Face Time A flair for typography and mastery of graphic design are at the heart of Hong Kong-based independent watchmaker Anicorn’s aesthetic ethos
“Good design is a manifestation of the character of the designer. It is a reflection of his knowledge, ability and mentality.” So says multi-award-winning graphic designer Joe Kwan, one half of the duo behind Hong Kong-based independent watchmaker Anicorn. If this statement rings true, then Kwan’s character is surely impeccable.
The brainchild of Kwan and entrepreneur Chris Chan, Anicorn is built on a deceptively simple aesthetic in which elegant typography is paired with clean and contemporary design. It is an approach that has already earned Anicorn legions of fans: the new Series K452 was funded in just 24 hours on Kickstarter, while the brand is a winner of this year’s Lane Crawford’s The Next New 2016 programme and has been featured in a variety of media, including GQ and Fast Company.
“A watch is not only a time-telling machine. It shows the user’s taste, perspective and characteristics. A design idea can be sparked from the smallest thing, such as a detail of an accessory. Creativity means being able to take that small detail and turn it into an entire design.”
With Anicorn, this key detail is typography, and Kwan’s deft use of typefaces makes the brand’s watches stand out from the crowd. “Due to my graphic design background, I understand how important it is to apply good typography on such a small watch face,” says Kwan. “Typeface conveys mood, attitude and a distinct persona.”
Kwan says he finds inspiration in everything from nature, science and philosophy, to mysticism, music, art and movies, while Swiss graphic designer Josef Müller-Brockmann is also a major influence.
Sure to feature on myriad Christmas gift lists, Anicorn watches are the perfect present for the design-savvy man. For Kwan, Christmas is a time to reunite with friends and family to celebrate. “For me, family are those who watch your back, those that stay with you during trials and tribulations,” says Kwan.
“Family means to feel secure, to have someone who you can count on and who shares your problems. But it also means to have respect for each other and responsibility.”