Azimuth Gran Turismo (GT). Introduced in 2018, its design is inspired by the curves of vintage cars. Limited to 150 pieces and priced at CHF4,850 without tax. Photo: © TANG Portfolio / TimeWerke.
Emerging Asian labels was the main highlight in the 14 September 2018 “Life” section of The Straits Times, Singapore’s main English newspaper.
Coincidentally, we had the Azimuth Gran Turismo on hand and for us, it made for an interesting and apt photo composition with the headlines of the the article, “Asian labels on the rise”.
Founded in 2003, Azimuth’s timepieces are characterised by avant-garde designs that are edgy and provoking. The Azimuth Gran Turismo is one fine example.
A driver’s watch, as seen with its angled dial when worn on the wrist, the hours are indicated by a rotating disc while the minute hand and sweep seconds hands perform their traditional time-telling functions.
Obviously, this isn’t a conventional-looking watch and it is inspired by the curves of vintage automobiles.
Now why did we say it was apt to have an Azimuth watch with the article on Asian labels on the rise?
Well, Azimuth is today a recognised and internationally-known watch brand that is also “on the rise”.
Even the late American Hollywood actor Robin Williams (1951 to 2014) owned an Azimuth watch.
How do we know?
Auction house Sotheby’s will be offering for sale an Azimuth watch (Lot 118) owned by Robin Williams at their “Creating a Stage: The Collection of Marsha and Robin Williams” auction on Thursday, 4 October 2018 in New York.
Interestingly, this isn’t the typical avant-garde Azimuth watch some of us may be familiar with. It isn’t the Mr Roboto, Crazy Rider or even the Twin Turbo but a pilot’s watch with a vintage design known as the Azimuth B-Uhr 55.
This Azimuth B-Uhr 55 special edition, made in around 2008 and powered by an Unitas movement housed in an oversized 55mm case, is limited to 100 pieces. Back then, from what we understand, it was retailed for around CHF4,850. The piece Robin Williams owned is numbered 32/100.
This special edition Azimuth pilot’s watch, owned by American actor Robin Williams, will be offered for sale at Sotheby’s “Creating a Stage: The Collection of Marsha and Robins” auction on Thursday, 4 October 2018 in New York. It is numbered 32/100 and the estimated value is between USD500 and USD1,000. Photo: © Sotheby’s.
Its estimated value is between USD500 and USD1,000. This we feel, is a little undervalued but who will know what the final bidder will offer on 4 October 2018?
For the slightly older generation, Robin Williams is probably well-known for playing the alien Mork alongside Pam Dawber (who played Mindy) in the popular TV series “Mork and Mindy” between 1978 and 1982.
He is also known for movies such as Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Mrs Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), Flubber (1997) and Good Will Hunting (1997).
Robin Williams also lent his voice as “Fender” in the 2005 animated movie “Robots”.
Speaking of robots, Azimuth’s Mr Roboto would have been a perfect fit for Robin Williams given his involvement in “Robots”. Perhaps our dear friends over at Azimuth should consider creating a Mr Roboto piece dedicated to this unforgettable comedian.
