

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V119

“Combining simple, minimalist elegance with a

sporty appearance. The top ring is set with 12 stain-

less steel studs, an elegant and discreet way to in-

dicate the time and create a refreshing, sporty ap-

pearance. The easy to read hands and the simple

dial design combine to optimize the functionality of

this watch.”

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V119 Gentssize: Ø 42 mmtitan glass


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V119 Ladiessize: Ø 30,8 mm

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V118

“This watch is sporty and practical, yet sophisticated

and dressy. The watch is made using the most dura-

ble materials. The strap is made of Kevlar, which is 5

times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.

The glass is super crash resistant titan glass. Fur-

thermore, the movement is environmentally friendly

using mercury/lead free battery.”


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V118 Gents/Ladiessize: Ø 30/40 mmtitan glassEcological movement


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We wanted to merge the design idioms from two dif-

ferent cultures. To create a collection of beautiful, ex-

clusive watches based on the idea of simplicity, with

features from both the Asian and the Nordic design

traditions.

It might seem impossible to blend traditions that

originate thousands of kilometres apart.

Geographical distance means less and less due to

globalisation. We now live in a world where similari-

ties and a sense of community continually occur be-

tween people spread far and wide.

With this as our starting point, Obaku Harmony went

on working towards making our dream come true.

Our quest for a point where the Nordic and Asian

design idioms finally meet led us to a concept that

seemed to crop up over and over again. Simplicity.

For although these two traditions have been very dif-

ferent throughout history, simplicity is a fundamental

element in both of them.

In Asia, different life philosophies – such as Zen phi-

losophy – have moulded a set of basic values that pay

tribute to simplicity and the search for the essence in

life, and of truth and calm. A path of seeking inward

for something with deeper meaning.

Simplicity is also a feature of the Nordic tradition.

By contrast, this stems from practical necessity, not

a spiritual philosophy. The focus is on functionality

rather than shape, in order to get the most out of the

materials used.

This is how Obaku Harmony uncovered a set of basic

values and a path that blends both traditions.

Because merging two things in an artful way means

getting rid of everything not really needed.

the origin of simplicity

Paring something right down to the bare essentials of

simplicity, and then giving it life, shape and texture.

Obaku is the name of a branch of Zen philosophy –

begun in China with numerous subsequent adherents

in Japan.

The basic belief in Obaku is the search for truth and

deeper meaning by delving into the human mind.

However, this blending of influences from both Asia

and the Nordic countries also reflects the Western in-

terest in the search for meaning in a hectic world, via

the ancient philosophies of Asia.

We live in an era in which the pace of life is intense,

and we are always expected to do our best. Time works

both for us and against us.

Once in a while, however, we need to seek repose

somewhere tranquil – where our senses are free of the

constant bombardment of information and impres-

sions.

Using both a unique design and a keen sense of detail,

Obaku Harmony reflects the aim of finding peace in a

straightforward artistic idiom that in no way intrudes,

carefully avoiding superfluous decoration and sensory

impressions that distract our attention from what is

really important.

Instead, we find pleasure in an attractive curve, a soli-

tary stone or in the sheer beauty of the material.

Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from two cul-

tures.



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V117

“This watch is made for endurance. With its stainless

steel case and band you can rely on this watch to last.

The overall design is clean with an easy to read dial.

The slim case and the sturdy stainless steel band are

merged together beautifully to create a harmonious

look. It is made for people who value good design and

believe in stability and durability.”

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V117 Gents/Ladiessize: Ø 40 mm

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V116

“The large size of the case is made to seem deli-

cate with its slim and slightly curved appearance.

The round dial opening in the square design gives

the watch an artistic expression. Details such as the

graphics on the dial, the slim designer crown and

the legs of the case add to the overall harmonic feel

of the design.”


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V116 Unisexsize: w 40 mm - h 40 mmtitan glass


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V115

“With its solid stainless steel case and band, this de-

sign radiates reliability, endurance and strength.

The band is fully integrated into the case and contrib-

utes to the clean, minimalist appearance of the watch.

The three dimensional dial is rich in details and has a

high degree of functionality.”

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titan glassEcological movement


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V115 Ladiessize: Ø 30 mmtitan glassEcological movement


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V114

“This watch is designed with a refreshingly new look.

The clean yet sporty design makes it suitable for the

young at heart and trendy in style. The curved shape of

the large case blends beautifully with the fully integrat-

ed leather strap. The dial, the hands and the crown are

all designed with an eye for even the smallest detail.

This is a watch which will stand the test of time.“

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V114 Gentssize: w 40 mm - h 44,5 mm

titan glass

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V113

“Following the Obaku tradition, this watch is created

within a clean, simple design idiom. However, there

is nothing simple about the thoughts behind the de-

sign. Notice how the straight lines of the square case

are softened up by the long, feminine curved legs of

the case. The simplicity of the design, as well as the

sophisticated details makes the watch perfect for virtu-

ally any occasion.”

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V113 Ladiessize: w 25 - h 22,4 mm

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“This is a very simple yet sophisticated design.

The slim lines defi ning the body of the watch are

complemented in the dial by the slim and pointy

hands and hour markings. A newborn evergreen.”

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V112 Ladiessize: Ø 33 mmtitan glass


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Designer Christian Mikkelsen (1960)


the obaku designers

One of the driving forces behind the Obaku Harmony

collection of watches is Christian Mikkelsen. Known

as one of the best in this business, he trained as an

industrial designer and has subsequently worked with

designing watches for a wide range of different manu-

facturers. He currently lives in Hong Kong, where he

enjoys the full range of contrasts, the sense of dyna-

mism and the boundless energy that the metropolis

provides.

Working closely with fellow-designer Lau Liengård

Ruge, Christian Mikkelsen has created an entire uni-

verse of unique watches that are now available bearing

the Obaku Harmony name.

”Form and function both have a colossal influence

on the final result, and it’s impossible to separate the

two,” he says, adding ”watches are now one of the

products that is generally accepted as having consid-

erable value as a signal to the surrounding world. In

fact, designing a watch verges on creating a personal

machine for the user.”

Christian Mikkelsen’s work builds on inspiration from

a wide selection of different sources. He gets ideas

from observing the delicate details found in good

craftsmanship as well as the broad swathes to be

found in classic designs. His extensive experience

means that he’s in a position to have faith in his own

ideas.

”I really trust my own intuition about a product, and

always keep the person for whom the watch is de-

signed in mind,” he says.

Christian Mikkelsen grew up in a small, historic town

in Denmark – a town in which craftsmanship was a

way of life for many of the inhabitants. His family tree

features many craftsmen, and in his younger days he

was familiar with boat builders, joiners and others

who had a tradition of taking pride in their work. This

was where he learned the basic tenets of true crafts-

manship, and he has always been fascinated by detail

and a keen admirer of true quality.

For Christian Mikkelsen a watch is an extra-special

item – he himself owns 20 different watches of dif-

ferent designs.

And a watch also tells a story – ”Your watch says

something about who you are as a person. It also de-

picts the passing of time, and announces that you are

engaged in the process of living your life.”

a watch tells a story



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V111“This watch has a broad appeal. The stringent design combined with exceptional attention to details, such as the hours marked by 12 small dots on the bezel, gives this watch a very sporty appearance.”

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V111 Ladiessize: Ø 30 mm


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V110”This watch is quite simply ultra-feminine – an item of jewellery with a focus on long, delicate lines. The hours are marked discreetly, and the details on the crown highlight the sense of femininity and sophistication.”

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V110 Ladiessize: Ø 24,5 mm


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V109”The aim here was to dispense with as much of the case as at all possible, and to focus on the strap in-stead. As a result, the strap is the most notable feature of this watch, helping communicate an awareness of the urban lifestyle for the modern woman.”

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V108”This watch almost makes you feel like you are on a trip into the future. The design radiates a sense of youth and courage, emphasised by the strin-gent use of lines and right angles. The shaping of the case, combined with the three-dimensional appearance of the face, make this watch an

exceptional experience.”

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V108 Gentssize: w 37 mm - h 30 mm


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V107“A design and shape with curved yet simple lines that provide associations with Asia. A timeless design that is a clear expression of the genuine Obaku philosophy.”

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V107 Ladiessize: w 24 mm - h 24 mm


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V106“The simple, rounded shape of this watch, com-bined with the two ”light legs”, seem almost to make it levitate. The many different colour combina-tions in the straps match the delicate stones on the face to provide this design with an elegant, feminine touch.”

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Designer Lau Liengård Ruge (1976)



Lau Liengård Ruge is well versed in the art of immers-

ing himself in the design process, in considering an

idea for a long time, being willing to think on a grand

scale and focusing on finally achieving the perfect re-

sult. Working with Christian Mikkelsen, Lau Ruge has

now created the Obaku Harmony collection of watch-

es, motivated by the desire to combine form and func-

tion in a sublime design idiom.

”For me, the important thing is to produce a design

that stands the test of time. I’m no fan of quick-fire,

flavour-of-the month solutions. I want to really get to

grips with a design, and focus my energy on bringing

it to fruition,” he says, at the same time admitting that

he is an incorrigible perfectionist.

Lau Liengård Ruge trained as an industrial designer

at the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark, and

has been interested in the creative aspects of life ever

since childhood.

He has played music for many years, and has always

been engaged with designing and drawing. ”Both my

parents are creative people, and it’s only natural that

their interests in music and art rubbed off on me,” he

explains.

”Designing is the focal point of my interests, and I

always try to add a graphical dimension to my work,”

he says.

Lau Liengård Ruge is full of praise for the classic Dan-

ish designers, who are renowned for the simplicity

and functionality of their work. Nevertheless, he also

fully appreciates the fantastic inspiration to be found

in high-tech contemporary design idioms.

”Basically, it’s also a question of maintaining a sense

of pride in what I do, and remembering what the

product will ultimately be used for,” he points out.

”Being involved in creating the Obaku Harmony range

has been a process that’s been both exciting and inter-

esting. As a designer, I was given free rein to put my

personal fingerprint on the different types of watches

in this collection. I have been very aware of working

with the effects created by the different materials,

according to the kind of treatment they are given or

the way they are juxtaposed,” he says.

“The objective with my designs is to create products

that people consider worth keeping.”

the obaku designers

good design is worth keeping


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V105“A watch that seems to alter appearance depending on the colour chosen. It is a classic design, yet also fea-tures elements of minimalism, as seen in the squared-off case. This watch clearly expresses harmony, in a manner that will never appear boring.”

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V105 Ladiessize: 25,9 mm - h 29 mm

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V103G”A watch that communicates innovation and energy. The most distinctive feature is the way the case cuts down into the strap, with its symmetrical, circular design. The minute marks on the outer bevel provide a sensation of being almost three-dimensional.”

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V102”A very geometrical watch that is almost architectural in its design idiom, with focus on the horizontal lines. Even though this watch has an overtly simple appearance, small, delicate details are also in focus. This is a watch in a stringent, modernist style, with a strap and case that combine in a dynamic transition from narrow to wide.”

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V102 Gentssize: w 34 mm - h 36 mm

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V102 Ladiessize: w 26,9 - h 29 mm

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V101”The design of this watch makes it timeless – a bracelet watch communicates strength and solidity. There is also an emphasis on a light, harmonious and elegant appearance. The double layers of the watch face provide a visually exciting extra feature in the design.”

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V100”An elegant watch for those who appreciate a purity of style. The design of this watch makes the strap and the case seem to almost blend into each other. This watch provides an active, sporty look in which all unnecessary detail has been pared away, and where the sharp, narrow lines have a recurrent place in the overall design idiom.”

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titan glass



specifications

hand polished stainless steel cases, buckles and bandsAll cases, buckles and bands are made in the best

solid stainless steel material for watch manufacturing.

The fine 316L steel is made in Japan – and all cases are

finally, carefully hand polished by the best craftsman-

ship standards.

titan glassSelected models of the Obaku Harmony watch collec-

tion are assembled with the newest invention in glass

technology - Titan Glass.

Probably the strongest glass ever used for watches.

Titan Glass is at least 10 times more crack resistant

than any other typical watch glass such as mineral

glass and sapphire crystal glass.

Titan Glass is registered and used exclusively in Obaku

Harmony watches.

mineral glassWatches which are not marked with Titan Glass are

assembled with the highest quality of mineral glass

with a high degree of scratch resistance.

coatingsAll watches in gold or black are coated with a titanium

coating which is the newest and most advanced tech-

nique for long lasting coatings. The gold coating is a

mixture of titanium and gold which are merged with

the stainless steel base material in a fusion process in

a vacuum chamber.

strapsAll straps are made in genuine leather – and several

versions are assembled in multiple layers which are

giving the straps a rich structure and identity

kevlar strapsSelected models are using the most durable materials

including Kevlar, which is a light fibre generally said

to be 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight

basis

movementsAll watches are assembled with original high

quality movements made in Japan with the highest

precision.


ecological movementsSelected models are equipped with special

environmental friendly movements, which are using

the new SPRON Battery a new mercury/lead-free silver

Oxide Battery.

By applying a high precision anode, using a surface

process technology and new material for the cathode,

silver and lead be removed totally from the battery.

(The movement can also use ordinary batteries as

well)

water resistanceAll watches are at least 3ATM water resistant.

Each watch is vacuum tested up to 3 ATM pressure.

The watches are not suitable for diving or swimming.

gift boxesThe gift box for the Obaku Harmony watches is a

small sculpture in itself. It supports the entire concept

of the Obaku philosophy of harmony and minimalistic

design. The box is designed by Lau Liengård Ruge.

the “photos” are not photosThe “photos” of all the watches in this catalogue were

made long before the actual watches were produced.

The “photos” are actually not photos, but computerized

visualizations which are the original drawings made

by the designers Lau Liengård Ruge and Christian

Mikkelsen. There might be small variations between

the computerized drawings and the actual watches.


www.obaku.com


Obaku Catalogue 2008

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Transcript of Obaku Catalogue 2008