Japanese architect Tadao Ando has collaborated with Swiss watch brand Cauny to create a limited-edition timepiece inspired by the themes of youth and timelessness. This collaboration, part of Cauny’s “Architects of Time” series, features two minimalist watches: the vibrant Ando Green and the industrial Ando Grey.
A Fusion of Nature and Architecture
The Ando Green model draws inspiration from the freshness of green apples, symbolizing vitality and youth. Its dial is a vivid neon green, devoid of any hour or minute markers, emphasizing purity and simplicity. A distinctive feature is the leaf-shaped hand, paying homage to the fruit that inspired its design.
In contrast, the Ando Grey model reflects Ando’s signature use of concrete in architecture. The dial showcases natural steel textures, with brushed lines reminiscent of concrete surfaces. Like its counterpart, it maintains a minimalist aesthetic, free from numerical indicators, and features the same unique leaf-shaped hand.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Ando’s design philosophy for these watches is deeply rooted in the poem “Youth” by Samuel Ullman, which posits that youth is a state of mind rather than a period of life. This concept is embodied in the watches’ designs, where the Ando Green represents the exuberance of youth, and the Ando Grey symbolizes enduring strength and timelessness.
Previously, Ando explored this theme through a large green apple sculpture exhibited at the Museum SAN in Korea, further emphasizing his fascination with the symbolism of the apple.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Both watches are crafted with precision, featuring Italian leather straps and sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating. The absence of traditional time markers challenges conventional watch design, inviting wearers to engage with time in a more abstract and personal manner
This collaboration marks the fourth installment in Cauny’s “Architects of Time” series, which invites renowned architects to reinterpret timekeeping through their unique perspectives. Previous contributors include Rafael Moneo and Eduardo Souto de Moura.
