d a ni s h d e s i gn - ze n p hil o s o p h y

FORGET ABOUT TIME - LET THE MOMENT RULE

obaku harmony

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 differ-

ent 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 find 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 bal-

ance 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 superfluous details.

The Northern European countries have a long design

tradition featuring functionality and simplicity of

composition.

Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from both

these cultures, and has blended the simplicity found

in both.

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

the unit yof simplicit y

the unit yof simplicit y

6 I 7 o b a k u h a r m o n y

obakuemotions

infi nity

Obaku Harmony watches feature a design that is both classic and timeless. Infi nity watches refl ect a relaxed, unpretentious style via simple – yet confi dent – details. These are watches for people who recognise the im-portance of time, and who want classic watches with a new twist.

blossom

Obaku Harmony design pays tribute to the delicate bal-ance between untamed nature and man-made perfec-tion. Blossom blends both of these, with a bold choice of colour and only partially tamed ruggedness. Togeth-er, these represent trendsetting design that exudes con-fi dence. Blossom combines imagination, creativity and elegance in one simple design.

purity

Purity and simplicity are the core of Obaku Harmony design. Purity is the light, white part of the collection, and refl ects discretion in the delicate femininity of its details, with their origin in nature. Experience a fl ower discreetly patterned in the leather strap, the refl ection of mother-of-pearl in the watch face or the sparkle of the crystal.

night

Carefully considered design is one of the distinguish-ing features 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 refl ects power – it is a luxury we all deserve.

confi dence

The best way to achieve results is via determination and eff ort. Obaku Harmony creates C onfi dence with a dynamic yet simple design to signal the idea of activ-ity via performance. These watches are for the active person who wants to show an assured, physical style.

“This is an ultra-slim watch, which ensures that it is light and comfortable to wear . The design puts em-phasis on simplicity , elegancy and functionality . With clearly indicated indexes and large centre-mounted hands, which are easy to tell apart, reading the time can be done by a quick glance at the dial. The watch comes in many variations; with a mesh band or a leather band, in a separate version for gents and ladies, and in a number of diff erent colours including solid Titanium- and Stainless steel cases as well with

titanium black- and brown coatings”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n

8 I 9 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V123 Gentssize: Ø 38 mmtitan glass

V123 GBBRB V123 GCBMC V123 GCBRB V123 GCIRN

V123 GBBMB V123 GCIMC V123 GGIMG V123 GNIMN

V123 GTJMJ

V123 LGIRW

“This is an ultra-slim watch, which ensures that it is light and comfortable to wear . The design puts em-phasis on simplicity , elegancy and functionality . With clearly indicated indexes and large centre-mounted hands, which are easy to tell apart, reading the time can be done by a quick glance at the dial. The watch comes in many variations; with a mesh band or a leather band, in a separate version for gents and ladies, and in a number of diff erent colours including solid Titanium- and Stainless steel cases as well with

titanium black- and brown coatings”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n

10 I 11 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V123 Ladiessize: Ø 28,5 mm

titan glass

V123 LCIMC V123 LGIMG

V123 LCIRB

V123 LNIMN V123 LBBMB

V123 LCIRR

V123 LBBRB V123 LCBRB

V123 LCIRN

V123 LTJMJ

v124 GCIMC

“Using a classic case and pairing it with modern-istic details and material, this watch has a youthful and fresh appeal. With its heavy mesh band and the asymmetrical place of the sub-dial, which indicates the date, this watch stands out as fashionable and un-conventional in its design. The result of the multilev-eled main dial, sub-dial and index markers creates an impression of depth and dynamism as well as it

improves legibility”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n

12 I 13 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V124 Gentssize: Ø 41,5 mm

titan glass. ecological movement

v124 GBBMBv124 GCBMC

“With a round case sitting on top of a rectangular stainless steel base, this watch artistically blends two contrasting geometrical forms in manner that gives it a masculine, fresh and robust appearance. Adding to this appearance is the chronographical features and the broad leather strap which is integrated into the case. Even though the case sits on a base, this watch is still relative thin and light, which both ensures that it keeps it elegancy and is comfortable to wear”

D a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n

14 I 15 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V125 Gentssize: 35 mm

v125 GBBRBv125 GBIRBv125 GCIRB

v125 GCIRN

V126 GBIRB

“A chronograph watch with three sub-dials and a date indicator set into the main dial. The many details on the dial, and the technical features, give this watch a masculine expression. However , it is still kept in an elegant and stylish design, as evident from the thin contour lines on the dial, its architectural character , and its contrasting black and white colours. Match-ing the design of the case, the push-buttons, at 2 and

4 o’clock, make it easy to operate the chronograph”

D a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e

16 I 17 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V126 Gentssize: w 37 x 43,5 mm

titan glass

V126 GBBRB V126 GCIMC V126 GBBMB

V126 GCIRN V126 GCIRB

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 origi-

nate thousands of kilometres apart.

Geographical distance means less and less due to glo-

balisation. We now live in a world where similarities

and a sense of community continually occur between

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.

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.

the origin

18 I 19 o b a k u h a r m o n y

of simplicity

V127 LGGRR

“This watch has a simple, clean and minimalistic design. By using the same width for both the strap and the case, the unbroken vertical lines give con-tinuity and harmony. The design idea is completed by repeating the vertical in the brushing of the case and dial. The overall feeling is elegant composure.”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e

20 I 21 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V127 Ladies size: w 21 x h 35,8 mmtitan glass

V127 LGIRB V127 LBIRWV127 LGIRW

V127 LBBMB V127 LNIMN V127 LCIMCV127 LGGMG

V127 LCIRB

v129 LNIMN

“Paring all superfl uous details and focusing on the beauty of simplicity and purity, the design of this watch is a manifestation of the philosophy that lies behind the design-traditions at Obaku Harmony. With its little round case, its two legs that merge with the slender strap, in addition to its simple and pure design, this watch unmistakably appears as a feminine watch”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e

22 I 23 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V129 Ladiessize: Ø 26 mm

titan glass

v129 LGGMGv129 LGGRB v129 LGIRW

v129 LCIRB v129 LCIMC v129 LGGRR

V130 LGIRW

“With the long wing-formed legs emanating from its round case structure, this watch appears as a real item of jewellery. The elegant and feminine face of the watch is not only beautiful to the eye, but in fact also functional. The combination of the three-dimensional eff ects and the grooved index markers on the dial both gives this watch an exciting appearance as well as it

makes it easy to read the time.

D a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e

24 I 25 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V130 LGGRR V130 LGIRB V130 LCIRB V130 LBIRW

V130 Ladiessize: Ø 24 mm

titan glass

Lau Liengård Ruge (1976) Christian Mikkelsen (1960)

the obaku designers

good design is worth keeping

Lau Liengård Ruge is well versed in the art of immersing

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 result. Working

with Christian Mikkelsen, Lau Ruge has now created the

Obaku Harmony collection of watches, motivated by

the desire to combine form and function 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 frui -

tion,” 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.

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 work -

ing 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.”

a watch tells a story

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 Ko ng, where he

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

mism and the boundless energy that the metropolis

provides.

”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 craftsman-

ship 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 al-

ways keep the person for whom the watch is designed

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 fea -

tures 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 craftsmanship, and

he has always been fascinated by detail and a keen ad -

mirer of true quality.

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

thing about who you are as a person. It also depicts the

passing of time, and announces that you are engaged

in the process of living your life.”

26 I 27 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V131 GBISCV131

“A simple design; yet with many sophisticated details. Amongst other things, there are no legs on the case, as on traditional watches, which gives an impression of 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. The combi-nation of the signifi cant but toned down dial and the hard and precise meeting between the bowl-shaped watch-case and the hard-edged strap is what makes

this watch stand out.”

d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e

28 I 29 o b a k u h a r m o n y

V131 Gentssize: Ø 41 mm

titan glass

V131 GBBSB V131 GCBSC V131 GCISC

obaku refugees

32 I 33 o b a k u h a r m o n y

OBAKU-REFUGEES Gents/Ladiessize: Ø 29/39 mmtitan glass. ecological movement

your time counts

Obaku has designed a special edition Refugees United watch. Obaku donates 20 US dollars to the Refugee United organisation for each sold item.

refugees united

Refugees United provides refugees with an anonymous forum to reconnect with missing family.

finding lost family

The mission of Refugees United is to help refugees in their search for lost loved ones. “Our aim is to provide a global, anonymous and dedicated refugee network, to end the torture of not knowing where relatives are in this world”.

Every day families are torn apart in their escape from war, persecution or natural disasters - they end up in different parts of the world, afraid, alienated and alone.

Refugee United is a non-profit organisation and search-ing and registering on refunite.org is free of charge. “With the Refugees United search engine we have cut away all the barricades between the seeker and the sought, to allow refugees direct access to each other through an immensely powerful and simple system. In this way there are no difficult forms to fill in, no lan-guage barriers and no technical obstacles”.

the obaku-refugee watch

- Eco-friendly quartz movement - with no lead or mercury content - Solid stainless steel case - Extremely durable Kevlar strap- Case diameters of 39 or 29 mm- Large version with date - 4mm thin caseedge - Crash resistant Titan glass

www.obaku-refugees.com

Time Unites!

34 I 35 o b a k u h a r m o n y

specificationshand polished stainless steel cases, buckles and bands

All 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 craftsmanship

standards.

titan glass

Selected models of the Obaku Harmony watch collection

are assembled with the newest invention in glass tech -

nology - 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 glass

Watches which are not marked with Titan Glass are as -

sembled with the highest quality of mineral glass with a

high degree of scratch resistance.

coatings

All 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.

straps

All 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 straps

Selected 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.

movements

All watches are assembled with original high quality

movements made in Japan with the highest precision.

ecological movements

Selected 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 resistance

All 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 boxes

The 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 photos

The “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