I love how a design like that of the RSW (Rama Swiss Watch) Nazca is bound to be so polarizing. I think that RSW themselves gets a kick out of that. I mean, from a purely business-oriented motive you’d want to make timepieces that appealed to more people, not less people right? Yet despite this RSW continues to tread forth in the design of timepieces that appeal to just some people, but certainly not all people. So what about you? What are you feelings on the Nazca collection?
The courage (or “audacity” as Europeans in their infinite defiance of how Americans use words call it) that RSW has actually does impress me. They are among a minority of watch brands that actually do take design risks (even though all claim to). And does this risky behavior pay off for RSW? I am not sure. Unfortunately not many of their timepieces make it to the US. But that goes for a lot of really good watches out there.
For me the design gambling at RSW pays off because I always give their new watches very close attention. The RSW Nazca being no exception. Past pieces of theirs that I have enjoyed include the Outland, Outland 3H, and Diving Tool. I mean, what they are going is real watch maker art. What do I mean by this? Well making a crazy looking watch doesn’t take a lot of skill. Hell, a 4 year old can do it. What does take skill is designing something really unique – that still takes into account agreed upon rules of aesthetic balance and timing instrument legibility. For the most part, I think you’ll agree that no matter how weird RSW watches get, these still take these matters in to serious concern. Which is certainly not something that can be said for all watch makers. As I noted in the past, word from RSW directly to me was that they employ their own designers that do all their work. This is in contrast to some other brands that for the most part outsource (to design firms) the creation of new timepiece designs. But I digress…
OK, so this here is the RSW Nazca Sport. Specifically, two limited edition versions. The steel cases are (I believe) 49mm wide and have a totally unique design to them – very angular and geometric, but interesting. The dial itself is still round, but the chronograph subdials thematically match the design of the case and bezel. Inside the watches are what I believe to be Swiss Valjoux 7750 automatic movement that have been modified to have the subsidiary seconds dial removed for a more balanced look on the dial.
One version of the limited edition Nazca sport is a bit more “formal.” This model in all steel has a metal bracelet and textured silver tone dial. Lume on the applied hour markers and hands should help with legibility. Plus, the many facets of the case design should contrast interestingly with the more or less uniform coloration of the entire watch.
Another version is available in a PVD black case. This more colorful model has red and silver tone on the dial, along with a contrast stitched black leather strap. Clearly the more sporty of these “Sport” watches, the red and black model is more visually avant garde. Though I would argue that the all steel tone model is more “brave” because at first glance it is a conservative steel watch, until you look closely and the design. Each of these two watches will be limited to 99 pieces. RSW tends to be rather fair with price, so I can’t see these Nazca Sport timepieces with asking prices above $3,000 – $4,000. Whether or not I am a potential Nazca Sport watch wearer is yet to be seen. But at the same time I hunger for designs like this as more and more mainstream brands are getting highly conservative with their designs – and you shouldn’t have to spend $100,000 plus on a really unique, but well conceived watch.
See RSW watches on Amazon here. [phpbay]rsw, num, “14324”, “”[/phpbay]
[phpbay]rsw, num, “14324”, “”[/phpbay]