Studio Underd0g and its founder Richard Benc struck a chord in the watch world in April last year with the unveiling of their first timepiece, the Watermel0n, a striking chronograph in pink and green with seed-shaped indexes. Call it a perfect summer refreshment, the manual-wound timepiece powered by a Seagull movement aimed to make horology a bit more fun with its lighthearted approach to a serious subject. And it seemed to have paid off, with the timepiece getting nominated for the 2023 GPHG Awards in the ‘Challenge Category’. In much the same way, more recently at Geneva Watch Days 2024, Studio Underd0g presented Passi0n Fruit in collaboration with another independent brand H. Moser & Cie. Born of their mutual love for unconventional and innovative watchmaking, the partnership included two watches—the H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Passion Fruit and Studio Underd0g’s 38.5mm 03 SERIES Passi0n Fruit that had a multilayer, coarse dégradé dial in amber and royal purple. The watches could only be purchased as a pair.
Though the UK-based microbrand only launched in March 2021, it has been making impressions (and sales) fast and quick, ironically defying its ‘underdog’ name. It represents a quirky and joyful approach to horology, and Benc, the creative force behind the brand, says, “Why can’t horology be a little more playful from time to time?” His design philosophy, deeply reflective of his own personality and British sense of humour, balances craftsmanship with a lighthearted twist.
This story is from the October - December 2024 edition of WatchTime India.
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This story is from the October - December 2024 edition of WatchTime India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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"Moser has always been very strong, and it can be very polarising.You either love it or hate it."
Recently, H. Moser & Cie joined hands with Studio Underd0g to create two passion fruit-inspired watches (more on page 72), once again proving its unconventional, collaborative approach to watchmaking.
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AT NIGHT MISSION
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ODE TO JOY
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TWICE AS NICE
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WRITTEN IN THE STARS
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HOT DOG
Richard Benc's Studio Underdog is bringing a quirky, colourful approach to horology
