TAK Watch Company: Designs and Concepts
Hello watch community, I am nearing the launch of my own watch company called TAK. A Dutch word meaning to branch out which is what I feel my company does from traditional watch design and manufacture. I am an independent watchmaker in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and I have been working on 3D printed case designs for about 12 years. I found both aesthetic and conceptual interest in the combination of the innovative industrial process of 3D printing with the traditional fine horological trade. I wanted to share some images of my first design, “the Architect,” based on structural engineering designs. The cases are printed in stainless steel and machined in my workshop. The case houses a Sellita SW200 Swiss automatic movement and sapphire crystals on both dial side and view back. I would appreciate any feedback from this community as I tweak the final case for production. Thank you!
TAK Watch Company is horological design and manufacture company based in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Independent watchmaker Kesse Humphreys owns and operates the company which specializes in contemporary...
If this is your first go, I must say you've done a very good job of making something with a unique style. I like it very much. Something that strikes me about the design is a purely practical point. It might be quite hard to keep clean with the hollow lugs and indentations in the side of the case. But I'm sure there's a market for this style. I for one am very keen to see how this progresses.
I'm unfamiliar with the symbols and the intended context but I find the minute hand counterweight length distracting and a bit detrimental to legibility. I'm fonder of narrower crowns, but that's petty. Overall it's cohesive and interesting. Case shapes tend to be a little cookie cutter nowadays, so this is welcome.
That case is amazing! Do you do case manufacturing for other microbrands per chance? Been looking for a American made case company myself
Props for jumping in with a unique design, I can see where this will be appealing, especially for those looking to support a US-based company. Is the final case going to have that distressed finish like the prototype? I think it could be very cool if it had multiple finishes, but that is just me.
I like Lancaster out and front, but less crazy about Automatic and "Swiss Movmt" on the dial. Too close to MVMT.
Amazing work to spend so much time on an effort like this, with a really unique result. Great stuff.
My biggest question is about finishing. The case seems to have a sort of sandblasted look, while the bezel is heavily brushed. To my eye, they don’t work too well together.
Good luck to your company. Nicely done.
Overall, I like it! Here's my personal feedback~
Likes:
-Cool lugs!
-Hour Hand
-Second Hand
-Legible indices
-Unique Aesthetic
Dislikes (disclaimer, this is my personal taste):
-Logo doesn't resonate with me; I'd prefer something more minimal
-The ridges around the edge of the case are a little too prominent for me, I think they can be toned down (similar to Breguet Classique), or removed entirely
-Agree with other commenters about minute hand being a little awkward, and about Swiss Movmt reading weird. I think Automatic and Swiss Movmt can be dropped from the dial entirely, and just written on the caseback.
___
I think the watch is unique in a good way, and I'm looking forward to seeing where you take the brand!
Your watch is why I love micro-brands. I love that you are creating your own signature and that your watches if this is the design language will be unmistakably TAK watches. The face and hands on the watch are very distinctive and to my knowledge don't look like any other brand. The case is just amazing and I love the details on it. I am curious about the case size. The watch looks pretty big in one of the photos. I personally have been moving away from large watches, but I think you could have a real crowd pleaser here since a lot of people love watches over 40mm.
Amazing work to spend so much time on an effort like this, with a really unique result. Great stuff.
My biggest question is about finishing. The case seems to have a sort of sandblasted look, while the bezel is heavily brushed. To my eye, they don’t work too well together.
This seems to be a case of honest artifacts from different methods of manufacture. The complex case is 3D-printed, essentially dropping bits of molten metal in place, which leaves a granular finish (and likely a certain degree of porosity). Secondary finishing of such geometry likely requires much higher investment.
The bezel is a relatively simple turned shape of constant cross section. It lends itself to being made with traditional subtractive machining, thus a machined finish.
One more thing - if you can make the lugs angle down a little more, it may conform to more wrists.
Love it! Great job on reaching for creativity and your dedication. Agreed with previous gentleman's comment about the second hand being too long. A bit of a trim would work wonders. But I love the actual design.
My concern is legibility of reading the time. I like the minimal approach, but maybe some way to emphasize the hour markers more? How about a Junghans approach of numerals inner the hour markers? So no disruption of the minimal vibe.
I also find that micro brands need a call out to cultural or historical references to draw collectors. I recently purchased a Farer Stanhope due to the reference to lady Stanhope and her heroic explorations. Really, a bit of a put on but still fun.
I'm unfamiliar with the symbols and the intended context but I find the minute hand counterweight length distracting and a bit detrimental to legibility. I'm fonder of narrower crowns, but that's petty. Overall it's cohesive and interesting. Case shapes tend to be a little cookie cutter nowadays, so this is welcome.
Totally agree with @OscarKlosoff. I find both the minute hand and second hand counterweigh lengths to be too long and visua unappealing.
Estimated price?
This is an interesting concept, but it would be nice to know how much all this design work and 3d printing translates into terms of cost to the consumer. I suspect there is a reason why certain watches are not made in this way, and I’m worried it is price.
I find this colourway a little muddy, the seconds hand deserves better.
Dial is a little busy, could be balanced better.
Handset, I’m just going to echo others, the weighting is slightly off.
I like the case, but less so the lugs; top-down they are good, side-on the cross-bracing is not quite doing it for me. What about if they were open or does that result in too weak a construction? Would that allow for the cage-effect of the case to remain the main focus?
I love it! I would like to see Lancaster Pa on bottom in place of Swiss Mvmt and dispense with 'Automatic' completely. The length of hands is great but I would lose the counterweight on the minute hand. Kudos to you for a beautiful, original design. I'm going to be watching with interest. I think you'll have a winner.
Sweeeeeeeet!
This seems to be a case of honest artifacts from different methods of manufacture. The complex case is 3D-printed, essentially dropping bits of molten metal in place, which leaves a granular finish (and likely a certain degree of porosity). Secondary finishing of such geometry likely requires much higher investment.
The bezel is a relatively simple turned shape of constant cross section. It lends itself to being made with traditional subtractive machining, thus a machined finish.
I really appreciate the way you explained this OscarKlosoff. There are several methods of 3D printing in stainless. I use binder jetting as I feel it is the cleanest method and most intricate, though it does leave the build lines as a result of the process. The finish is not "perfect" like a cnc machined and polished surface, but I like the fact that it is, as you call it, an "honest artifact" of the process.
One more thing - if you can make the lugs angle down a little more, it may conform to more wrists.
I am going experiment with this Richierich. The issue is: the more of an angle, the longer the lugs need to be to give space for the strap so it doesn't interfere with the caseback. I may be able to make some adjustments though. Thank you!
Love it! Great job on reaching for creativity and your dedication. Agreed with previous gentleman's comment about the second hand being too long. A bit of a trim would work wonders. But I love the actual design.
My concern is legibility of reading the time. I like the minimal approach, but maybe some way to emphasize the hour markers more? How about a Junghans approach of numerals inner the hour markers? So no disruption of the minimal vibe.
I also find that micro brands need a call out to cultural or historical references to draw collectors. I recently purchased a Farer Stanhope due to the reference to lady Stanhope and her heroic explorations. Really, a bit of a put on but still fun.
Hi ckim4watches, thank you for your comments. I will definitely take them into consideration as I move forward!
Totally agree with @OscarKlosoff. I find both the minute hand and second hand counterweigh lengths to be too long and visua unappealing.
Hi watchobsessed, thanks for the feedback. The minute hand design was influenced by a compass needle design(which has a long counter balance), with the conceptual significance of "branching out, finding one's own way and direction." I don't know if an explanation helps to accept the design or do you still feel it needs changing? Thanks!
Hi street.credor, Thank you for your thoughts and comments. I have some other case designs in the works as well, though I feel this model is where I want to start. I will definitely consider your comments on the dial and minute hand. I did base the likeness of the minute hand on a compass needle which adheres to my concept of branching out and finding your own path. Upon knowing the reasoning behind it, do you still feel it doesn't "work"? Thank you!
Interesting, growing up to me Compass Needles were always dauphine shaped. I like the overall shape of the minute hand, but I think the counterbalance could be shortened a little
Estimated price?
This is an interesting concept, but it would be nice to know how much all this design work and 3d printing translates into terms of cost to the consumer. I suspect there is a reason why certain watches are not made in this way, and I’m worried it is price.
I find this colourway a little muddy, the seconds hand deserves better.
Dial is a little busy, could be balanced better.
Handset, I’m just going to echo others, the weighting is slightly off.
I like the case, but less so the lugs; top-down they are good, side-on the cross-bracing is not quite doing it for me. What about if they were open or does that result in too weak a construction? Would that allow for the cage-effect of the case to remain the main focus?
Hi chronotriggered,
Thank you for your thoughts and comments. In terms of a price, I am still in the process of finalizing that. There are probably several reasons other companies are not using 3D printed cases (though some are.) Cost is one reason. The time involved in machining the cases post printing is another. Also, the finish is not "perfect"(like you would get from a cnc and polished surface). I realize these things, yet still want to make these watches, because the 3D printing process offers potential in design that you cannot get from any other process. If you use this to your advantage as a designer, this can result in a case that has not been produced before. If you can appreciate the value in this concept, I think it helps to pay a little more for the product. In terms of the dial, I will have other options in terms of color and may even change the design a little(or in other models) Also I do have another case design with lugs similar to what you mention. Stay tuned. Thank you again!
I love it! I would like to see Lancaster Pa on bottom in place of Swiss Mvmt and dispense with 'Automatic' completely. The length of hands is great but I would lose the counterweight on the minute hand. Kudos to you for a beautiful, original design. I'm going to be watching with interest. I think you'll have a winner.
Thank you for your comments Justintime! I really appreciate your feedback.
congrats and much success
critic
first
while i do like the case aesthetically on a practical level no
second
the text on the dial is too much
top and bottom. TAK needs to get very small or reduce the symbol to something simpler and smaller
bottom text and arrow is too prominent as well
fan
I LOVE THOSE HANDS
Hi fudrocker,
Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely take it into consideration on revisions. Happy to hear you like the hands!
The case and lugs look incredible man! Only thing I’d change is make the logo a little smaller
Hi WolfgangGullich, thank you for the feedback. I hear you on the logo. I crossed my fingers on the size initially. I will go smaller in future revisions.
Very interesting case design. What category, i.e. sport, tool, dress, are you seeing your watch? How would you recommend keeping all the nooks 'n crannies clean?
Hi Southpaw56, good questions about the category. I would say its a bit of a combo, definitely not sport. Dress and impress maybe! 😀. In terms of cleaning, I have been wearing my prototype for nearly a year with no significant build up of debris. It will be water resistant so toothbrush and warm water for anything overwhelming. Also I have a few designs in the works with less open spaces. Stay tuned!
The case is very well done in my opinion. The upper part with the recessed bezel is looking a bit odd and doesn't match the overall design. This is of course a personal opinion and I'm far from being an authority on design. However, maybe playing a bit with its width will change this or perhaps going with an all flat top and a recessed crystal? Or it could just be a question of photography vs the real thing, IDK.
OTOH, I don't like the hand's counterweights. They are too prominent, especially the one on the second's hand. Did you try different shapes and sizes and if you did can you show us some examples?
The color scheme is OK but I think it would be interesting to see other variations, including a red one.
Thanks for the feedback Catskinner, I did have a few different designs for the bezel though I settled on this one as a more classic look. I will have other options in the future. I also shared with OscarKlossoff the significance behind the length of the hands. The design of the minute hand was influenced by a compass needle(again an ode to finding one’s own way) which has a longer counterweight for balance. I have gotten a fair amount of feedback which shares your concern in regards to the length though. The lightening bolt on the back of the second hand signifies the energy needed to forge forward. Not sure this explanation helps with acceptance off the actual aesthetic, but it might grow on you😉 Definitely going to have some color options in the future.
Just what the watch word needs, another micro-brand doing nothing significantly different. The case is cool and the hands are cool but it isn't a GMT or world timer. It doesn't chime or buzz. It doesn't house a perpetual calendar. It doesn't even have a day/date.
Everyone here has a number of watches that tell time. Do you think that your filigree work is enough to get them to buy your watch?
Hi Velomax, thanks for your feedback, though it could have been a little less aggressive🥺. I hear what you are saying about so many micro-brands trying to sell similar products, but I actually feel that what I am offering is much different than what so many other brands out there offer(at least in terms of design). I know its not significant in terms of movement or complication, but I wanted to keep that part simple for now to highlight the manufacture process(3D printing) and concept. Sure everyone on here has a number of watches that tell time,(one could even argue that watches are not a necessity at all in the age of cell phones) which is why a watch is now more about the story, the concept, and the maker. I'm happy to share as much of my story as you want to hear, but this particular watch is a starting off point for me as an independent watchmaker. In watchmaking school I did hand-make a complicated watch(chronograph atop a Unitas 6497 base) which took me nearly 3 years(in my "free" time)to complete. You might ask why I don't just make those watches, and I am actually working towards that, but I need to build up some capital for the tools and time needed to make that happen. I have loved the idea behind and process of 3D printing since I first learned about it in 2008. Through this process you have the ability to create objects that cannot be made by "hand" including cnc etc. You have the possibilities of creating designs which never before were possible. This led to an intrigue in the relationship between this modern futuristic manufacturing process and the traditional watchmaking trade. It's like bringing the old and new together to move us into the future. Anyway, I understand that this design will not be for everyone(and I will have more designs to come). But I also hope that understanding the story and process will help build an appreciation for the watch itself. Thank you! (PS I am attaching an image of my chronograph for you.)
Let me start by saying Thank God you used a column wheel in that chronograph or I would have given up hope on you. It frightens me a bit that you don't have the capital to produce this beautiful chronograph movement but you are depending on sales of a less complicated watch to generate money needed to move forward. Too little capital is the number one reason most small businesses fail. You seem to have the passion for what you are doing which will go a long way.
As an enthusiast who has bought a dozen watches this year, I know what I like and I am frustrated that most brands aren't working in that direction. I realize that I am not the typical watch buyer or collector for that matter. I hope that your watch is what the typical watch buyer is looking for and that it sells well.
I will be watching to see what you release and I will be wishing you the best but it is going to take something special to get me to buy it. My opinions can be swayed. I was not a fan of Christopher Ward and now I own two of their watches and I am a fan.
Hi Velomax, thanks for your feedback, though it could have been a little less aggressive🥺. I hear what you are saying about so many micro-brands trying to sell similar products, but I actually feel that what I am offering is much different than what so many other brands out there offer(at least in terms of design). I know its not significant in terms of movement or complication, but I wanted to keep that part simple for now to highlight the manufacture process(3D printing) and concept. Sure everyone on here has a number of watches that tell time,(one could even argue that watches are not a necessity at all in the age of cell phones) which is why a watch is now more about the story, the concept, and the maker. I'm happy to share as much of my story as you want to hear, but this particular watch is a starting off point for me as an independent watchmaker. In watchmaking school I did hand-make a complicated watch(chronograph atop a Unitas 6497 base) which took me nearly 3 years(in my "free" time)to complete. You might ask why I don't just make those watches, and I am actually working towards that, but I need to build up some capital for the tools and time needed to make that happen. I have loved the idea behind and process of 3D printing since I first learned about it in 2008. Through this process you have the ability to create objects that cannot be made by "hand" including cnc etc. You have the possibilities of creating designs which never before were possible. This led to an intrigue in the relationship between this modern futuristic manufacturing process and the traditional watchmaking trade. It's like bringing the old and new together to move us into the future. Anyway, I understand that this design will not be for everyone(and I will have more designs to come). But I also hope that understanding the story and process will help build an appreciation for the watch itself. Thank you! (PS I am attaching an image of my chronograph for you.)
Now this is what I was waiting for.. I remember entering watchmaking school almost 10 years ago and hearing of the legendary Kesse with his monopusher chronograph. Just so anyone else reading knows - watchmakers could spend decades working towards it - and still may not be able to reach the level of skill that is displayed in that photo. On to TAK:
I really like a lot of the design choices made in this first watch. Can I ask if you have any plans to have hand made components with this watch? I'll buy one either way. Congratulations on this big step - looking forward to everything coming.
Now this is what I was waiting for.. I remember entering watchmaking school almost 10 years ago and hearing of the legendary Kesse with his monopusher chronograph. Just so anyone else reading knows - watchmakers could spend decades working towards it - and still may not be able to reach the level of skill that is displayed in that photo. On to TAK:
I really like a lot of the design choices made in this first watch. Can I ask if you have any plans to have hand made components with this watch? I'll buy one either way. Congratulations on this big step - looking forward to everything coming.
Hi Watchsmith, Thanks for the message and support! I 'm currently working on some automatic rotor decoration for this watch, but I will also have some watches coming out with some handmade components in the not too distant future. Ill keep you updated!