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The KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel is new, from New York and promises to do everything differently – just like every other watch brand, whether new or established. In the case of KNOPF Watches, however, there are several signs that the young brand could change the watch world this time. I’ll explain why and take a closer look at this magnificent Art Deco timepiece…
It all began…
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…on a day out in New York. It was supposed to be a classic father-son day. What do you do on a day like this? Of course, you walk along Madison Avenue towards Central Park and past the luxurious jewelers, whose shop windows smile at you with their fine wristwatches. Rolex, Omega, IWC – luxury has many faces. Apparently, however, they are too similar – at least to the taste of Larry Knopf and his son Gage. Father and son had identified astonishing similarities between the models, which differed only marginally and in detail. “Generic” is the word Larry Knopf chooses when he tells his story.
“I could design something much more creative than what we’ve just seen” was his son Gage’s first reaction to the shared shock. What began with this sentence had already developed a few hundred meters – up Madison Avenue – into a sophisticated idea that Larry and Gage Knopf have not let go of since.
The two New York watch company founders get never tired of emphasizing how proud they are of the history of the Knopf family, from which many entrepreneurs have emerged. Larry’s grandfather Solomon Knopf had already emigrated in 1892 to build a new life in America. Businesses in real estate helped him to achieve success and prosperity. This detail from the family’s past may seem insignificant. But appearances are deceptive. In this case the founders look up to their own ancestors and take their history as a model. The aim is to take matters into your own hands and do things a little differently to the mainstream.
Inseparable: New York and Art Deco
Of course, you hear slogans like this from the marketing department of every watch brand. But putting them into practice is something you don’t see that often and is rarer than ever these days anyway. However, KNOPF Watches, as the new brand is called, has put the idea of creating immediately recognizable designs into practice as an independent watch brand: a dial that functions as a canvas and on which great art is created.
The only question is which art. Larry Knopf cites his wife as the inspiration, who first had the idea of incorporating the architecture of New York into the watch design – a brilliant idea! After all, no one had ever done that before. At the same time, the homage is a declaration of love to the hometown of New York with all its facets.
When we talk about the architecture of New York, then in the context of KNOPF Watches it is primarily about Art Deco. This is the style in which world-famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center were built. Art Deco had its heyday in the 20 years leading up to the Great Depression. However, the trend of the time still shapes the cityscape today like no other style.
What makes the Art Deco style so special
However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be skyscrapers. The Art Deco style concept goes much further and was used in a number of design areas. Furniture, vehicles, clothing and jewelry were or are also given the characteristic design. Why not wristwatches too?
Art déco is short for the French word art décoratif, which means decorative art. The style is characterized by elegant shapes and lines, places high-quality materials in the foreground and emphasizes organic and floral patterns in an obsessively symmetrical design. Their stylization creates patterns that remain in the memory. More and more, one gets the impression that Art Deco is the perfect way to give a mechanically driven commodity such as a watch a characteristic look.
My first impression of the KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel
The KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel masterfully implements the basic understanding of Art Deco. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical after my first look at photos and didn’t know if I like the unusual design for watches. Now that the NY-405 is on my wrist, it’s a different story. This watch has grown on me.
I find it difficult to put into words what is happening on the dial. Geometric shapes alternate with clear lines in black, white and gold. Together with the pointed hands and unconventional indices, they create a dynamic image that has a very classic look. But in a completely different way to what we know from classic three-hand watches from Europe. Bauhaus representatives would have long since thrown up their hands in horror.
What looks familiar to me is the date window above 6 o’clock and the BGW9 SuperLuminova luminous coating.
The case in detail
However, design is by no means everything. I consider good craftsmanship to be at least as important, the foundation for a successful watch, so to speak. The case of the KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel is made of 316L stainless steel with gold plating here and there. I really like the workmanship and can’t see any flaws here. Sapphire crystal protects the dial and remains scratch-resistant. On request, Larry Knopf informs me of the water resistance. It is 5 bar, which makes the watch splash-proof. However, diving is of course not possible.
The case houses a Swiss-made STP1-11 automatic movement. Its rate accuracy is -3 to +7 seconds per day, which is by no means a bad value. The same applies to the power reserve. Fully wound, it reaches 44 hours.
My test model has a solidly made stainless steel bracelet. Alternatively, you can also wear the model on a brown leather strap, but then for an additional charge. Each of the three available dial colors can be ordered with either a stainless steel or leather strap.
My conclusion on the KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel
Until a few years ago, the unwritten rule was that good watches came from Central Europe, preferably from Switzerland. In the meantime, the tide has turned. Numerous newcomers are entering the market and want a slice of the pie. KNOPF WATCHES makes it abundantly clear with its NY-405 Gold Steel that the new brands produce timepieces that are definitely worth taking seriously. Of course, this is only half true, as the New York watch was manufactured in Switzerland.
So there is a piece of Switzerland in the American watch. Nevertheless, the question of seriousness now arises. I know from many people (including myself) that there is often a reluctance to import watches from overseas. I’ll just mention the keyword ‘customs’.
The NY-405 is not only available with a two-tone case. KNOPF Watches seems to have recognized the great potential of its premiere watch and offers the model in other different versions. In my opinion, however, the Gold Steel embodies the spirit of Art Deco like no other. The model currently costs 905.95 euros. The unusual price is probably due to the conversion from dollars to euros.
You can find all further details about the KNOPF NY-405 Gold Steel below
More about KNOPF Watches and the NY-405 Gold Steel
Buy this photo watch in my WATCHDAVID.SHOP
Click here for the watch in the store
All other NY-405 models at a glance
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