On the surface of things, the Chinese Timekeeper is a cool looking watch, uniquely designed, striking appearance, blah, blah, blah. It would be easy to take such a simplistic view. In fact, the CTK is, in many ways, a wearable history of Su Song's quest to measure time.
Apologies for the smudges on the picture - but yes, this watch is being worn! You will notice that instead of simply stamping, or even lathing a case, the Chinese Timekeeper opted to construct a case of layers - four pieces visible from the outside with one "inner" ring visible when looking at the watch's face . This design aspect is in tribute to the clock tower that Su Song constructed in the ancient city of Kaifeng, China.
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| Courtesy of the Chinese Timekeeper |
The clock tower was housed in a five-story pagoda, and as you can see with this image kindly lent by CTK, the imagery is clear.
The diameter is a robust 44 mm. Now it must be said that the creative mind behind The Chinese Timekeeper cut his "horological teeth" with the Richemont Group - most specifically Panerai.
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| Courtesy of the Chinese Timekeeper |
Adrien Choux founded the Chinese Timekeeper with the intention of creating a truly 100% Chinese brand with a limited production. For many people out there, Chinese-Luxury may seem like an oxymoron. But it's just that type of provincial, limited thinking that Adrien Choux and his team are challenging.
Consider this - it would be far too easy to try ad fashion a "Chinese Panerai". The world is awash with "Homage" or "Tribute" (read lazy/cheap reproduction) "Panerai-esque" watches. The Chinese Timekeeper does not take the easy way out with their design. They challenge you with some truly original design aspects.
They could have simply gone to a watch factory, bought one or two piece cases, and simply focused on a "Chinese" style dial. But that was not the intention. Which brings me back to the four piece case...
topped off with four screws securing the bezel, and 44 mm in diameter. There is a nice symmetry to it. With so many "homage" pieces out there to Panerai, it is quite refreshing to see a watch that is different!
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| Courtesy of the Chinese Timekeeper |
And while we're on "the face of things" I have to say that two other design elements have impressed me - the hands and the character "shi" replacing the number 10 on the dial.
I love the detail of the hands - not to skinny and not too chubby! The pattern lends just the right balance of depth to the watch as a whole.
And the symbol "shi" meaning (among other things) perfect.
And a quick update about timekeeping - we are holding at +6 seconds per day.
More to come - stay tuned!
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