danish design - zen philosophy watches catalogue
FORGET ABOUT TIME - LET THE MOMENT RULE
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obaku harmony
obaku harmony Merging two things in an artful way means getting rid of everything not really needed. Paring something right down to the bare essentials of simplicity and then giving it life, shape and texture. Obaku Harmony is an exclusive collection of watches with a focus on simple, serene design. This collection is backed by a philosophy of blending the two different traditions of simplicity found in the European and Asian cultures.
simplicity is a lifestyle An oasis of calm, balance and harmony in the midst of a world in constant movement. Regardless of where on the planet we may be we all need our own personal paradise where we find pleasure in the small details. A soft curve, the spray from a wave or the sound of rustling leaves.
the philosophy of obaku harmony The idea that there should be a sense of calm and balance in the items we use to adorn ourselves is what gave birth to the Obaku Harmony collection. In Asia, Zen philosophies have given rise to a natural simplicity – in both thought and act. Obaku Harmony takes its name from a branch of Zen philosophy and has created a universe characterised by a sense of calm – free from all superfluous details. The Northern European countries have a long design tradition featuring functionality and simplicity of composition. Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from both these cultures, and has blended the simplicity found in both.
the unit y of simplicit y
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obaku harmony
ob aku e motions
infinity Obaku Harmony watches feature a design that is both classic and timeless. Infinity watches reflect a relaxed, unpretentious style via simple – yet confident – details. These are watches for people who recognise the importance of time, and who want classic watches with a new twist.
blossom Obaku Harmony design pays tribute to the delicate balance between untamed nature and man-made perfection. Blossom blends both of these, with a bold choice of colour and only partially tamed ruggedness. Together, these represent trendsetting design that exudes confidence. Blossom combines imagination, creativity and elegance in one simple design.
purity Purity and simplicity are the core of Obaku Harmony design. Purity is the light, white part of the collection, and reflects discretion in the delicate femininity of its details, with their origin in nature. Experience a flower discreetly patterned in the leather strap, the reflection of mother-of-pearl in the watch face or the sparkle of the crystal.
night Carefully considered design is one of the distinguishing features of Obaku Harmony. The design idiom in Night – from the dark part of the collection – radiates both simplicity and the mystique that only the night can bring. Night is for those who appreciate discretion, and who don’t need to demonstrate that time reflects power – it is a luxury we all deserve.
confidence The best way to achieve results is via determination and effort. Obaku Harmony creates Confidence with a dynamic yet simple design to signal the idea of activity via performance. These watches are for the active person who wants to show an assured, physical style.
v124 GCIMC
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obaku harmony
“Using a classic case and pairing it with modernistic details and material, this watch has a youthful and fresh appeal. With its heavy mesh band and the asymmetrical place of the sub-dial, which indicates the date, this watch stands out as fashionable and unconventional in its design. The result of the multileveled main dial, sub-dial and index markers creates an impression of depth and dynamism as well as it improves legibility� danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v124 GCBMC
v124 GBBMB
V124 Gents size: Ă˜ 41,5 mm titan glass. ecological movement
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“With a round case sitting on top of a rectangular stainless steel base, this watch artistically blends two contrasting geometrical forms in manner that gives it a masculine, fresh and robust appearance. Adding to this appearance is the chronographical features and the broad leather strap which is integrated into the case. Even though the case sits on a base, this watch is still relative thin and light, which both ensures that it keeps it elegancy and is comfortable to wear� Danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v125 GCIRB
V125 Gents size: 35 mm
v125 GBIRB
v125 GBBRB
v125 GCIRN
V126 GBIRB
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“A chronograph watch with three sub-dials and a date indicator set into the main dial. The many details on the dial, and the technical features, give this watch a masculine expression. However, it is still kept in an elegant and stylish design, as evident from the thin contour lines on the dial, its architectural character, and its contrasting black and white colours. Matching the design of the case, the push-buttons, at 2 and 4 o’clock, make it easy to operate the chronograph”
Danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
V126 GBBRB
V126 GCIRN
V126 GCIRB
V126 GCIMC
V126 GBBMB
v126 Gents size: w 37 x 43,5 mm titan glass
v129 LNIMN
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“Paring all superfluous details and focusing on the beauty of simplicity and purity, the design of this watch is a manifestation of the philosophy that lies behind the design-traditions at Obaku Harmony. With its little round case, its two legs that merge with the slender strap, in addition to its simple and pure design, this watch unmistakably appears as a feminine watch” danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v129 LCIMC
v129 LCIRB
v129 LGGRR
v129 LGIRW
v129 LGGRB
v129 LGGMG
V129 Ladies size: Ø 26 mm titan glass
V130 LGIRW
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“With the long wing-formed legs emanating from its round case structure, this watch appears as a real item of jewellery. The elegant and feminine face of the watch is not only beautiful to the eye, but in fact also functional. The combination of the three-dimensional effects and the grooved index markers on the dial both gives this watch an exciting appearance as well as it makes it easy to read the time.
Danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
V130 LGGRR
V130 LGIRB
V130 LCIRB
V130 LBIRW
V130 Ladies size: Ø 24 mm titan glass
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the origin
We wanted to merge the design idioms from two different cultures. To create a collection of beautiful, exclusive watches based on the idea of simplicity, with features from both the Asian and the Nordic design traditions. It might seem impossible to blend traditions that originate thousands of kilometres apart. Geographical distance means less and less due to globalisation. We now live in a world where similarities and a sense of community continually occur between people spread far and wide. With this as our starting point, Obaku Harmony went on working towards making our dream come true. Our quest for a point where the Nordic and Asian design idioms finally meet led us to a concept that seemed to crop up over and over again. Simplicity. For although these two traditions have been very different throughout history, simplicity is a fundamental element in both of them. In Asia, different life philosophies – such as Zen philosophy – have moulded a set of basic values that pay tribute to simplicity and the search for the essence in life, and of truth and calm. A path of seeking inward for something with deeper meaning. Simplicity is also a feature of the Nordic tradition. By contrast, this stems from practical necessity, not a spiritual philosophy. The focus is on functionality rather than shape, in order to get the most out of the materials used. This is how Obaku Harmony uncovered a set of basic values and a path that blends both traditions. Because merging two things in an artful way means getting rid of everything not really needed.
Paring something right down to the bare essentials of simplicity, and then giving it life, shape and texture. Obaku is the name of a branch of Zen philosophy – begun in China with numerous subsequent adherents in Japan. The basic belief in Obaku is the search for truth and deeper meaning by delving into the human mind. However, this blending of influences from both Asia and the Nordic countries also reflects the Western interest in the search for meaning in a hectic world, via the ancient philosophies of Asia. We live in an era in which the pace of life is intense, and we are always expected to do our best. Time works both for us and against us. Once in a while, however, we need to seek repose somewhere tranquil – where our senses are free of the constant bombardment of information and impressions. Using both a unique design and a keen sense of detail, Obaku Harmony reflects the aim of finding peace in a straightforward artistic idiom that in no way intrudes, carefully avoiding superfluous decoration and sensory impressions that distract our attention from what is really important. Instead, we find pleasure in an attractive curve, a solitary stone or in the sheer beauty of the material. Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from two cultures.
of simplicity
V 131 GBISB
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“A simple design; yet with many sophisticated details. Amongst other things, there are no legs on the case, as on traditional watches, which gives an impression of harmony in the design. The three-dimensional dial has clean, detailed graphics and the shape of the hands is well balanced with the rest of the design. The combination of the significant but toned down dial and the hard and precise meeting between the bowl-shaped watch-case and the hard-edged strap is what makes this watch stand out.”
danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
V131 GBBSB
V131 GCBSC
V131 GCISC
V131 Gents size: Ø 41 mm titan glass
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“This watch is created with a simple clean design, yet it has many sophisticated details. There are no legs on the case as on traditional watches and this adds to the sense of complete harmony in the design. The three dimensional dial has clean, detailed graphics and the shape of the hands is well balanced with the rest of the design. Functional and user friendly design.”
danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v121 gcbvb
V121 Gents size: Ø 41 mm titan glass
v121 gcivb
v121 gbivb
v121gbbvb
v120lcire
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“This watch has a feminine expression. Its case which curves in a rectangular shape, the beautifully curved legs of the case, its softly rounded crown and slim strap all add to the elegant, clean look. The three dimensional dial creates an image of depth and completes this perfect piece of jewellery.“ danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v120 lcirw
v120 lggrr
v120 lcirb
v120 lgirb
v120 lcirp
v120 lgirw
V120 Ladies size: w 20.1 - h 29.1 titan glass
the obaku designers
Lau Lieng책rd Ruge (1976)
Christian Mikkelsen (1960)
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good design is worth keeping
a watch tells a story
Lau Liengård Ruge is well versed in the art of immersing himself in the design process, in considering an idea for a long time, being willing to think on a grand scale and focusing on finally achieving the perfect result. Working with Christian Mikkelsen, Lau Ruge has now created the Obaku Harmony collection of watches, motivated by the desire to combine form and function in a sublime design idiom.
One of the driving forces behind the Obaku Harmony collection of watches is Christian Mikkelsen. Known as one of the best in this business, he trained as an industrial designer and has subsequently worked with designing watches for a wide range of different manufacturers. He currently lives in Hong Kong, where he enjoys the full range of contrasts, the sense of dynamism and the boundless energy that the metropolis provides.
”For me, the important thing is to produce a design that stands the test of time. I’m no fan of quick-fire, flavourof-the month solutions. I want to really get to grips with a design, and focus my energy on bringing it to fruition,” he says, at the same time admitting that he is an incorrigible perfectionist. Lau Liengård Ruge trained as an industrial designer at the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark, and has been interested in the creative aspects of life ever since childhood. He has played music for many years, and has always been engaged with designing and drawing. ”Both my parents are creative people, and it’s only natural that their interests in music and art rubbed off on me,” he explains. Lau Liengård Ruge is full of praise for the classic Danish designers, who are renowned for the simplicity and functionality of their work. Nevertheless, he also fully appreciates the fantastic inspiration to be found in high-tech contemporary design idioms. ”Basically, it’s also a question of maintaining a sense of pride in what I do, and remembering what the product will ultimately be used for,” he points out. ”Being involved in creating the Obaku Harmony range has been a process that’s been both exciting and interesting. As a designer, I was given free rein to put my personal fingerprint on the different types of watches in this collection. I have been very aware of working with the effects created by the different materials, according to the kind of treatment they are given or the way they are juxtaposed,” he says. “The objective with my designs is to create products that people consider worth keeping.”
”Form and function both have a colossal influence on the final result, and it’s impossible to separate the two,” he says, adding ”watches are now one of the products that is generally accepted as having considerable value as a signal to the surrounding world. In fact, designing a watch verges on creating a personal machine for the user.” Christian Mikkelsen’s work builds on inspiration from a wide selection of different sources. He gets ideas from observing the delicate details found in good craftsmanship as well as the broad swathes to be found in classic designs. His extensive experience means that he’s in a position to have faith in his own ideas. ”I really trust my own intuition about a product, and always keep the person for whom the watch is designed in mind,” he says. Christian Mikkelsen grew up in a small, historic town in Denmark – a town in which craftsmanship was a way of life for many of the inhabitants. His family tree features many craftsmen, and in his younger days he was familiar with boat builders, joiners and others who had a tradition of taking pride in their work. This was where he learned the basic tenets of true craftsmanship, and he has always been fascinated by detail and a keen admirer of true quality. And a watch also tells a story – ”Your watch says something about who you are as a person. It also depicts the passing of time, and announces that you are engaged in the process of living your life.”
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“This watch is sporty and practical, yet sophisticated and dressy. The watch is made using the most durable materials. The strap is made of Kevlar, which is 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis. The glass is super crash resistant titan glass. Furthermore, the movement is environmentally friendly using mercury/ lead free battery.”
danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v118lbbxb
v118gbbxb
V118 Gents/Ladies size: Ø 30/40 mm titan glass / Ecological movement
v118lcbxb
v118gcbxb
v118lccxb
v118gccxb
v117 gcbsc
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“This watch is made for endurance. With its stainless steel case and band you can rely on this watch to last. The overall design is clean with an easy to read dial. The slim case and the sturdy stainless steel band are merged together beautifully to create a harmonious look. It is made for people who value good design and believe in stability and durability.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v117 lcisc
v117 ggisc
v117 lgisg
v117 lbwsb
v117 ggisg
v117 gbbsb
V117 Gents/Ladies size: Ø 40 mm titan glass
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“With its solid stainless steel case and band, this design radiates reliability, endurance and strength. The band is fully integrated into the case and contributes to the clean, minimalist appearance of the watch. The three dimensional dial is rich in details and has a high degree of functionality.� Danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v115 gbbsb
V115 Gents size: Ă˜ 42 mm titan glass / Ecological movement
v115 gbwsb
v115 gcwsc
v115 ggbsg
v115 gcbsc
v115 lgwsg
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“With its solid stainless steel case and band, this design radiates reliability, endurance and strength. The band is fully integrated into the case and contributes to the clean, minimalist appearance of the watch. The three dimensional dial is rich in details and has a high degree of functionality.� Danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v115 lcwsc
v115 lbwsb
v115 lbbsb
V115 Ladies size: Ă˜ 30 mm titan glass / Ecological movement
v116 ucirn
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obaku harmony
“The large size of the case is made to seem delicate with its slim and slightly curved appearance. The round dial opening in the square design gives the watch an artistic expression. Details such as the graphics on the dial, the slim designer crown and the legs of the case add to the overall harmonic feel of the design.� danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v116 ugirw
v116 ucirb
v116 ubbrb
V116 Unisex size: w 40 mm - h 40 mm titan glass
v112 gcirn
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“This is a very simple yet sophisticated design. The slim lines defining the body of the watch are complemented in the dial by the slim and pointy hands and hour markings. A newborn evergreen.” danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v112 gcirb
v112 gbbrb
V112 Gents size: Ø 40 mm titan glass
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“This is a very simple yet sophisticated design. The slim lines defining the body of the watch are complemented in the dial by the slim and pointy hands and hour markings. A newborn evergreen.” danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v112 lgirw
V112 Ladies size: Ø 33 mm titan glass
v112 lcirw
v112 lcirb
v112 lbbrb
v112 lcirr
v111 lcwrw
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“This watch has a broad appeal. The stringent design combined with exceptional attention to details, such as the hours marked by 12 small dots on the bezel, gives this watch a very sporty appearance.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v111 lgwrw
v111 lgbrb
v111 lbbrb
v111 lcbrb
V111 Ladies size: Ø 30 mm
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“This watch has a broad appeal. The stringent design combined with exceptional attention to details, such as the hours marked by 12 small dots on the bezel, gives this watch a very sporty appearance.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v111lgbsg
v111lggsg
v111lcwsc
v111lcbsc
V111 Ladies size: Ø 30 mm
v111lbbsb
v111lgwsg
v111gccsc
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“This watch has a broad appeal. The stringent design combined with exceptional attention to details, such as the hours marked by 12 small dots on the bezel, gives this watch a very sporty appearance.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v111ggcsg
v111gbwrb
v111gcbsc
v111gbbrb
v111gbwsb
v111gcbrb
v111gbbsb
v111gccrb
V111 Gents size: Ø 38 mm titan glass
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”This watch is quite simply ultra-feminine – an item of jewellery with a focus on long, delicate lines. The hours are marked discreetly, and the details on the crown highlight the sense of femininity and sophistication.” Danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v110 lcirp
v110 lcire
v110 lcirl
v110 lcirb
v110 lgirb
v110 lgirw
V110 Ladies size: Ø 24,5 mm
v110 lcirw
v110 lggrr
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�The aim here was to dispense with as much of the case as at all possible, and to focus on the strap instead. As a result, the strap is the most notable feature of this watch, helping communicate an awareness of the urban lifestyle for the modern woman.� Danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v109 lcarb
V109 Ladies size: Ă˜ 39 mm titan glass
v109 lcarn
v109 lvwrw
v109 lbbrb
v109 lvwrb
v108 gbbrb
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”This watch almost makes you feel like you are on a trip into the future. The design radiates a sense of youth and courage, emphasised by the stringent use of lines and right angles. The shaping of the case, combined with the three-dimensional appearance of the face, make this watch an exceptional experience.” danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v108 gcirn
v108 gcbrb
v108 gcwrb
v108 gbbrb1
V108 Gents size: w 37 mm - h 30 mm
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“The simple, rounded shape of this watch, combined with the two ”light legs”, seem almost to make it levitate. The many different colour combinations in the straps match the delicate stones on the face to provide this design with an elegant, feminine touch.” danish design by Lau Liengård Ruge
v106 lccre
v106 lccrp
v106 lgwrw
v106 lcwrw
V106 Ladies size: Ø 26 mm
v106 lccrw
v106 lcwrb
v106 lccrq
v101 gccsc
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”The design of this watch makes it timeless – a bracelet watch communicates strength and solidity. There is also an emphasis on a light, harmonious and elegant appearance. The double layers of the watch face provide a visually exciting extra feature in the design.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v101 ggcsg
v101 gbbsb
v101 gbwsb
v101 gcasc
V101 Gents size: Ø 38 mm titan glass
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”The design of this watch makes it timeless – a bracelet watch communicates strength and solidity. There is also an emphasis on a light, harmonious and elegant appearance. The double layers of the watch face provide a visually exciting extra feature in the design.” danish design by Christian Mikkelsen
v101 lcpsc
V101 Ladies size: Ø 30 mm
v101 lcwsc
v101 lgisg
v101 lgbsg
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sp e c i f i c at i o n s hand polished stainless steel cases, buckles and bands All cases, buckles and bands are made in the best solid stainless steel material for watch manufacturing. The fine 316L steel is made in Japan – and all cases are finally, carefully hand polished by the best craftsmanship standards.
titan glass Selected models of the Obaku Harmony watch collection are assembled with the newest invention in glass technology - Titan Glass. Probably the strongest glass ever used for watches. Titan Glass is at least 10 times more crack resistant than any other typical watch glass such as mineral glass and sapphire crystal glass. Titan Glass is registered and used exclusively in Obaku Harmony watches.
mineral glass Watches which are not marked with Titan Glass are assembled with the highest quality of mineral glass with a high degree of scratch resistance.
kevlar straps Selected models are using the most durable materials including Kevlar, which is a light fibre generally said to be 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.
movements All watches are assembled with original high quality movements made in Japan with the highest precision.
ecological movements Selected models are equipped with special environmental friendly movements, which are using the new SPRON Battery a new mercury/lead-free silver Oxide Battery. By applying a high precision anode, using a surface process technology and new material for the cathode, silver and lead be removed totally from the battery. (The movement can also use ordinary batteries as well).
water resistance All watches are at least 3ATM water resistant. Each watch is vacuum tested up to 3 ATM pressure. The watches are not suitable for diving or swimming.
coatings
gift boxes
All watches in gold or black are coated with a titanium coating which is the newest and most advanced technique for long lasting coatings. The gold coating is a mixture of titanium and gold which are merged with the stainless steel base material in a fusion process in a vacuum chamber.
The gift box for the Obaku Harmony watches is a small sculpture in itself. It supports the entire concept of the Obaku philosophy of harmony and minimalistic design. The box is designed by Lau Liengård Ruge.
the “photos” are not photos straps All straps are made in genuine leather – and several versions are assembled in multiple layers which are giving the straps a rich structure and identity.
The “photos” of all the watches in this catalogue were made long before the actual watches were produced. The “photos” are actually not photos, but computerized visualizations which are the original drawings made by the designers Lau Liengård Ruge and Christian Mikkelsen. There might be small variations between the computerized drawings and the actual watches.
www.obaku.com