AÃRK Collective – Designing Beautiful Timepieces

Melbourne-based AÃRK Collective is a team of four related creatives who share a love for design. Driven by a desire to create objects that are both long-lasting and unique, AÃRK designs unisex timepieces inspired by simple shape, geometric form and graphic elements. Balancing function and beauty in wearable design, the collective’s watches are highly considered and organic.

Geometry and playful detail inform their design aesthetic, but each AÃRK design is underpinned by an uncomplicated love of minimalism. Following the launch of their first range of unisex timepieces back in 2013, AÃRK continue to release beautiful watches which stand out for its originality, simplicity, quality and refined detail.

Committed to combining traditional values of craftsmanship and the best modern manufacturing techniques, the collective meticulously scope and refine each detail; eight different manufacturers are used in the production of each watch. “We believe it’s this attention to the details that sets our timepieces apart – from precise form-cut shapes and acid-etching on dials to the unique function of each movement, each watch has a character as individual as its wearer.”

SHELL
A homage to classic watch design, the Shell combines AÃRK’s signature minimalism with a crafted finish and playful charm. Available in white and brown, the unique patterning of each hand-moulded acetate case ensures that no two Shells are the same. Traditional design is referenced in the elongated indexes and Italian calfskin leather band, while geometric details and a wave-form steel keeper carry the graphic signature of AÃRK’s 002 collection.

MULTI
Following AÃRK’s first collaborative effort with multidisciplinary design studio Daniel Emma, the two teams have partnered once again to create their second unisex series, Multi - AÃRK’s most recent release. Taking a playful approach to design through the use of colour, Multi challenges classic timepiece aesthetics by rethinking conventional finishings and pairings. Inspired by moments in time, the Multi is available in three different colour moods: Morning, Noon and Midnight.

YSTUDIO - Handcrafted Ballpoint Pen

Founded in Taiwan in 2012, Ystudio’s pens have become a staple piece in our office. For us, the studio’s ballpoint pen not only stands out for its quality and aesthetic, but also for the story it tells; designed and crafted to be lifetime stationery piece.
Seeking to design stationery objects that link past memories with modern life, Ystudio’s copper, bronze and brass pens are made to last a lifetime – with the thought of being passed down from generation to generation.

'In the hands, the brass, with the intense golden yellow, is gradually mild, deep with the ages, and piles up forefathers’ works full of wisdom; the feel, a bit heavy, always reminds us that we should honestly be responsible for every character we have written down.'

Founders Yi and Yanko believe in the value of simplicity. With a considered approach to object design – one that has a meaning; one that is intended to trigger people’s imagination; and one designed to be a part in people’s lives – each of Ystudio’s pens is hancrafted by local, Taiwanese craftsmen using traditional manufacturing techniques under the scorching heat in a furnace.

INSTRMNT - a Minimalist Steel Watch

Introducing Glasgow-based design studio Instrmnt. Founded by Pete Sunderland and Ross Baynham, the focus of the young multi-disciplinary team lies in creating considered, user-led products for every-day use.

We took a closer look at the studio’s debut product range – Instrmnt 01, a minimalist steel watch that takes inspiration from the industrial design of the mid 20th century. With a strong interest in the functional, utilitarian products and tools produced during that time period, you will find design cues ranging from the simple, readable dials and analog ammeters and voltmeters to the revolutionary minimalism of Dieter Rams.

We thought, we're designers, we love watches, why don't we make the watch that we want to wear? Why don’t we make the watch that is perfect for us?


The layout of Instrmnt 01 has quickly become an iconic part of the brand. And one of the beauties when receiving the watch lies in that it ships unassembled with tools provided for you to assemble the watch yourself. Another key principle lies in the use of high quality materials alongside trusted, proven technology. Instrmnt 01 comes in four different colourways (01-A, 01-B, 01-C, 01-D) and features a Swiss Quartz Ronda 585 3H movement, a calf leather strap crafted by one of the last remaining leather strap manufacturers located in the Bavarian Forest, and recyclable packaging manufactured in the UK.

The watch comes 'exploded' so you get pins, the casing, strap parts and a tool, which are nicely laid out. It's like an instrument that you put together.

Since its launch in 2014 further products have followed, including a 2-speed city bike built in collaboration with Freddie Grubb and an initial foray into furniture design with the creation of a multi-purpose day bed which was designed in collaboration with Edinburgh-based craftsman and furniture maker Namon Gaston.

Ultimately, what you will be wearing around your wrist is a beautiful watch that has been designed with consideration and precision – a watch that pairs high quality components with simple, utilitarian design. “We want to know the time and the date. That’s it.”

NORMAL – Japanese Minimalist Watches

In 2006, American designer Ross McBride founded the Japanese watch brand Normal Timepieces as a space to express his personal thoughts on design. Experiencing both US and Japanese culture throughout his childhood and adulthood respectively, Ross has been greatly influenced by pioneering mid-century American design as well as the Japanese sense of minimalism and craftsmanship – elements that become evident in the brand’s approach to design.

“That which is normal can be assumed as self-evident, or open to an exhaustive debate. In truth, there are as many points of view as there are people. Where we find consensus, we find community.”

In our opinion, it’s not only the brand’s approach to considered functional and minimalist design; but it’s first and foremost the sensibility and subtlety that one can find in its timepieces.
Since the launch of its first range – which consisted of the models ‘Extra Normal’, ‘Time Zone’ and ‘Time = Money’ - Normal Timepieces has expanded its selection of timepieces to now include the Fuji Range, the Extra Normal Range as well as the Digital Grande Range.