Last week we did some heavy-duty philosophising about cameras, imaging and culture. This is the backstory of the Lensman series. Now it’s time for the hardware: You’re here because of watches, right? The Lensman series started with an idea and has exponentially morphed into an ever-growing range. But within the camera inspired product family there is still immense variety. Let’s take a closer look.
Lensman 1.1 – when elegance and tech entwine
Our first Lensman timepiece, version 1.0 was a limited edition offer, which quickly sold out. It confirmed our gut feeling that we weren’t the only watch nerds who loved photography and thus sowed the seed for all future Lensman pieces. HORAGE fans who missed out pestered us for more [is this Deja Vue?] once again presenting us with the dilemma of balancing existing owner legacies with the desire to share the love.
The solution was Lensman 1.1. The dark horse in the HORAGE range. Understated yet bold, with a sumptuous colour palette of deep red and black underscoring a subtle class. Framed with such rich colours, the perfectly proportioned 41mm diameter grade 5 titanium case is neither too big nor too small, it’s just right. Boasting a unique style the fixed bezel is formed like the focus ring of a camara. Speaking of focus: the cyclops lens at 6 o’clock immediately draws your attention to the flying tourbillon. A mesmerizing micro world emulating the natural beat of a living heart: watch out or you might get sucked in never to return……!
Aperture markings decorate the lower edge of the ring. With apertures, also referred to a F-stop, less is more. The same goes for our watches, which are all <10mm. Lower F numbers mean more light and higher image quality, thinner cases mean a better feeling watch, end of. Each change in “F-stop” number indicates a doubling of the light which can pass through the lens. Fixed focus or prime lenses always deliver more and termed “faster.” The more popular zoom lens cannot compete and thus allow less light to reach the film/sensor. F2.8 is standard for high-end zoom lenses, F0.95 is the mythical and seldom experienced holy-grail of the lens world and is only produced for a handful of camera models. The Lensman bezel honours this class leading optical performance.
The Lensman 1 series blends technicality with elegance: a tightrope balancing act which is rarely achieved.
Lensman 1.2 – A Game of Tones
What a difference a ‘simple’ change of colour can achieve! Inspired by limited edition white cameras, manufactured but almost always impossible to actually buy. Lensman 1.2: technically the same timepiece as version 1.1 bar the strap material, yet the two pieces look and feel completely different.
If dark is stealth, light is loud. There’s no escaping the boldness of a timepiece which is primarily white: you can’t blend into the background wearing Lensman 1.2. Instead, you must embrace the lightness and find joy in the endless curiosity and conversations which wearing such a watch will bring about.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: in some circles, whiteness can be associated with cheapness. Holding this timepiece in real light and in real life these erroneous thoughts will be very quickly dispatched to the junk folder of your brain, never to return.
White is pure, light, youthful, modern, fun!
Does this sound like you?
Either Lensman 1.1 or Lensman 1.2 - both offer outrageous value: A Swiss made, hand wound titanium tourbillon timepiece [oops!] packed with 120 hours power reserve and set in a stunning and uniquely decorated case. Photography might not be your passion: but these are values that every watch-lover can focus on.
Which is your favourite tone: are you black or white? [note: there’s no correct answer]
If you were to choose a device to honour with a new watch, what would it be?