Origami-Inspired Timepiece Revolutionizes Watch Design

Makina Andras I: A Bold Leap in Rectangular Watch Aesthetics

Breaking away from the traditional flat art deco style, the Andras I by Danilo Villanueva captures the essence of origami to create a watch that boasts a photogenic allure from every angle. This design innovation has not gone unnoticed, garnering international acclaim from prestigious publications such as Designboom and Oracle Time. The watch's multifaceted surfaces, reminiscent of paper art, are a testament to the creative potential within the world of horology.

What sets the Andras I apart is its defiance of the norm, presenting a sports watch with a daring, angular aesthetic. The timepiece is enveloped in stealth black, featuring a 316L stainless steel case with a dynamic, multifaceted structure. Its three-dimensional, sandblasted dial adds depth, while the muscular silicone rubber strap complements the watch's chiseled case and layered dial, making a statement of strength and modernity.

The watch's construction is a blend of precision and artistry, employing CNC machinery to sculpt the PVD coated stainless steel case, complemented by hand-polished and brushed textures. The brass dial is meticulously hand-assembled, and the sapphire crystal glass is fortified with an anti-reflective coating. The heart of the Andras I is the Sellita SW260 movement, a component shared with luxury timepieces, ensuring reliability and precision at an accessible price point.

Technical specifications reveal a thoughtful approach to design. The Andras I's octagonal shape gracefully tapers to accommodate the circular movement, maintaining a slim profile at 10.5mm thick. The strap's air pockets enhance comfort, especially during sports activities or in warm climates. The Sellita SW260 movement, with its 38-hour power reserve, ensures the watch's performance matches its striking appearance.

Functionality is elegantly simplified in the Andras I, focusing on hours, minutes, and seconds. The design team's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the legible minute and second markers, and the distinctive blue hands. The crown, a signature element of Makina Watches, combines aesthetics with ease of use. This timepiece's journey from concept to reality spanned a year, with the final product launched to an eager market in September 2023.

Behind the Andras I's success lies extensive research into origami and its application in architecture, resulting in a design that is both innovative and respectful of watchmaking traditions. The design team faced the challenge of accommodating customer preferences for smaller-sized watches while integrating a substantial movement, a feat achieved through the watch's clever octagonal casing. The Andras I stands as a bold statement in the world of rectangular watches, offering a refreshing alternative to the classic art deco aesthetic.

As a testament to its design excellence, the Andras I has been honored with the Silver A' Watch Design Award in 2024, a recognition reserved for designs that exhibit exceptional innovation and skill. This accolade further solidifies the Andras I's position as a groundbreaking timepiece in the global watch market.