A New Watch...Lensman 2

It should come as no surprise that we must continue to move forward and bring new items to the watch community. We reward those with patience and an interest in coming along on the development journey with projects that offer incredible value. Despite our best efforts to predict what will happen at the final production phase, we are human and we rely on not only our team but the teams of over two hundred suppliers to bring our horological creations to light. There can and will most likely be delays, but these delays only make us better as they force us to refine our processes and optimize workflow. Above all else, we want to deliver a premium product rather than rush production just to get watches out the door.

As many of you know we incurred delays in the final stages of Supersede, but our team is overcoming these challenges and it will only help better our production for future projects. No company in the Swiss watch industry is exempt from such challenges and the more advanced a project is the more challenges can arise. Horage is at the upper echelon of movement and watch development and to achieve this our highly talented team must play at the borders of what is possible.

With the launch of Lensman 1 we alluded that it would be the first watch within a series of timepieces with close ties to the world of photography. Lensman 1 was quite a success with a uniquely never before developed cyclops lens situated over the titanium tourbillon cage. The cyclops helps heighten the allure of the mechanical wonder that is the tourbillon, with a subtle tie back to the lenses photographers use in image capture. The order window for Lensman 1 closed on February 28th, 2023 with the final number of watches reaching 200 pieces. This means that Lensman 1 will have case numbers ranging from 1-200 and each of you that ordered will receive the 200+ page Horage book that is currently getting ready for print.

All in all the team here at Horage are happy with the result, however, a funny thing happens when orders close and that is people start asking how to get one. It's a super cool watch concept that shouldn't be swept under the rug. We thought it would be welcomed to let it shine again therefore we are considering what a new version of this watch could look like in future times. Of course, this future timepiece will be referenced as something along the lines of Lensman 1.1. It would be distinguishably different as it pertains to dial, price as well as having a greater production run, thus making the Lensman 1 a rarer inaugural timepiece.

Initially, we had thought that we would launch the Lensman series with two watches, however, as with production and prototyping preparation for the series there would be far more to consider with tasks being multiplied by a factor of two and many details of the second Lensman watch would be sitting on the drawing-room table. The details of Lensman 1 were solidified so we moved forward with its launch to allow for more time to work out the details of what will be Lensman 2. As well we needed to gauge Supersede deliveries and any production hiccups that could arise before moving into a new project. In retrospect, it was the right decision and today we can finally start with the next chapter in the Lensman series.

We love your feedback and felt that some of the unknowns could be resolved with your input. From dial colours, to straps and more, there are some details that we want to involve you in. Additionally, I have been in contact with an individual who has dedicated their life to photography. I felt their story would be an incredible addition to the watch as nearly every one of you will be able to find a reference point to their imagery. Time was needed to speak with them and carve out a plan for their involvement with Lensman 2 and over the course of a few months we have ironed out details of the partnership. With regards to this partnership we will be seeking your input on some "collectible extras" let's say that will accompany the Lensman 2 watch, but more on this in future posts.

I can feel my ears burning as I type this with folks asking for me to "Cut to the chase already! What is the Lensman 2 watch?".

Making new things and discovering what has been in the works is equally exciting. I know there are some that would rather just have all the details served up to them on a silver platter. Too bad, so sad, what is the fun in that? Lensman 2 is unlike anything we have seen before. It's truly unique with many smaller details still being ironed out and of course, we want to involve you in the tail-end of development.

Lensman 2 has a function specific to photography, however, the overall aesthetic immediately takes muse from reference pieces of navigational pilot, driving watches and cameras. Modern materials and an elegant profile enable it to skirt the realms of tool and dress watch alike. Even if you have zero interest or understanding of photography it's a piece with its own distinct character. How many people have no clue how to use a tachymeter, yet fully appreciate the contribution it makes to a watches design? This is very much the same point Lensman 2 drives home.

Markus Lindstedt an engineer here at Horage and a complete photography tech head was tasked with presenting some functions that we could consider for a watch. As a photographer I have a very simple approach and avoid all the bells and whistles, however, in todays world of more tech being packed into photo and video cameras I often turn to Markus for a simplified understanding of what is on offer. Markus has a talent for taking the seemingly complicated and simplifying things for real-world usage, I and others in our team are always in awe as to how he has come to his conclusion so effortlessly. One only needs to look at the slim, meticulously engineered Supersede micro-adjustment clasp that he developed.

For Lensman 2 Markus looked at the core function that is primary to creating an image. With some creative ingenuity, Markus presented us with a very simple sketch of what would in turn be a first of its kind in the watch world. More on that sketch later on...

Whats this watch all about?

Let's have some fun with this. The below are not options, but a guess at what we have already spec'd into this watch. Select your best guess from below. You will see the result after you select your answer, one option only 😉.

Share your ideas in the comments. More on Lensman 2 and this new function in the next post.

Till next time...

Landon Stirling