The Story of the Original Gold Wristwatch Quartz Clock: 'The Ugly Duckling of Clocks'
A landmark of the 1980s, this clock is recognized worldwide and was replicated thousands of times in slightly different forms. Its origins are difficult to trace but likely, it was first produced by a company named Manix in Taiwan, which released many similar designs over the years. Often inspired by iconic timepieces of earlier eras, these clocks appealed to a large audience, particularly lower- to middle-class consumers who viewed the watch as an instrument and an icon of ascending to a higher social class.
Clearly inspired by the famous Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, this clock's lasting success is no coincidence, while other attempts failed to make a significant impact. Its enduring appeal is driven predominantly by not being just a functional object but also a visual statement of status.
Faux Marble Edition
Today, it might be classified as kitsch, but we view it as part of a "cheap heritage," owing to the massive scale of its production, the ongoing interest in its replication by numerous companies, and the abrupt end of its prominence. We sought to get to the core of this phenomenon by dematerializing the object using modern 3D printing technology. The Faux Marble Edition gives it an archaic look, preserving its fake and imitative nature while reflecting the original's mimicry of the golden Rolex. Thus, the never-ending ticking can be heard once again, loud and clear.

DIMENSIONS: 22x66x4 cm
YEAR: 2024
MATERIAL: PLA - eco-friendly bioplastic
FDM - 3D printed
PRICE: Upon request