Gold Jewelry Design · 2020
Janus Watch
- A' Design Award 2020 Gold Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Wolkov
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 55,171
- Verification code 52432C5571 · Verify this award
About Janus Watch
Janus is a wristwatch with two dials and an interchangeable strap. Both sides can be used, so the wearer can flip the case, switch dials and change straps to suit daily clothing and activities. One dial is driven by an automatic movement and the other by a quartz movement, which allows two time zones to be read. The case and the oversized lugs are made of stainless steel and receive a long polishing process. A concealed clipping system in the lugs holds the strap without extra moving parts. The straps are made of genuine leather.
Drawing upon traditions of horological innovation that have long distinguished independent watchmaking, the Janus Watch by William Volcoff presents a compelling meditation on temporal duality and visual balance, its very nomenclature invoking the ancient deity who presided over transitions, doorways, and the simultaneous contemplation of past and future. The timepiece demonstrates remarkable formal achievement through its distinctive dial architecture, where the interplay between the luminous white guillochéd surface and the profound circular void creates what might be understood as a visual metaphor for the complementary forces that govern existence itself. The cushion-shaped case represents a thoughtful engagement with mid-century horological aesthetics, softening the strict geometry of rectangular forms while maintaining architectural presence on the wrist. Technically, the execution reveals sophisticated understanding of proportion and negative space, the asymmetrical placement of the dark circular element introducing dynamic tension that elevates the composition beyond conventional dial design. The choice of materials speaks to a philosophy of tactile refinement, where polished steel meets supple leather in a dialogue between industrial precision and organic warmth. This photographic presentation situates the watch within a lifestyle context that emphasizes its role as an extension of personal expression, the wearer's gesture suggesting confident engagement with the world while the carefully considered wardrobe elements reinforce themes of curated sophistication. One might consider how this timepiece invites ongoing contemplation of the boundaries between presence and absence, light and shadow, the measured passage of moments and the eternal now.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This is probably the world first Automatic watch combining dual-dials with interchangeable strap. User can flip and/or switch dials, change straps to match their daily outfit and activities. With its iconic case and oversized lugs, it has charisma and provides extra functionalities for analog watch lovers.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Watchcase: 34mm x 14mm x 43mm
Watch strap: 180mm x 24mm
Watch box: 180mm x 185mm x 65mm - Tags
- Dual-dial, Automatic, Analog, Wristwatch, Light luxury, Man accessory
- Production Technology
- We offer a mix of automatic and quartz movements within one case. One side is powered by Chinese Peacock automatic caliber SL1701 while the other side is powered by Japanese Myota quartz. This gives the opportunity for dual time zone and double the space to develop creative dials.
Our unique clipping system has no extra moving parts and only use specific material resistance (from an invisible insert made of PP) to create the clipping spring feature. The design solution is striking visually and drove the design style from inside out, as we didn’t try to conceal it.
The watchcase and lugs are made of high quality steel (316L) with over 8h of polishing process (usual watch are polish under 2h). Our straps are made of genuine leather. Our NATO strap are made of a double-layered polyamide thread combining 3 strain of color to add depth and texture. - Design Challenge
- Key challenge was to convince watch factories to produce prototypes and test again and again the various ideas we had. We designed every details, from the screws head to the handles so we had to run prototype for each parts, opening molds and doing refinements a the same time.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2014 in Shanghai and finished in November 2018 in Shanghai.
- Operation Flow
- Operate the watch like a normal watch, use the crowns to set time on both sides.
Un-clip the lugs to change strap. - Research
- Heuristic design research based on guts feeling that something could still be improved in the watch industry. Initially our design had only one dial but we soon realize the potential to duplicate dials and offer dual time zones. The final clipping system for the strap with our semi flexible lug took over 2 years of refinement. We tested ourselves prototypes by wearing them and then adjusting details.
- Inspiration
- Janus was born from this deep satisfaction of holding a high quality product. Something that feels right when wearing it. Not everything must be connected. The extra boost you need sometime to get things moving the way you want and to connect with a distant past where machines were crafted.
- Image Credits
- Images #No1 - No 5: Photographer Kang Jing, 2018
- Patents
- Patented. CN 304970078 S. 2018. China
Patented. CN 208446774 U. 2018. China
Colors of Janus Watch
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Limited Edition Dual-Dial Watches
We create exceptional timepieces that combine automatic and quartz movements with innovative dual-dial design. Our limited edition watches feature interchangeable straps, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship for analog watch enthusiasts worldwide.
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