Obaku Watches

Believe it or not, it is still possible to introduce a new brand on the world market within a short period of time, if the design, concept and prices are right.

Obaku watches were first introduced at the Basel fair in 2007 and only 9 months later exclusive agreements for distribution in 20 countries were signed. Most companies within the professional watch business would state that is impossible to introduce a new, unknown brand on the world market within such a short period of time, unless the brand owners are ready to spend millions of dollars in advertising beforehand. There are already hundreds of well known brands struggling for shelf space, so how should a new, unknown brand fit into this crowded market?

Against all odds Obaku watches have proven that it is still possible for new brands to penetrate the market and get shelf space in hundreds of shops within just a few months. What is the secret behind the success of Obaku?

Forget about time let the moment rule

Obaku is riding on a mega trend. Throughout the past 10 years we have all been living life faster. We have wanted it all; bigger homes, faster cars, a career and a picture perfect family. Stress has become a common lifestyle syndrome. We have been bombarded with products and information. The trend has been towards more gold and sparkle more colours more layers upon layers. But now we have had enough. We wish to cleanse ourselves, find calmness in our surroundings and allow our minds time for pensive reflection.

The name Obaku hails from a branch of the Zen philosophy founded in 1652 at Mount Obaku. The Obaku philosophers were well known for creating calligraphy and the three founders were deemed the Three Brushes of Obaku. The Obaku logo is inspired by the calligraphic circle of life symbol, which reminds us of the passing of time and that every day is important. Zen philosophy is notable for its emphasis on mindful acceptance of the present moment, spontaneous action, and letting go of self-consciousness and judgmental thinking. The thought behind the Obaku line of watches is the same; forget about time let the moment rule!

THE UNITY OF SIMPLICITY

Merging two things in an artful way means getting rid of everything not really needed. Paring something right down to the bare essentials of simplicity and then giving life, shape and texture.

Obaku Harmony is an exclusive collection of watches with a focus on simple, serene design. This collection is backed by a philosophy of blending the two different traditions of simplicity found in the European and Asian cultures.

Simplicity is a lifestyle

An oasis of calm, balance and harmony in the midst of a world in constant movement. Regardless of where on the planet we may be we all need our personal paradise where we find pleasure in the small details.

A soft curve, the spray from a wave or the sound of rustling leaves.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF OBAKU HARMONY

The idea that there should be a sense of calm and balance in the items we use to adorn ourselves is what gave birth to the Obaku Harmony collection.

In Asia, Zen philosophies have given rise to a natural simplicity - in both thought and act. Obaku Harmony takes its name from a branch of Zen philosophy and has created a universe characterised by a sense of calm - free from all superfluous details.

The Northern European countries have a long design tradition featuring functionality and simplicity of composition.

Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from both these cultures, and has blended the simplicity found in both.

THE UNITY OF SIMPLICITY

We wanted to merge the design idioms from two different cultures. To create a collection of beautiful, exclusive watches based on the idea of simplicity, with features from both the Asian and the Nordic design traditions.

It might seem impossible to blend traditions that originate thousands of kilometres apart. Geographical distance means less and less due to globalisation. We now live in a world where similarities and a sense of community continually occur between people spread far and wide.

With this as our starting point, Obaku Harmony went on working towards making our dream come true. Our quest for a point where the Nordic and Asian design idioms finally meet led us to a concept that seemed to crop up over and over again. Simplicity.

For although these two traditions have been very different throughout history, simplicity is a fundamental element in both of them.

In Asia, different life philosophies - such as Zen philosophy - have moulded a set of basic values that pay tribute to simplicity and the search for the essence in life, and of truth and calm. A path of seeking inward for something with deeper meaning.

Simplicity is also a feature of the Nordic tradition. By contrast, this stems from practical necessity, not a spiritual philosophy. The focus is on functionality rather than shape, in order to get the most out of the materials used.

This is how Obaku Harmony uncovered a set of basic values and a path that blends both traditions. Because merging two things in an artful way means getting rid of everything not really needed. Paring something right down to the bare essentials of simplicity, and then giving it life, shape and texture. Our name also reflects a blend of the Asian and the Nordic.

Obaku is the name of a branch of Zen philosophy - begun in China with numerous subsequent adherents in Japan. The basic belief in Obaku is the search for truth and deeper meaning by delving into the human mind.

However, this blending of influences from both Asia and the Nordic countries also reflects the Western interest in the search for meaning in a hectic world, via the ancient philosophies of Asia.

We live in an era in which the pace of life is intense, and we are always expected to do our best. Time works both for us and against us. Once in a while, however, we need to seek repose somewhere tranquil - where our senses are free of the constant bombardment of information and impressions.

Using both a unique design and a keen sense of detail, Obaku Harmony reflects the aim of finding peace in a straightforward artistic idiom that in no way intrudes, carefully avoiding superfluous decoration and sensory impressions that distract our attention from what is really important.

INFINITY

Obaku Harmony watches feature a design that is both classic and timeless. Infinity watches reflect a relaxed, unpretentious style via simple - yet confident - details. These are watches for people who recognise the importance of time, and who want classic watches with a new twist.

BLOSSOM

Obaku Harmony design pays tribute to the delicate balance between untamed nature and man-made perfection. Blossom blends both of these, with a bold choice of colour and only partially tamed ruggedness. Together, these represent trendsetting design that exudes confidence. Blossom combines imagination, creativity and elegance in one simple design.

PURITY

Purity and simplicity are the core of Obaku Harmony design. Purity is the light, white part of the collection, and reflects discretion in the delicate femininity of its details, with their origin in nature. Experience a flower discreetly patterned in the leather strap, the reflection of mother-of-pearl in the watch face or the sparkle of the ruby in contrast to all the white.

NIGHT

Carefully considered design is one of the distinguishing features of Obaku Harmony. The design idiom in Night - from the dark part of the collection - radiates both simplicity and the mystique that only the night can bring. Night is for those who appreciate discretion, and who don't need to demonstrate that time reflects power - it is a luxury we all deserve.

CONFIDENCE

The best way to achieve results is via determination and effort. Obaku Harmony creates Confidence with a dynamic yet simple design to signal the idea of activity via performance. These watches are for the active person who wants to show an assured, physical style.

SPECIFICATIONS

HAND POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL CASES, BUCKLES AND BANDS

All cases, buckles and bands are made in the best solid stainless steel material for watch manufacturing. The fine 316L steel is made in Japan ¡V and all cases are

finally, carefully hand polished by the best craftsmanship standards.

TITAN GLASS

Selected models of the Obaku Harmony watch collection are assembled with the newest invention in glass technology - Titan Glass.

Probably the strongest glass ever used for watches. Titan Glass is at least 10 times more crack resistant than any other typical watch glass such as mineral

glass and sapphire crystal glass.

Titan Glass is registered and used exclusively in Obaku Harmony watches.

MINERAL GLAS

Watches which are not marked with Titan Glass are assembled with the highest quality of mineral glass with a high degree of scratch resistance.

COATINGS

All watches in gold or black are coated with a titanium coating which is the newest and most advanced technique for long lasting coatings. The gold coating is a mixture of titanium and gold which are merged with the stainless steel base material in a fusion process in a vacuum chamber.

STRAPS

All straps are made in genuine leather ¡V and several versions are assembled in multiple layers which are giving the straps a rich structure and identity.

KEVLAR STRAPS

Selected models are using the most durable materials including Kevlar, which is a light fibre generally said to be 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.

MOVEMENTS

All watches are assembled with original high quality movements made in Japan with the highest precision.

ECOLOGICAL MOVEMENTS

Selected models are equipped with special environmental friendly movements, which are using the new SPRON Battery a new mercury/lead-free silver Oxide Battery.

By applying a high precision anode, using a surface process technology and new material for the cathode, silver and lead be removed totally from the battery.

(The movement can also use ordinary batteries as well)

WATER RESISTANCE

All watches are at least 3ATM water resistant. Each watch is vacuum tested up to 3 ATM pressure. The watches are not suitable for diving or swimming.

GIFT BOXES

The gift box for the Obaku Harmony watches is a small sculpture in itself. It supports the entire concept of the Obaku philosophy of harmony and minimalistic design.

THE "PHOTOS" ARE NOT PHOTOS

The Photos of all the watches on this website were made long before the actual watches were produced. The Photos are actually not photos, but computerized visualisations which are the original drawings made by the designers Lau Liengrd Ruge and Christian Mikkelsen. There might be small variations between the computerized drawings and the actual watches.

The Obaku Designers

The Obaku-Harmony watches are designed by the two Danish designers, Christian Mikkelsen and Lau Lieng ærd Ruge.

Christian Mikkelsen and Lau Lieng ærd Ruge have combined the best from the Scandinavian minimalistic design traditions with the Obaku-Zen design traditions, and created a new minimalistic Obaku design.

The watches are characterized by pure, harmonic design, calm colour scheme, high functionality and good craftsmanship.

All watches is designed with a sense for every small detail, and nothing is left to coincidence. Some may believe that a simple and clean design is an easy design process. It is the opposite; the simpler the design, the greater the demand for perfectionism, because even small design flaws will be exposed.

Tiny details, such as the size and shape of the crown, the hands, the strap and the choice of colour are just a few examples that have to be taken into consideration and worked into perfection.

All the watches have their own unique story, meticulously thought through details to offer and have thereby each become a small piece of art, that support all the fundamental values in our mega trend of the harmony, authenticity, honesty, functionality and purity, that we all dream about.

Lau Lieng ærd Ruge

Lau Lieng ærd Ruge is well versed in the art of immersing yourself in the design process, in considering an idea for a long time, being willing to think on a grand scale and focusing on finally achieving the perfect result. Working with Christian Mikkelsen, Lau Ruge has now created the Obaku Harmony collection of watches, motivated by the desire to combine form and function in a sublime design idiom.

For me, the important thing is to produce a design that stands the test of time. Im no fan of quick-fire, flavour-of-the month solutions. I want to really get to grips with a design, and focus my energy on bringing it to fruition,¨ he says, at the same time admitting that he is an incorrigible perfectionist.

Lau Lieng ærd Ruge trained as an industrial designer at the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark, and has been interested in the creative aspects of life ever since childhood.

He has played music for many years, and has always been engaged with designing and drawing. ¡¨Both my parents are creative people, and it is only natural that their interests in music and art rubbed off on me,¡¨ he explains.

Designing is the focal point of my interests, and I always try to add a graphical dimension to my work,¨ he says.

Lau Lieng ærd Ruge is full of praise for the classic Danish designers, who are renowned for the simplicity and functionality of their work.

Nevertheless, he also fully appreciates the fantastic inspiration to be found in zany, high-tech contemporary design idioms.

Basically, it is also a question of maintaining a sense of pride in what I do, and remembering what the product will ultimately be used for,¡¨ he points out.

Being involved in creating the Obaku Harmony range has been a process thats been both exciting and interesting. As a designer, I was given free rein to put my personal fingerprint on the different types of watches in this collection. I have been very aware of working with the effects created by the different materials, according to the kind of treatment they are given or the way they are juxtaposed,¨ he says.

The objective with my designs is to create products that people consider worth keeping.

CHRISTIAN MIKKELSEN

One of the driving forces behind the Obaku Harmony collection of watches is Christian Mikkelsen. Known as one of the best in this business, he trained as an industrial designer and has subsequently worked with designing watches for a wide range of different manufacturers.

He currently lives in Hong Kong, where he enjoys the full range of contrasts, the sense of dynamism and the boundless energy that the metropolis provides.

Working closely with fellow-designer Lau Lieng ærd Ruge, Christian Mikkelsen has created an entire universe of unique watches that are now available bearing the Obaku Harmony name.

For Christian Mikkelsen a watch is an extra-special item, he himself owns 20 different watches of different designs.

And a watch also tells a story ¨Your watch says something about who you are as a person. It also depicts the passing of time, and announces that you are engaged in the process of living your life.¨