Renowned architect Tadao Ando has partnered with watch brand Cauny to create a unique collection inspired by green apples and the theme of youth. Drawing from Samuel Ullman’s poem Youth—which emphasizes youth as a “movement of the heart,” not just an age—Ando crafted two distinct watch models. Each timepiece reflects his architectural philosophy and artistic vision.
The collection includes two designs: one in vibrant apple green and the other in silver gray. The green watch captures the fresh, neon color of the fruit, while the silver watch draws from the concrete and steel materials Ando is famous for. Known for his award-winning concrete architecture, including his 1995 Pritzker Prize, Ando uses this series to translate his design language into wearable art.
Both watches feature Italian leather straps and sapphire glass dials coated with anti-reflective (AR) technology. Unlike traditional watches, these models have no visible hour or minute markers. Instead, they embrace minimalism, focusing on raw materials and pure form, much like Ando’s architectural works.
A distinctive feature of the watches is the hand shaped like a leaf, paying homage to the green apple that inspired the collection. The dial itself is left clean and simple, free of unnecessary details. The green model’s dial shines with the neon hue of the apple, while the silver model showcases the natural gritty and glossy texture of steel, reflecting the materials’ production process.
This collaboration is part of Cauny’s ongoing Architects of Time series. The series brings together celebrated architects to create watches that embody their unique design philosophies. Previous collaborations included prominent architects Rafael Moneo and Eduardo Souto Moura, establishing Cauny’s commitment to merging horology with architecture.
Tadao Ando’s connection to the green apple predates this collection. He has long regarded the fruit as a symbol of youth and vitality. This inspiration is evident in his previous work, including a large green apple sculpture displayed at the Museum SAN in Wonju, South Korea. By quoting Ullman’s poem, Ando highlights his belief that youthfulness is not tied to age but to spirit and passion.
This philosophy is deeply embedded in the watch designs. The Ando Green watch captures the energy and freshness of youth, expressed through its bold color. The Ando Gray watch reflects the lasting strength of concrete, symbolizing endurance and timelessness. The brushed steel dial and hands recall Ando’s concrete buildings, known for their clean lines and durable nature.
The watches’ design speaks to the lasting qualities of both youth and architecture. Concrete, like youthfulness in Ando’s view, is enduring. The watches aim to embody this narrative by blending the vitality of the apple with the solidity of concrete.
Cauny and Ando’s apple- and concrete-inspired watches offer more than just timekeeping; they represent a meeting of art, architecture, and philosophy. The collection invites wearers to reflect on the idea of youth as a continuous state of heart and mind. Through minimalist design and thoughtful material choices, the watches honor both the physical and emotional aspects of time.
In summary, the collaboration between Tadao Ando and Cauny produce timepieces that are simple yet profound. The absence of traditional time markers challenges the wearer to experience time differently. The leaf-shaped hand and the clean dials connect the watches to the natural world and architectural mastery. With these designs, Ando continues to inspire not only through buildings but also through everyday objects that carry meaning beyond function.
This unique blend of apple-inspired vitality and concrete durability makes the Cauny Architects of Time series stand out in the world of luxury watches. It offers an artistic and poetic expression of time, youth, and enduring strength—qualities deeply rooted in Ando’s architectural legacy.
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