Project O the "O1"

Introducing a new and innovative timepiece with technical and design features that define its very own DNA. UNIQUE and INNOVATIVE from its very conception.

O1, the perfect time sphere

The ancient Greeks used to say that the perfect geometric figure was a sphere. O1 is a transparent sphere, edgeless, which behind its smooth, fine and elegant surface lets its soul shine through: Precise clockwork engineering, created using cutting edge technology that, like the hands on the clock, is relentlessly moving forward.

As the wise man wrote, there can be no watch without a watchmaker. Behind this piece of unique design is the project of a passionate timepiece collector who has sought a balance between aesthetics and sophisticated craftsmanship.

O1 is a wristwatch, a fashion accessory, a symbol of class and elegance that reveals the mystery of time keeping. A little gem on the wrist that reveals and encases the mechanical gearing in all its glory. A minimalist gesture of studied simplicity that, fleeing utilitarianism, proposes a unique piece in the art of watchmaking.

Every day has 24 hours and each hour 60 minutes with their corresponding seconds; watches, it is known, keep time and this time runs now invariably also within the sphere of O1.

* O1 is an initiative by Matthieu Keller.
 

O1 Project – Made in BARCELONA

This project was born from the union of experience and passion for watchmaking, the desire to create a timepiece with a modernist design, noble but not oversized, gleaming as crystal, and transparent, so that the machinery is in sight and the watch reveals its own gearing. An elegant yet sporty watch to wear in any situation.

This watch concept, innovative in its design and technical features, has its own DNA. Its design is unique and represents a whole scoop.

In order to envisage this clock with its smooth contours and rounded edges, so as to allow for perfect light penetration unhindered and without divergence, both the box and glass form a single piece.

Our challenge has been to design the production of this timepiece at an affordable price so that everyone can afford to wear an O1 on their wrist.

After reconciling the technical and design requirements for a perfect match, we are able to present this magnificent timepiece of delicate roundness, pure transparency, and bright reflections with its skeleton machinery at its heart surrounded by a sober and luminous sphere.

CASING / GLASS / SPHERE / BACKING

For he casing: (C5O2H8)n

"Polymethyl methacrylate", aka PMMA*, is a completely transparent thermoplastic, perfectly smooth and shiny, with a capacity for greater light transmission than glass (refractive index 1.49), greater lightness (density 1.19 g/cm3 2.53 g/cm3 unlike glass) and scratch-resistant and impervious to solar radiation and aging (no yellowing); all the while being nearly 7 times stronger than glass of equal thickness.

To accomplish this, it undergoes a number of processes such as extrusion, casting, trimming, polishing and drilling.

We decided to design a casing that integrated the glass, forming a single piece of PMMA. Thus we have created a fully transparent box, gleaming in appearance and perfectly smooth in structure, which represents a breakthrough for watch in this category.

The backing is also made of transparent PMMA, and it is joined to the casing using a tension ring which ensures a perfect seal.

Both the support for the gearing and the dial are integrally formed of transparent PMMA, although in this case we have decided to introduce different color variations at the heart of the watch.

These parts require manipulation and control of the highest precision, only available to highly sophisticated industrial equipment. Therefore it will be produced in Switzerland, where competence in matters of precision and miniaturization, as well as the art of watchmaking, are indisputable and offer total quality assurance.

CALIBRE

We have chosen a skeleton type machinery, automatic and open to its gearing. Here are its specifications:

• Miyota 8N24-E21 skeleton, self-winding mechanical movement
• 11½’’’ lines
• Dimensions : Diam. 26.00 mm / height 5.55 mm
• Vibrations 21.600 per hour (3Hz)
• Shock-absorber for balance staff
• 21 jewels
• Functions: Hours, Minutes / Seconds
• Setting the time: two positions

CROWN

The stainless steel ring, composed of 36 teeth, will have the usual crown shape and protect the rod mechanism while sealing the housing assembly.

HANDS

For hours and minutes, blue satin with a perforated, hollow center.

For seconds, black elongated counterweight.

STRAP / CLASP

The black crocodile grain strap gives this timepiece a modern, elegant design. It is 20 mm in diameter and will be mounted on safety pins inserted inside the casing, in order to maintain its roundness.

The lock will be a stainless steel folding clasp.

It can be changed easily.