Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala by William Volcoff

Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala by William Volcoff is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 Umklomelo Wegolide we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ubucwebe Competition Category.

IgolideUbucwebe· 2020

Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala

by William Volcoff

Client: Wolkov

Umklomelo Wegolide we-A' Design Award Winner in Ubucwebe Category

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Colors

The Design

About Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala

I-Janus yiwashi lesihlakala elinobuso obubili kanye nebhande elishintshekayo. Zombili izinhlangothi zingasetshenziswa, ngakho ogqokile angaliphendula ikheyisi, ashintshe ubuso futhi ashintshe amabhande ukuze ahambisane nezimpahla zokugqoka nezinto azenzayo nsuku zonke. Ubuso obubodwa buqhutshwa yinjini ezishintshela ngokwayo (automatic movement) kanti obunye buqhutshwa yinjini ye-quartz, okuvumela ukuthi kufundwe izikhathi zezindawo ezimbili ezehlukene. Ikheyisi kanye nezibambo ezinkulu zenziwe ngensimbi engagqwali futhi zithola inqubo ende yokupholishwa. Uhlelo lokubamba olufihliwe ezibanjweni lubamba ibhande ngaphandle kwezingxenye ezengeziwe ezinyakazayo. Amabhande enziwe ngesikhumba sangempela.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wegolide we-A' Design Award

Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala iwinile uMklomelo Wegolide we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo yeklasi yokuqala, emangalisayo nephawulekile. Abawinile beGolide yimiklamo emisha kakhulu, enombono ongaphambili futhi egqamile ebonisa ubuhlakani, ukuhlakanipha nobuchule babaklami babo. Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto entsha edunyiswe kakhulu, ebeka isitayela futhi ebalulekile elethe inani elingakaze libonwe. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wegolide we-A' Design Award ungumgomo omangalisayo nohlonishwayo osiza kakhulu futhi osunduza imingcele yobuciko, isayensi, ukuklama nobuchwepheshe. Janus Iwashi Yesihlakala idala imizwa ejulile yesifiso, ivuse intshiseko, ikhuthaze ukudala futhi iyasiheha.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
Patents: Patented. CN 304970078 S. 2018. China
Patented. CN 208446774 U. 2018. China
Team Members: William Volcoff
Kang Jing
Bastien Henry
Image Credits: Images #No1 - No 5: Photographer Kang Jing, 2018