拍品专文
The present table clock is in new condition and can be considered an outstanding piece of modern design, showing the skills of various apprentices under the constant supervision of highly qualified instructors. Not only is it No. 1 in the limited edition of 10 pieces, but it is also distinguished by its exclusive design for Christie's. Only the No. 1 features individual gold elements on the rings of the glass tubes and in the engraving, giving the watch a truly luxurious look.
NIXIE tube technology has been around since the 1920s, but wasn't used industrially until the 1950s thanks to the emergence of digital signal processing. As with fluorescent lamps, inserted characters and numbers are electrically charged and make the surrounding inert gas glow. NIXIE tubes were traditionally used in measuring devices and calculating machines as well as for digital time displays. Over time, these tubes were replaced by other technologies and production was discontinued.
The main feature of NX.2 is the fascinating display of the time (in hours, minutes and seconds). The light intensity and the way digits change can be altered with ease via the internet browser or an iOS or Android application. In addition, it is possible to display the date (day, month and year) for a few seconds every minute. NX.2 features a wireless Wi-Fi module that provides the watch with an internet connection. The time is automatically synchronized via the internet. The user can access all settings via an internet browser and keep the watch up to date thanks to automatic firmware updates. The clock does not need the internet in order to function. The internet serves only as a time source and provides an interface for settings. If the internet goes down, the clock keeps running; it just doesn't sync and remains inaccessible. As soon as the internet connection is restored, the watch reconnects to the cloud and continues time synchronization as usual. The Wi-Fi login data (SSID - network name and password) are initially transferred to the watch, before the watch saves them permanently. When the watch is turned on, it looks for known networks to connect to (it can store up to seven networks) so you don’t need to do anything until you change the router password.
With the idea, planning and implementation of the project, as well as with his passion for handcrafts and technology, Stefan Kuonen, responsible for the department Watchmaking and Industry of the Battenberg Foundation, inspired everyone to get on board.
The Czech programmer Dalibor Farny took up tube technology again in 2011 and continued to develop it for years. He eventually brought high-quality, large format tubes to market. The development of overhanging tubes for NX.2 is another production milestone.
With the NX.2 implementation, Swiss designer Björn Ischi, winner of the Interior Innovation Award 2017 and known for unusual projects, has delivered a modern re-interpretation that still conveys the 1920s flair.
The project was finally brought to life by people with special needs from the Battenberg Foundation. The sophisticated components were assembled by hand with the greatest care. The manufacture of the aluminum housing and the electronic connections were also carried out at the Foundation. In addition, all the work around the corporate design (logos, images, film and the website) was developed with the Battenberg trainees.
Representing more than 20 people with special needs who worked on it, four statements:
Sherrod Tina, Age: 21, successfully completed training as mechanics;
I was able to work out the programming of the CNC machine for the various components of the housing. I then installed the components in the machine and milled the aluminium. Especially I liked most the programming process of the CNC machine.
I really enjoyed working on this project knowing that it will become an expensive designer piece.
Christophe Bessire, Age: 38, successfully completed training as watchmaker;
I did the grinding on the three main components of the case by hand to match them together. In addition, I produced the mounting pins on the lathe. It was a challenge of working very precisely to achieve the highest possible quality. For me it was a privilege to work on this design object and it makes me very proud knowing that I was part of the realization.
Cédric von Kaenel, Age: 32 years old, employee with adapted workplace in Media Design (Disability Insurance);
As a graphic designer for the NX.2 project, I was in charge of the design and creation of different visual supports such as the booklets presenting the clock and its certificate of authenticity. My favorite part was working with the graphic codes of luxury items. This allowed me to create visuals with elegant, sober, and minimalist graphics.
Thibault Blaser, Age: 24 years old, 3-year apprenticeship. Interactive Media Designer (in education);
I took the portrait and product photos and helped with the web design. I also worked on the logos.
The best part was photographing the NX.2 , because it was a new experience for me to photograph such a valuable design product.
NX 2's proceeds are invested in new innovative projects by the non-profit organization with a view to boosting the peoples' motivation and self-reliance.
NIXIE tube technology has been around since the 1920s, but wasn't used industrially until the 1950s thanks to the emergence of digital signal processing. As with fluorescent lamps, inserted characters and numbers are electrically charged and make the surrounding inert gas glow. NIXIE tubes were traditionally used in measuring devices and calculating machines as well as for digital time displays. Over time, these tubes were replaced by other technologies and production was discontinued.
The main feature of NX.2 is the fascinating display of the time (in hours, minutes and seconds). The light intensity and the way digits change can be altered with ease via the internet browser or an iOS or Android application. In addition, it is possible to display the date (day, month and year) for a few seconds every minute. NX.2 features a wireless Wi-Fi module that provides the watch with an internet connection. The time is automatically synchronized via the internet. The user can access all settings via an internet browser and keep the watch up to date thanks to automatic firmware updates. The clock does not need the internet in order to function. The internet serves only as a time source and provides an interface for settings. If the internet goes down, the clock keeps running; it just doesn't sync and remains inaccessible. As soon as the internet connection is restored, the watch reconnects to the cloud and continues time synchronization as usual. The Wi-Fi login data (SSID - network name and password) are initially transferred to the watch, before the watch saves them permanently. When the watch is turned on, it looks for known networks to connect to (it can store up to seven networks) so you don’t need to do anything until you change the router password.
With the idea, planning and implementation of the project, as well as with his passion for handcrafts and technology, Stefan Kuonen, responsible for the department Watchmaking and Industry of the Battenberg Foundation, inspired everyone to get on board.
The Czech programmer Dalibor Farny took up tube technology again in 2011 and continued to develop it for years. He eventually brought high-quality, large format tubes to market. The development of overhanging tubes for NX.2 is another production milestone.
With the NX.2 implementation, Swiss designer Björn Ischi, winner of the Interior Innovation Award 2017 and known for unusual projects, has delivered a modern re-interpretation that still conveys the 1920s flair.
The project was finally brought to life by people with special needs from the Battenberg Foundation. The sophisticated components were assembled by hand with the greatest care. The manufacture of the aluminum housing and the electronic connections were also carried out at the Foundation. In addition, all the work around the corporate design (logos, images, film and the website) was developed with the Battenberg trainees.
Representing more than 20 people with special needs who worked on it, four statements:
Sherrod Tina, Age: 21, successfully completed training as mechanics;
I was able to work out the programming of the CNC machine for the various components of the housing. I then installed the components in the machine and milled the aluminium. Especially I liked most the programming process of the CNC machine.
I really enjoyed working on this project knowing that it will become an expensive designer piece.
Christophe Bessire, Age: 38, successfully completed training as watchmaker;
I did the grinding on the three main components of the case by hand to match them together. In addition, I produced the mounting pins on the lathe. It was a challenge of working very precisely to achieve the highest possible quality. For me it was a privilege to work on this design object and it makes me very proud knowing that I was part of the realization.
Cédric von Kaenel, Age: 32 years old, employee with adapted workplace in Media Design (Disability Insurance);
As a graphic designer for the NX.2 project, I was in charge of the design and creation of different visual supports such as the booklets presenting the clock and its certificate of authenticity. My favorite part was working with the graphic codes of luxury items. This allowed me to create visuals with elegant, sober, and minimalist graphics.
Thibault Blaser, Age: 24 years old, 3-year apprenticeship. Interactive Media Designer (in education);
I took the portrait and product photos and helped with the web design. I also worked on the logos.
The best part was photographing the NX.2 , because it was a new experience for me to photograph such a valuable design product.
NX 2's proceeds are invested in new innovative projects by the non-profit organization with a view to boosting the peoples' motivation and self-reliance.