Admittedly, I didn't know what Massdrop was until late last year. The idea that a group of people with common interests can get together and negotiate prices for items was a novel and intriguing one. In fact, it was only a few weeks ago that I saw a post on a fountain pen forum linking to Massdrops of Lamy pens. When I heard about, it finally clicked: the fountain pen community is robust in its online presence, and Massdrop was leaning toward being the next market frontier for pen fans to collaborate and communicate, all while getting to buy pens and stationery at what often amount to lower-than-usual prices.
As of the time of writing, Massdrop is currently running a deal on the Leatherback Writer 2 by the Los Angeles-based This is Ground until October 27th. I've been impressed by leather craftsmanship since I first reviewed Sula Jane and Earl's impeccable line of leather pen cases and rolls a few years ago, and have since been interested in similar handcrafted goods. The Leatherback Writer 2 is a case capable of storing a phone, notebook, writing instrument, and a small cache of cards or cash. While it's standardized to fit a Moleskine or Field Notes, I look forward to seeing what else it can hold, and how it will age over time, as most good leather products do. The full-grain case comes in three colours, and I can't decide which one I like best. The leather appears smooth and sheeny, and I'll be getting a chance to put it through its paces in the coming weeks. If it performs even half as good as it looks, I'll be pleased to add it to my ever-growing collection of leather stationery.
The Leatherback Writer 2 which I will be receiving is courtesy of Massdrop. This article has been published so that readers can potentially purchase the Writer 2 before its sale ends. All opinions expressed in this piece are mine, and I receive no compensation for any link, article, or review I post; as Shakespeare once said through a seeming fool, "To thine own self be true."
ZIIIRO makes some of the most distinctive watches around. If you pay any attention to watches that feature modern design, you've probably seen one of their watch faces over the last 4 years. Robert Dabi, the lead designer behind the ZIIIRO, has crafted over a half-dozen watch styles that are as minimalist as they are captivating. Robert, his business partner Derick, and their team at ZIIIRO first started producing watches in 2010, and have since created both digital and analog timepieces that, among other features, uniquely use luminescent pigment, colour, and patterns. I recently had the opportunity to interview Robert and ask about the design philosophy behind - and bright future in front of - ZIIIRO Watches.
1. ZIIIRO's watches all maintain a distinct and disciplined minimalism, but also balance this strictness in design with unabashed colour and artistry. How would you describe the your design philosophy? Is ZIIIRO's design aesthetic changing or evolving with the introduction of new watches (the Eclipse, for example, is understated in its colour and time-telling mechanism, but arguably the most appealing watch you've created so far)?
ZIIIRO’s credo is to be futuristic, minimal and cool (cool, as in having a distinct, special look). Some models are more minimal, some are more futuristic and some more cool. But these 3 keywords should always be found within our designs. What also turned out to be characteristic is to go without using any numbers or text on the watch face, as well as using vivid colors. The latter we don’t consider a necessity for every model though, that’s why the Eclipse is more minimal than anything else for example – I'm happy to hear that you like it. Regarding color, maybe we’re going through phases but we won’t stop thinking about colorful watches for upcoming models.
2. How was ZIIIRO created, and how does the design process for a watch - from planning to production - work?
The first watch design (ZIIIRO Gravity) was a personal fun project on mine, I just wanted to design a wrist watch that i would like to wear. So I just started, without further particular plans. I ended up with something I thought could be really cool, so I continued to think about how it could be named and branded, and also tried to learn about the possibilities in watch making. At that time, I got to know Derick who helped me with the following steps until that concept became reality. Derick and his colleague Hei are located in Hong Kong and are in close contact with the manufacturers whereas I am sitting in Germany. We are communicating with each other almost every day (and not only talk about business stuff because we consider ourselves to be friends meanwhile).
The design process is roughly like this: I have an idea and start to visualize it (which can sometimes add up to 100 variations of watch faces and casings for a single model), then I narrow them down to the top one(s) and talk about it with Derick. Together we decide if at all, and if yes which of these we want to pursue. At this stage we think about technical limitations as well. Then I eventually change some details and draw detailed sizings and specifications for the production team. They work them up into the final CAD drawings and then we are fine-tuning and amending them until we think they are perfect. After that, samples are made and we have another chance to fine-tune and amend them until we think the physical units are perfect as well. After that, production starts.
3. What value does a watch have to you? Do you wear a watch for its aesthetics or functionality, and do you wear or admire any other watches that inspired your work at ZIIIRO?
Many people say watches have become unnecessary because you’re carrying a smartphone anyway, or meanwhile even a smart watch. I think that’s right from a pragmatic point of view. But as I'm wearing a nice watch, I always notice that it isn't just for being practical. Even if it actually IS more practical than taking the phone out, a watch is a man’s (often only) jewellery, whereas women tend to wear more than just a watch. For me, it’s a pleasure to look at it every time I want to know what time it [happens to be]. And I experience that it brings me joy if I like the watch I'm wearing, because it’s a way to express my personality. So in the end, I wear it for both, aesthetics and functionality.
No, I don’t wear any other watches. As I said before, I wanted to create a watch that I’d like to wear, and that’s what I've accomplished… several times meanwhile. I wouldn't say that I don’t like other watches… I do, but I don’t buy them :)
4. Your designs (both within your personal portfolio and for ZIIIRO) are all distinct. What is your personal design philosophy, and how is it manifest in your work?
That’s a difficult question because honestly, I don’t consider myself having “arrived” with the style that defines me. If it’s just my own perception, then I’d be happy. But there are many facets of product-, graphic- and screen-design that are interesting to me, and I’m still exploring rather than just carry them out. My philosophy is to be open-minded and move forward, but at the same time to learn about rules and history of design. Future doesn’t work without the past and vice versa.
5. Finally, do you have a vision for the future of ZIIIRO watches? Are there any radically new or innovative products that you have in the pipeline?
No. Just kidding, of course we’re always exploring what we can do next. On the one hand we are working on variants of existing models, which I’m sure will be really cool, and on the other we are working on something new. At this time we have watches utilizing an analog movement, and the ones using a digital module like the Saturn & Titan. So we are just exploring to develop a watch using LEDs. Like other models, it will be minimal and fit our style. And after that, there are still plenty of ideas left...
Pen&Design would like to thank Robert Dabi for allowing us to conduct a great interview. Answers have been edited (in square brackets) for readability.
When I moved from Blogger to my new site last year, I imported my old posts over, but they were soon buried in a deluge of new articles, and altered by font and formatting inadequacies. For the next few weeks, I'll be republishing some old articles in the new format, and perhaps even adding to them with new pictures and musings. I hope that readers old and new alike will enjoy!
