Latest Review
DEFAKTO has just announced the release of their second watch, the Akkord, a two handed follow up to their original one-handed model (which we talked about here). The Akkord continues Defakto’s pursuit of “to the point” watches with an aesthetic that is at once minimal and bold, hearkening to both contemporary design and the traditions of the Bauhaus. The face is simple and elegant, with only the most basic of markings. Rectangles of varying weights indicate the minutes and hours and there are no numerals. The hour and minute hands are basic rectangles in shape, but the hour hand is actually just an outline with a central window that matches the width of the minute hand. As such, when they line up on the hour, a single form is created. As a fan of the stark, I find the dedication to restraint seen here very admirable.
The Akkord’s classically styled 42mm x 8mm stainless steel body is available with or without black PVD finish and all sport their new crown design, which keeps with their “less is more” aesthetic. The face is available with black markings on a white face or the inverse. All models feature ETA 2824-2 25-jewel automatic movements, which is a time proven staple in the watch making industry and wont let you down. The Akkord also includes a sapphire crystal, calfskin strap in black, brown or grey and 50m water resistance, rounding out the high quality components. Part of what makes Defakto such a unique brand is that their dedication to being daringly minimal is matched by their goal to create high quality timepieces.
Raphael Ickler founded Defakto in 2009 with the express interest of pursuing watches that have been reduced to their most basic functions. Raphael’s minimalist philosophy and focus on a timeless aesthetic has been clearly visible since the first one-handed model, which still stands out as a very unique watch. It is both visually striking and conceptually challenging. The Akkord is a great follow up, since it continues Ickler’s aesthetic, but can reach a broader audience with the addition of a minute hand. All Defakto watches are manufactured in Pforzheim, Germany in the Ickler family factory, which has been around since 1924 and produces for such popular brands as Limes and Archimede. It is great to see that a brand and family with long ties to the traditions of watch manufacturing will also pursue something divergent from the mainstream.
The Akkord will be available in October for 415€ (about $573) in steel or 498€ (about $687) in black PVD
For more Defakto go to:
@defakto_watches
Defakto on Facebook
Onehandwatch.com
images courtesy of DEFAKTO
