Hot take: The Twelve is ugly 🫣
Now, before the angry mob consumes me, let me say this: I’m not saying it’s a bad watch, indeed it’s a great watch. Im also not trying to convince people out of their enjoyment of this watch.
However, I just don’t see why people go bananas for The Twelve…
When I first saw pictures of The Twelve, I was honestly indifferent. However, when I handled them in person, that’s when I really didn’t get what everyone else was seeing…
To me, it has the quintessential definition of over design. I think is due to them trying to pack too much “value” into the watch.
There are contrasting finishings everywhere. Although the finishing is executed well, even holding up to macro shots; still, this makes the watch extremely flashy, to a point that it cheapens the feel of the watch.
So even though each individual component is great “value” with finishing objectively better than anything else at the price point: To me, it feels “cheap”.
It’s simply a matter of opinion and I wanted to voice mine to see if anyone else thinks the same…maybe not though 🙃
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The 12 never really resonated with me but I could never put a finger on why. After reading your take, I think you've summed it up perfectly for me. Thanks for the read!
Thanks for saying it. I have an unpopular opinion: I think this watch pictured below is HORRIBLY UGLY. But I’ve been scared to say it!
Yuk!
Agreed
I’d be interested to know if the dislike for the twelve is also a dislike for the PRX?
CW's "thing" is finishing, but with the Twelve they dialed it up to 11. If "bling" isn't your thing, the watch won't appeal. It's not my thing either, so I am also not into the Twelve, despite being a big CW fan in general.
It’s a brilliant watch.
But, the aesthetic is not to my taste. I’ve tried - I bought one. Just too blingly.
I was admiring the different models at the British watchmakers show on Saturday and it clicked that it will never be the watch for me.
I’ll take a bel canto and a moonphase instead and admire the twelve (as a technical achievement) from afar.
I’d be interested to know if the dislike for the twelve is also a dislike for the PRX?
Mmm yes definitely connected. Not a fan of either but I feel like for slightly different reasons.
Although the the PRX is flashy, I feel like my biggest issue is it feeling derivative and ubiquitous (at least in NYC) rather than being over designed.
Also, not a fan of the powermatic movements.
Well that’s certainly an opinion 🤣
I’d be interested to know if the dislike for the twelve is also a dislike for the PRX?
Interesting… I’m not a fan of the Twelve: I agree with David that it’s a bit of a design mess. But it isn’t as disgusting an example of confused design as the Seiko.
Mmm yes definitely connected. Not a fan of either but I feel like for slightly different reasons.
Although the the PRX is flashy, I feel like my biggest issue is it feeling derivative and ubiquitous (at least in NYC) rather than being over designed.
Also, not a fan of the powermatic movements.
Yes I think there is a fine line between love and hate with these integrated watches. This one makes me a bit itchy but the screws might annoy me over time.
Interesting… I’m not a fan of the Twelve: I agree with David that it’s a bit of a design mess. But it isn’t as disgusting an example of confused design as the Seiko.
Honestly, sometimes, this is how I think Seiko designs their watches. Sometimes it’s brilliant, sometimes you wonder how did that happen. 🤔🤣
https://youtu.be/qTC9j0QpCBM?si=3pHH--laSk6-VMxj
I'm a big fan of CW but the watches that have been hugely well received are probably the ones in their range that have least appealed to me on initial viewing.
The limited edition skeletonised watch, the Bel Canto, the Moonphase & the Twelve aesthetically haven't really appealed to me. Even though I have a Bel Canto ordered, I can put that down to curiosity rather than a love of it's looks.
I find myself drawn to their bread & butter watches more than their designs that see them stepping up the horological ladder. The Trident Pro, the Sealander, the Dune all appeal to me more. I share your feelings on the Twelve. It's a nice watch, sure. I just don't feel any great desire to own one.
The purple on a rubber strap is nice and would be my choice.
The purple on a rubber strap is nice and would be my choice.
I am a sucker for a purple dial.
I'm a big fan of CW but the watches that have been hugely well received are probably the ones in their range that have least appealed to me on initial viewing.
The limited edition skeletonised watch, the Bel Canto, the Moonphase & the Twelve aesthetically haven't really appealed to me. Even though I have a Bel Canto ordered, I can put that down to curiosity rather than a love of it's looks.
I find myself drawn to their bread & butter watches more than their designs that see them stepping up the horological ladder. The Trident Pro, the Sealander, the Dune all appeal to me more. I share your feelings on the Twelve. It's a nice watch, sure. I just don't feel any great desire to own one.
Exactly, I feel like that’s where this brand really shines. My sealander is perfect, it feels like they are taking enthusiast’s idealistic image of Seiko and actually producing the watch.
I can't stand this brand at the best of times and that is one hell of an ugly watch on top.
Like the hands but that's about it.
Not a massive fan of the fume dial model…it is hyped up though.
It’s nice but it just screams “Manbag” … not that there is anything wrong with that !!
What’s a manbag? 🤔
I like the 12 halo as much as i dislike the regular one. Though not enough to pull the trigger at its existing price
Yes! This is the best by far. With a strap, I think it could be quite dashing.
Mike France stated in The Twelve launch interview that they started working on the design of The Twelve in 2017. Czapek Antartique was launched in ?2021? and The Twelve in 2023. It is possible that Adrian Buchmann worked on the design of both watches at the same time.
For sure, and that also means that Adrian could have showed them the design of the antartique and used that as leverage to get hired. I would be interested to see what the 2017 version of that watch would be.
Mike France stated in The Twelve launch interview that they started working on the design of The Twelve in 2017. Czapek Antartique was launched in ?2021? and The Twelve in 2023. It is possible that Adrian Buchmann worked on the design of both watches at the same time.
Could be...it's like Ray Davies of The Kinks...he rewrites the same song with different lyrics and slightly different rhythm. Is it a homage of the original or just another creative design from the same person? Tough to conclude.
Could be...it's like Ray Davies of The Kinks...he rewrites the same song with different lyrics and slightly different rhythm. Is it a homage of the original or just another creative design from the same person? Tough to conclude.
If the same person designed it, then can we talk about a homage? Is the Nautilus a homage to the Royal Oak?
Get him! Haha
I really like my twelve. To me it feels like it could be priced much higher.
I think at that point you’re just engaging in superfluous categorization and it’s time to go outside 🤣
This feels a bit like some form of therapy so feel the need to offload in a safe space 😂.
Tried on both The Twelve and Studio Underdog Series 2 field watch at the weekend. Can’t see the hype.
Seiko alpinist - god damn ugly, don’t get the love.
There we are, I feel a whole load better now.
If the same person designed it, then can we talk about a homage? Is the Nautilus a homage to the Royal Oak?
Depends on who owns the copyright/trademark in one sense...
I agree that it leans into very flashy territory! Although it is beautiful I see what you’re saying.
Anyone else think that the PRX is also… kind of a really ugly watch?
What’s a manbag? 🤔
A leather small satchel like a handbag women usually wear
The Aqua Terra hour markers is what I turn my nose up on , they are too BIG for the Twelve.