Gold Jewelry Design · 2020
Argo Timepiece
- A' Design Award 2020 Gold Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Gravithin
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 78,098
- Verification code 2B7A840E97 · Verify this award
About Argo Timepiece
Argo by Gravithin is a timepiece whose design is inspired by a sextant. It features an engraved double dial, available in two shades, Deep Blue and Black Sea, in honor of the Argo ship mythical adventures. Its heart beats thanks to a Swiss Ronda 705 quartz movement, while the sapphire glass and the strong 316L brushed steel ensure even more resistance. It is also 5ATM water-resistant. The watch is available in three different case colors (gold, silver, and black), two dial shades (Deep Blue and Black Sea) and six strap models, in two different materials.
Positioned within the distinguished lineage of contemporary horological design that honors traditional Swiss craftsmanship while embracing geometric innovation, the Argo Timepiece by Cesare Zuccaro demonstrates exceptional command of dial architecture as a three-dimensional canvas for temporal meditation, the work achieves its visual distinction through a spiraling labyrinth motif that transforms the conventional watch face into an object inviting prolonged contemplation, echoing both ancient maze symbolism and modern astronomical instrumentation, the chromatic strategy employs a sophisticated palette of deep slate blue punctuated by warm ochre numerals and scattered luminescent indices in pale cerulean and mint, creating hierarchies of legibility that serve functional timekeeping while rewarding aesthetic appreciation, technically the dial reveals remarkable precision in its execution of concentric incised channels that catch light at varying angles, producing subtle shadow gradations that animate the surface with apparent depth despite the minimal vertical dimension available to the watchmaker, the vermillion seconds hand introduces vital chromatic energy that prevents the composition from becoming overly static, its continuous sweep providing kinetic punctuation to the meditative stillness of the surrounding geometry, the date aperture at approximately four o'clock demonstrates thoughtful integration of practical complication within the overall design language, material choices including the polished steel case and blue leather strap extend the chromatic and textural narrative established by the dial itself, viewers might consider how this timepiece reframes the quotidian act of time-checking as an opportunity for geometric contemplation and aesthetic pleasure
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project was aimed at creating a timepiece whose design is one of a kind.
It features a double dial watch, engraved in different points and available in two color shades, Deep Blue and Black Sea, in honor of Argo's mythical adventures. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Case diameter 40 mm, thickness 9,5 mm, glass aperture 35 mm, strap width 20 mm
- Tags
- watch, product, minimal, details, timepiece, design, unconventional,
- Production Technology
- Argo's heart beats thanks to a Swiss-made Ronda 705 quartz movement with date, while the sapphire glass and the strong 316L brushed steel used for the case ensure even more resistance. It's also a 5ATM water resistant.
- Design Challenge
- The most complex part in the project was to carry out a design recalling the sextant on the watch dial without any sketches. Initially, a bas-relief was considered, but after running a few tests, it has been noticed it was not the desired outcome for the timepiece, therefore it has been decided to use a double dial, with an engrave dial on a plain one, to make the final design memorable.
- Project Duration
- The project started in Jannuary 2019 in Nardò and finished in May 2019 in Lecce.
- Operation Flow
- The best way to test its quality and functions is by wearing it. Despite its 40 mm case, Argo is as light as significantly smaller watches. There are three different color options (gold, silver and black) available for the case; two (Deep Blue and Black Sea) for the dial and also six straps in two different materials (mesh and leather) and six different colors. Argo is extremely customizable and ready to fully represent the style of the person wearing it.
- Research
- The main goal has always been a unique design, combined with a careful choice of materials.
The project started bytaking inspiration from an ancient astrolabe, so that the design could be a tribute to the Argo constellation, but it has been decided to give it a modern twist, opting for a sextant instead, a more recent instrument which is also more in line with Gravithin's concept of beauty and design. After going from paper to prototype, the testing phase of the timepiece began. It has been tested within a group of selected people, asking them to give Gravithin feedbacks about the product and its design. The response was 100% positive. - Inspiration
- This design pays a tribute to the Argo constellation and it is inspired by the ancient sextants used for celestial navigation.
The incisions around the dial recall the graduated arc of the sextant, while the red hand mimics the lens on the sextant, which helps to measure the elevation angle of celestial bodies. - Image Credits
- Main Image Cesare Zuccaro, 2019
Image #No1 photographer Fabrizio Cirfiera, 2019.
Image #No2 photographer Fabrizio Cirfiera, 2019.
Image #No3 photographer Fabrizio Cirfiera, 2019.
Image #No4 photographer Fabrizio Cirfiera, 2019.
Colors of Argo Timepiece
Get Argo Timepiece
Modern Italian Timepiece Collection
We craft contemporary watches inspired by celestial navigation and exploration. Each timepiece features Swiss movements, sapphire glass, and premium steel cases. Choose from multiple dial colors, case finishes, and strap options to create your perfect watch.
G0E26 Shop