Watchmaking as a whole is an art in and of itself. Mechanical movements with myriad complications are what command the eye-watering sums as well as the fascination of horological enthusiasts everywhere. Inferior to quartz movements in accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and just general sensibility, they exist purely for the sake of themselves. And in some ways, that is as pure as art gets.
But we’re not here to talk about balance wheels and coaxial escapements, no, today we’re going to be exploring that facet of watchmaking that would more readily resonate with a wider audience (and not just watch purists) as art. That facet would be the dial, the most visible part of a watch and its face so to speak. Long having been a canvas for the great watchhouses of the world to explicate their artistry, a dial forms the basis for a horologer to communicate its values, to portray the symbols they embody, and to make tangible their interpretation of the times. In short, to make their mark.
The art inherent in watchmaking is most readily apparent in its dials, the face of the watch, serving as its canvas for expression and leaving the first impression on the wearer. Craftsmanship and creativity enable these small, yet significant components to transcend mere time-telling pragmatism and transform themselves into works of art.
One such house revered for its artistry in this regard is Grand Seiko. Often drawing inspiration from nature, Grand Seiko has a habit of collecting a slice of the Japanese landscape and distilling it into a disc of charmingly bucolic beauty that just so happens to do something so trivial as tell you the time. Take the Omiwatari for instance. In most winters, the water of Lake Suwa freezes over and, in most years, a long ridge forms in the ice from one side of the lake to the other.
Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SOIREES OF SEPTEMBER
From sipping cocktails by the coastline to eating your way through the city, this is the month to enjoy.
ROYAL DECREE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 37mm is a sporty yet dazzling timepiece that fits in just about anywhere.
ALCHEMY OF ART
Known for blending natural elements with ancient cultures, Brazilian jewellery designer Silvia Furmanovich offers an exclusive glimpse into her artistic world.
DISHING IT OUT
This month serves up some top-tier hotel dining, a collaboration with enough Michelin stars to kickstart a new galaxy, and a special celebration marking Malaysia Airlines' new route to Chiang Mai.
JETSETTER DIARIES
Regardless of whether you're travelling with littles or are on a solo journey, we have travel picks for you from LA to HK that'll leave you rested, rejuvenated, and maybe even learning something new.
MAKING WAVES
The extraordinary 122-metre Kismet megayacht by Lürssen, making her grand debut at this month's Monaco Yacht Show, epitomises uncompromising luxury and sets a new benchmark for excellence in the yachting industry.
MIAMI NIGHTS
Not all 21st birthdays are celebrated in style, but with the Polo Collection welcoming the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition into the family, it had to be one for the books.
LIVING LARGE
As luxury travel evolves and trends shift, one truth endures: the essence of travelling opulently is defined by a blend of exquisite accommodations, unparalleled exclusivity, and bespoke experiences tailored to your every whim. To better understand the level of luxury being sought out by the world's most affluent, we've curated a selection of the most extravagant getaways from over-the-top villas to exclusive vacation itineraries and beyond, all guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust.
ROMANCING THE STONES
Journey with Minerals, the current exhibition at L'École, School of Jewelry Arts, showcases the world of mineralogy as you've never seen it before. PRESTIGE takes a private tour.
THIS JUST IN
Rolex has set the stage for an unforgettable 2024 with releases that reimagine its classic models. Seamlessly blending contrasting elements, this year's offerings highlight an exceptional attention to detail.