Horology Design Limited Engineers the Knopf Watches
Jacques Fournier Develops New York KNOPF Watch Project
In June 2020, Larry Knopf from New York contacted the watch design studio HDL and later signed a contract to engineer the KNOPF watch project development.
The design visuals are ready! The only supports to work with are photoshop 2D views of the watch – A stunning modern and elegant creation. Our task at HDL was to construct all CAD files entirely and provide technical drawings to transform the project into a reality. This was concerning all parts of the watch, including the dial, case, case back and metal bracelet needed right at the start of the Kickstarter project. Work had to start fast, as everything was necessary for the manufacturers in Switzerland promptly.
A legacy of New York Skyscraper Designs
The Knopf family brought entirely new architectural standards for nearly 100s of years.
In 1928, they elevated the world’s tallest and most iconic Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue in New York City.
Jacques Fournier is immediately captivated by the idea of the project NY-405 in line with the family’s wish to create a watch brand. Ideally, this fascinating skyscraper inspires the watch design illustrations with features matching the Chrysler Building’s elements.
Watch design and constructions are based on the movement’s choice
Only infographic photoshop views are provided at the first stage. So like for every other horological project, everything is based on the movement’s choice. Once this has been established, Jacques Fournier can start the dial built based on the automatic caliber technical drawings and then moves on to the case construction accordingly.
First, onto the dial and hands construction:
The watch head can be built in 3D:
Bespoke metal bracelet:
A leather bracelet was also modelized in 3D for this NY-405 series.
Finally, the technical drawings of all parts and full detailed technical sheets for the materials, finish, and Pantone colors are produced for all the different watch versions required.
Knopf then decided to replace the power reserve feature at the 6h position with a date function.
Update on Kickstarter in August 2020
Close to obtaining all that is required to start the photorealistic 3D visuals and the complete watch technical drawing, Mr. Knopf updated the Kickstarter customers in August 2020:
“We just wanted to send out a quick update on our progress. Per Kickstarter policy, a backer to our project is not charged the pledge cost until we have closed the campaign. Once closed, we have a week to place the charge and make sure it goes through. We are now through that phase. Then, 2 weeks later, KS will wire the pledges to us enabling us to make our first production run order.
In the meantime, we have provided our Technical Drawings to our Swiss manufacturer. These drawings are what is used to create the watch with all of its intricate details. Our tech drawing expert from the UK and brings nearly 30 years of experience. He was simply amazing … and seriously talented.
Perhaps one of our proudest days was when he messaged us with an update. This is a man who has his own watch line and has prepared drawings for 100s of brands over the years. In closing his update email, he expressed how much he has enjoyed working on our innovative design since it offered technical challenge. Also that he was confident in our success with such a beautiful design.
Till next time,
Larry Knopf”
You can discover today the stunning Knopf watch collections here:
