The road to revolutionary Swiss watches

MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to the world’s topmost timepieces, trust that all roads lead to Switzerland. With a fine watch-making tradition since 1291, the Swiss have perfected the balance of precision, performance, and panache in timekeeping that luxury watches have been the country’s greatest known export, far exceeding supreme chocolates, secured banking systems, and sturdy military-issue knives.

Yet while other established Swiss-made brands capitalize on their centuries-old horology traditions, one brand dared to counter the hands of time by focusing on the future. “We want to present something different. We are Rod Original Design, so there are two words there that are very important: ‘original’ and ‘design’,” stated Rod Original Design of Switzerland founder Marc Corven.

Founded in the Swiss ski town of Neuchâtel in 2012, Rod original design may not share the stuffy history of its more gilt counterparts, yet what it lacks in age-old acclaim, the brand makes up for by its avant-garde repute.   

“Today, to be remarkable in the market of watches, you have to be different. You can be like everybody, but if you do that, the people will perceive you as just like everybody. You have to be really different, and that is why we pay attention to all the details,” Corven enthused.

With 25 sterling years working with European timepiece brands and fine jewelry labels in the Middle East, Corven had developed a knack for the finer things that make any luxury item tick. So, found in his rather groundbreaking chronographs are closely the same elements that make any Swiss-made watch covetable: from the scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal display to the surgical-grade 316L steel body that is both hypoallergenic and anti-corrosive. Yet his products, which are a recurring hit at the annual Baselworld, choose not to stop there.

“When you work for brands, and as a retailer, you start to have an idea about the product and about the customer. Maybe not the whole market, but at least you understand the requirement of your patrons,” observed Corven. “The customer today wants a new experience. With products out there being almost the same, we want to bring celebrated watch silhouettes of the Iconic Grande, Iconic Chronograph, and the limited-edition Camouflage series, is the brand’s trademarked semi-square face fastened by its definitive screws. 

Every Rod timepiece is its crown protector feature. A study in industrial functions and toughened aesthetic, the steel bar that snugly hides the rotary crown of the watch is a revolutionary observance of timely watch design. “While the crown protection hides the crown and the pusher, it also to protects the back of the hand,” Corven explains. So, despite the watch’s rather colossal 42mm frame, the wrist is unfazed from scratching and discomfort.

And when in the subject of being wearable, Rod’s silicone rubber strap is easy and comfortable to wear, lightweight, waterproof and non-irritating. Indeed a perfect match for the watch’s water-resistance feature of up to 5 atm, making the ROD an exceptional choice as either a sport performance watch or a stylish casual timepiece for any lady or gent.  

“After that, it’s a question of price. We may be priced a little bit higher than our sports watch competitors, but we are priced lower than our luxury counterparts. We exceed the functions, the details and the performance of our sporty counterparts while maintaining the luxury and the excellent design that come with a Swiss watch. In this sense, I believe that we are totally unique,” Corven enthused.

Indeed, with a starting price of P45,000, the ROD timepiece could just as well be anyone’s starter kit when growing a Swiss watch collection, as its distinct futurist form and functionality should prove archetypal for modern timekeeping.  

Proof that luxury should never be bound by traditions, it is, perhaps, the spirit of innovation that has made the Swiss synonymous to the world’s finest timepieces. And while some houses may have long forgotten this, there are still brands like ROD to remind everyone that a good watch is always all about the revolution. 

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ROD Original Design of Switzerland is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-la Plaza, Alabang, Cebu and Gateway Mall.