W
hen Christian-Louis Col took over Ikepod in 2017, it was already a well-known cult entity. First earning a name for itself in the 1990’s with its UFO-inspired concept watch, the Hemipod, the circular timepiece had instant appeal with watch connoisseurs and casual collectors alike. The design, along with the size of the timepiece, were considered radical at the time and quickly established Ikepod as an arbiter of the future of watchmaking. Affirming its widespread popularity, after a hiatus, the brand was officially re-launched with a Kickstarter campaign in 2018, followed by a record breaking 2020 campaign on the same platform.
“A look which appeals to both Ikepod's classic collectors and today's watchmaking geeks."
Ikepod
Image courtesy of Ikepod
Headquartered in Switzerland, Christian-Louis has optimized luxury manufacturers in Hong Kong using Japanese Miyota quartz movements that allow the timepieces to be sold at more accessible prices without compromising the quality of materials or construction.
Image courtesy of Ikepod
He tapped into legendary watch designer, Emmanuel Gueit, to create the Chronopod and Duopod dials, fusing the iconic Ikepod look with a modern watchmaking design, “A look which appeals to both Ikepod’s classic collectors and today’s watchmaking geeks,” according to a brand statement.
Image courtesy of Ikepod
Building off the DNA cemented into the brand, Ikepod also partners with a number of innovative designers to continually push the boundaries of timepiece design, including Alexandre Peraldi, Fabrice Gonet, Claesson Koivisto Rune and Adrian Buchmann. Christian-Louis cites the brand’s approach to design as one of its most distinguishing features, “Ikepod was the first ever concept watch back in 1994,” he explains.
Image courtesy of Ikepod
“With a design-first philosophy, Ikepod reshaped contemporary watchmaking and left a lasting influence on horology, design culture, and modern wearable objects. Design first, no big ‘motors’ or complications, just design, ergonomics and a unique look.”
Image courtesy of Ikepod
With a lifelong desire to lead a product design firm, it took Christian-Louis 30 years to achieve his dream. Studying at auction houses, he also attributes his passion for timepiece to his early years as a “Swatch Hunter.” He admires other watchmakers, notably Breguet and Fred Lipman, for their inventiveness and entrepreneurship and about his position with Ikepod, he says his favorite part is, “Meeting people, sub-contractors, customers, collectors, competitors; the watch business is a very small world, it’s all about passion and discoveries.
Image courtesy of Ikepod
A long time exhibitor at Time to Watches events in Geneva, he’s excited to join the group’s team of professionals who “care about everything” in Las Vegas. When he’s not working on maintaining the vitality of his own business, Christian-Louis enjoys art, design, riding off road motorbikes, auctions and flee market, declaring “You learn every day!”
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