The Model Two is the second watch from British independent brand alkin, after their successful launch of their Model One watch back in April 2018. Founded by award-winning contemporary furniture designer and watch enthusiast Charlie Fowler, alkin is born out of a long-held desire to build a brand uncompromising in it core values of high quality, ‘democratic design’ that will stand the test of time. ALKIN MODEL TWO.
With the Model Two Charlie has once again pursued an understated, design-led approach that is a clear and conscious evolution of the alkin house style. It looks to pay homage to the traditional dual crown compressor watch archetype, made famous by brands like Enciar and Universal Geneve, but brings it up-to-date in a form that is simple, modern and functional. This update is followed through in the mechanics of the watch, which employs a standard screw down crowns and a depth rating of 300m, instead of a true super compressor system.
“The alkin ‘house style’ takes inspiration from an honest, enduring aesthetic, that balances form and function in equal measure. These influences are wide ranging, from classic military watches to the work of designers like Dieter Rams and Jasper Morrison.”
All elements have been distilled down to create a simple, visually balanced piece that offers maximum legibility, functionality and versatility. The case, hands, dial and branding have all been designed from scratch by Charlie, while the same Arabic numerals found on the Model One (designed by British typographer Gareth Hague) have once again been used on the dial and bezel of the Model Two. The 41mm case has a utilitarian style with proportions that give it a presence on the wrist without being too bulky.
ALKIN MODEL TWO
The short lugs (48mm overall) reach down to hug the wrist, helping to balance out the slightly larger case diameter. As with most traditional compressor style designs, the crowns are positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock for maximum balance and comfort. To once again reflect the updated nod to tradition, the ‘hatching’ design on the crown that controls the bezel, has been laser etched, instead of machined.
In order to create a sense of ‘depth’ in the pared back dial, the model two employs a sandwich design, with the hour indices cut out to expose the white lume on the lower dial. This is contrasted by the multi-layered screen printing of 12, 3, 6, and 9 that raise them up slightly form the surface of the dial. This is further enhanced by the flat rotating inner bezel being set 1.4mm above the face of the dial, creating a more contemporary and robust look.
The use of sapphire crystal front and back, Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume and the Miyota 3039 Automatic movement all demonstrates the central alkin commitment to quality and functionality. The step- up from a Seiko NH 35A in the Model One to the Miyota 9039 for Model Two is in line with Charlie’s ambition to move the brand on in terms of quality, execution and longevity, while still keeping the watches affordable.
ALKIN MODEL TWO
Charlie recognises the impact of just creating more stuff, so has put the sustainability of the alkin brand central to the business mission. Fundamentally, designing a product that is rooted in longevity is key to keeping the product in use for as long as possible. The quality of the components and a reliable, widely used movement that can be very easily serviced or repaired are essential factors. In addition to this, all external packaging is paper-based and a vegetable-tanned leather travel pouch is included that can be used throughout the watch’s lifetime, instead of elaborate packaging that will lie idle in a drawer. ALKIN MODEL TWO.
The Model Two will come in three dial colourways; Blue, Black and a SuperLuminova full lume white. All watches will ship on a stainless steel bracelet with fully articulating solid links and solid endlinks.
“The design process always starts with 3D printed cases and paper dials. This helps to test and refine the scale and comfort of the case, and the visual ‘weight’ and proportions of the dial. Although quite a basic process, it is surprising how close you can get to the finished article!”
“The name alkin derives from old English and means ‘of all kinds’, which represented my desire to develop watches with a broad and lasting appeal,” says Charlie. “I’m passionate about products that are build to last and go on a journey with you, but it’s often hard to make this available to everyone. From the outset, alkin has been a brand with accessibility, quality and longevity firmly in mind.”
Gallery ALKIN MODEL TWO
You find ALKIN MODEL TWO here:
https://alkinwatches.com/collections/model-two
https://www.instagram.com/alkinwatches/
https://www.facebook.com/alkinwatches/
https://twitter.com/alkinwatches
https://alkinwatches.tumblr.com
Dear WATCHDAVID reader! You have just read a sponsored article. This kind of advertising gives sponsors the opportunity to present you news or offers that are less suitable for conventional advertising. Sponsored articles are always subject to the editorial guidelines of WATCHDAVID. Opinions and other expressions in sponsored contributions are always in the interest of the sponsor. Therefore they are not necessarily congruent with those of WATCHDAVID.
