Paying homage to heritage and traditional craftsmanship, the minimalist watches recently announced by Antwerp-based brand Jakhals stand out from the crowd thanks to their creative design. The simple and elegant face is complemented by the distinctive edges which are handcrafted from acetate, in a stylish play on textures, colors and finishes.
The minimal look of the timepieces is also mirrored by their straightforward and premium quality construction. “In our digital day and age, the never-ending stream of information can often be overwhelming. At Jakhals we believe that people can find comfort and calmness in the simplicity provided by analogue products,” explains the company. The acetate edges are handmade by the Italian company Mazzucchelli 1849, which has been family-owned since the beginning and is now run by the sixth generation. Thus, honest design and honest craftsmanship combine in watches that are as practical as they are beautiful.
The unisex timepieces come with a brushed stainless steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, Japanese quartz movement, Italian vegetable tanned leather straps or stainless steel Milanese straps; the faces feature a sandblasted dial and elegant numbers, lines, and hands. There are eight acetate designs in total, displaying eye-catching colors and textures, from rose and brown to warm sand. A PVD-coated stainless steel case is also offered in a second collection, with finishes in gold, rose gold and gunmetal black. The company’s founders, industrial designers Jeroen Depuydt and Nicolas Faes, are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter to start production. The watches are available at a significantly reduced price for the backers, with an estimated shipping date set for March 2017.
