The development steps
Wie bei der Auktion
After winning the auction, a few practical matters had to be arranged: How do we communicate with each other? When and where do we meet? How do we want to develop a common design? We agreed that we wanted to meet at least once at each co-designer's home. Countless emails were exchanged between ourselves and we met regularly (about ten times) until we finally completed our joint project successfully. Below we have listed the individual meetings to document the development from the beginning to the end.
Brugg (Switzerland)
In Brugg, we first conducted a brainstorming session. We quickly agreed that this watch should be a very individual personalised expression of ourselves. None of us had any interest in taking an artwork of another artist and simply putting it on the clock. Neither did we want to ask an artist to design the watch. We came up with the idea that each one of us should contribute one picture and design a quarter (quadrant) of the dial and a quarter of the strap.
Geneva (Switzerland)
In Geneva, we presented our thoughts to the design department of Swatch®. We further expanded our considerations: Each quarter designed by each of us should be put on a separate disc. Each disc should turn in different speeds (similar to the movement of the hour, minute and second hands).
Madrid (Spain)
Afterwards, we received the design template with the implementation of our ideas. It turned out that the idea was good indeed, but the result did not quite convince us at that point in time. Subsequently, Holger sat down and tried to rearrange the four motives differently and we further discussed the results in Madrid. It certainly was an improvement, but we were still not fully convinced.
Biel, Grenchen, Sion (Switzerland)
Then we asked Reto Stöckli about the possibility of visiting the production sites at Swatch. The aim was to collect fresh ideas for the existing possibilities of color design but also to explore the possibilities and limitations in the printing of the case and the straps. We agreed that the hands of the watch should have the size and color of the Original Jelly Fish.
Basel (Switzerland)
Three weeks later, we met in Basel with Carlo Giordanetti, the Creative Director of Swatch©. We discussed the possibilities of implementing our idea. We presented self-made prototypes. Carlo also brought along two of his own prototypes and together with his design department, they made a presentation implementating our idea. The result was significantly better than our designs up to that date. We thought about the suggestions, but finally decided against the presented design. Despite the fantastic look, we did not feel that this watch was "Our watch".
Soest (Germany)
Subsequently, we set aside the project for a while. It was difficult to develop new ideas, to find ourselves in our clock. Afterwards, 2 students were commissioned to present a number of proposals for the integration of our four motives in an overall concept for the watch. A workbook was created. After two days of hard work, we found the design for our clock.
Zurich (Switzerland)
At the Swatch Lab in Zurich, we then presented the results of our efforts to Carlo Giordanetti and Reto Stöckli. Both were impressed by the implementation of our idea. We were able to convince them that a corresponding presentation box for this watch was absolutely necessary. We also managed to convince both of them that this watch has to be delivered with two straps (one of which with no holes for collectors).
Heidelberg (Germany)
The style and the form of the presentation box was also designed by us. The aim was not only to depict the outstanding design but also to completely highlight the unique design configurations of the watch cases which were randomly coloured during the production process. Furthermore, we also wanted to present the story of the design development in a small booklet accompanying the presentation box which includes the watch itself and a special presentation of the second watch strap. Additionally, we each drew lots for each of our five watches.
Zurich (Switzerland)
During the development of the watch, the difficulty in implementing our idea showed up, especially for the watch case during the manufacturing process. Three years after the Lot 7 was bought, we approved the production of the watches, the cases, both straps and also the presentation box. Finally, we celebrated this success.
Sion (Switzerland)
Our greatest wish to be present during the production of our watch at the factory in Sion was kindly met. We experienced an unforgettable morning. All components of our watch were on the production line and production began on time. Each step was demonstrated to us by the very friendly staff at the factory and finally, we could hold the finished product in our own hands. In addition, Nadja brought the prototype of the presentation box. Our delight at the fantastic final result was simply beyond description.
Brugg (Switzerland)
Geneva (Switzerland)
Madrid (Spain)
Biel, Grenchen, Sion (Switzerland)
Basel (Switzerland)
Soest (Germany)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Heidelberg (Germany)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Sion (Switzerland)