📣 New feature alert: Collections!!
Access via collections tab in your profile ✌️
Minimalist Design
A year ago, I wouldn't have seen myself buying this kind of watch but after recently catching a JDM Seiko Chariot, I found myself tumbling down the minimalist rabbit hole.
Reading up on minimalism I came across a designer called Dieter Rams who was associated with the Functional School of Industrial Design and the company Braun.
When I discovered he designed a watch, I got interested. When I discovered the watch was listed in the book 'Fifty Watches that Changed the World', I just had to hunt one down.
The box is a bit tatty. But the watch is new and unworn
Dieter Rams often repeated the adage "less is better" and under his design leadership at Braun his style has been cited as influencing Apple's concept choices of style and materials. "Both Braun and Apple share the belief that rather than pander to short-term fashion or marketing gimmicks, good products can be produced only by placing design and design thinking at the centre of product development".
First released in 1989 the AW10 was Braun's first analogue wrist watch. "The design team of Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs wanted the AW10 to reflect their vision of creating a watch that displayed the time in the most functional way possible and embodied all their design principles".
64 comments
Sort by
I totally understand you .
By the way if you’re interested in knowing more about Braun and their design and love beautiful books : https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/braun-designed-to-keep-9781838663896/
Of my watches the Braun is the one which gets the most compliments. Build quality not that great, but absolutely love the watch
Is this where we begin to appreciate the Apple Watch or is that a step too far, John?
Very cool story and post John. Love the watch too. I have only one minimalist watch, but it doesn't get much wrist time, but due to your post, I'll wear it today.
It's a small independent brand called Invis
I love the aesthetics of this watch, also Mondaine appeal with their look👌
I’ve admired these for a long time
Thanks for the post, very interesting back Story. The watch is indeed very nice. Enjoy 🔥
Very attractive watch!
Very cool timepiece @Yonder !! 😎
Braun products and design were pretty special but when the company ventured into producing products more cheaply in countries including Mexico in the late 80s early 90s, the reputation went south fast. Braun produced steam irons that failed quickly if you were lucky, caused problems with your electrical system if you were less fortunate. I recall coffee makers, grinders that were just as unreliable. I do hold fond memories of the iconic Braun travel alarm clock produced in W Germany.
Totally right, John! And the Sinn 105s are using a very similar design language 🤩
Congratulations John. Less is often more! Wear it in good health.
Looks wonderful John, looks like a winner 🏆
Looks great John. A little minimalism in your life can be a great thing!
Minimalist design, maximum appeal 💯
I have a friend, we grew up together, he's a very successful farmer now and has never wore a watch in his life.
He thinks our hobby is strange
When we talk about minimalism and wabi sabi then it is the very opposite to this watch collecting hobby so maybe he knows this too 😜
Nice post John 👏🏻
I have liked these Braun pieces for a while now, the minimalist design and the colours all work so well. Congrats on your new watch
When we talk about minimalism and wabi sabi then it is the very opposite to this watch collecting hobby so maybe he knows this too 😜
Life is complicated 🤷🏻♂️
Nice post John 👏🏻
I have liked these Braun pieces for a while now, the minimalist design and the colours all work so well. Congrats on your new watch
Thanks a lot Andy 🤓
Life is complicated 🤷🏻♂️
Totally! 🫠
Excellent summary John, you have now piqued my interest 🤔
You've opened my eyes, John which is no good for the wallet 😁
You've opened my eyes, John which is no good for the wallet 😁
Lol.. I take no responsibility if you can't resist temptation 🤓
Apologies for being a little late to the party, but really glad to see the big reveal and love the tatty box—it’s perfect for its age. You get to be the steward to turn Braun’s minimalist dream of a clean and simple watch into the eventual tatty well-worn watch that would give the man extra wrinkles on his forehead. It is inevitable.
No problem @WabiSabiMaster I've been doing a bit more research on the watch and I think I might have bagged myself an original 1989 model. As far as I can see, the original had "4 789" stamped on the caseback but the 2017 re-issue had AW10 stamped.
Other than that, they appear to be identical but I haven't been able to figure out if they use the same movement yet.
No problem @WabiSabiMaster I've been doing a bit more research on the watch and I think I might have bagged myself an original 1989 model. As far as I can see, the original had "4 789" stamped on the caseback but the 2017 re-issue had AW10 stamped.
Other than that, they appear to be identical but I haven't been able to figure out if they use the same movement yet.
That sounds like you scored big time if you indeed have the first run. Very nice find indeed. Not that there’s anything wrong with the re-issue but man to have that first piece of history is something else.
That sounds like you scored big time if you indeed have the first run. Very nice find indeed. Not that there’s anything wrong with the re-issue but man to have that first piece of history is something else.
I suppose I should open it and replace the battery, which is obviously just an excuse to peek at the movement
I suppose I should open it and replace the battery, which is obviously just an excuse to peek at the movement
That would be a good first step if you’ve got your battle station all set up already with the spotlights on.
We're moving into the next house tomorrow and then Nancy is disappearing for a few days. I'll set up my battle station there. I've got a few watches to tinker with. Hopefully that will keep me off eBay and out of trouble.
I need to try and find an original Braun strap though.. I can see the backing is starting to split from the front on this one. I suppose it's no great surprise if it is indeed 30+ years old