The inspiration for the new watch Rana. Physically, almost all watches look like they did decades ago. Styling watches are only modified visually. Experiments with mechanical gadgets are now the way of differentiation. When it comes to dials, they are graphically overloaded – to the user’s confusion. The reading of the time seems secondary. Conceptually, the STOWA Rana is a watch in accordance with Bauhaus: technically intelligent, culturally inspiring and simple.

Hartmut Esslinger’s design of the floating disc focused on the time function. Other elements, such as clean designed bracelets etc. are supportive, but not dominant. The lateral incisions are both symbolic (flow) and functional. The crown, for example, is better integrated into the circle. 

Chronometer certification. Each Rana watch is chronometer tested by the German Calibration Service in Glashütte. A passed chronometer test confirms the high quality of the built-in movement. The strict criteria of DIN 8319 require a fifteen-day control. 

The Rana is the most elaborate model in our collection. We use, for example, the metal sintering for the middle part of the casing. No other method would have allowed us to implement the architecture of the casing so uncompromisingly. After that, we sand and matt it entirely by hand. The patented woodpecker neck regulation of the factory Mühle helps us to do a chronometer test on every watch in Glashütte. The sandwich dial, with the innovative Dynadots luminous dots, is made using advanced laser technology. The Rana shows what skilled craftsmen and modern technology can do. The high complexity in production allows us to make only very few watches per year.

The lasered and painted deck dials are printed at the end of the process and then combined with the basic dials from sterling silver 925/000. The luminous dots are inserted by the elaborately milled recesses of the silver dial.

Several parts of Rana are high-quality laser engraved at STOWA. The bottom, for example, receives his individual, consecutive numbering, the bezel its characteristic triangle.

Keep it Simple is the authentic story of the collaboration between Steve Jobs and Hartmut Esslinger, which began in 1982. The result of this partnership between entrepreneur and designer is of historic dimensions: Steve Jobs was the first to make Strategic Design the core of Apple’s Business Strategy. By this, Apple grew from an originally technology focused company into one of the world’s most successful, global brand, and this was achieved by creating and delivering innovative and intelligent products designed for humans like you and me.

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The legendary Apple IIc from 1984 in the new Snow White design language, developed by Hartmut Esslinger and Steve Jobs. 

 > more designs from Hartmut Esslinger