Eye FOR design

What makes good design? These talented individuals in the creative industry critique some of this year’s horological novelties

Colin Seah

As the founder and design director of Ministry of Design, an integrated spatial design practice, Colin Seah’s design sensibility has shaped spaces all around the world, including the Vue Hotel Houhai in Beijing, the Ecoworld Layer Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, and the Race Robotics Laboratory in Singapore. He has been recognised with numerous prestigious accolades, including Singapore’s highest design laurel, the President’s Design Award—twice. “The level of detail and intricacy in the movement is breathtaking and is every man’s mechanical dream come true.” “The fonts used are serifbased. I wonder if a sans-serif font would be simpler and cleaner, in keeping with the watch’s clean and quiet appeal.” “The application of colour (blue) to the dials may not add to the timeless sophistication inherent to the overall design attitude. A neutral tone may work more in favour of that.” “The overarching gunmetal and silver colour scheme unifies the watch and its multiple elements.” “There is a wonderful sense of balance and composure, which is underpinned by the symmetry of the front elevation.”

“I do like the watch personally, and I find the overall attitude sophisticated and timeless. Its design is resolved in a way that’s confident but quiet.”

“This is so much more than a watch. It’s like a geography lesson on your wrist. It’s one of the most interesting timepieces I’ve come across and its visual appeal is in how complicated it looks.”

“I find that the engraved words on the front face and side of the case clutter the reading of the other elements. I’m uncertain if they are necessary.” “There is a sensitivity to what is revealed versus what is concealed. There is a really nice balance of what to show off, and what to conceal.” “I love that all the different indications appear to float, and both sides of the watch are packed with information that is relevant.” “The watch is very large, which is a trade-off that the brand had to make to include all of the information.” “The watch conveys so much information, but I wonder if its legibility suffers as a result. It keeps true to the brand’s DNA, but it is not easy to tell what’s going on at a glance.”