
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Ikepod Hemipode 18K RG, 2001
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- 2001
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 44 mm
- Stock no.
- MNIKPDRG-2
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (MNIKPDRG-2)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 2001 Ikepod Hemipode 18K RG W/ Box & Papers (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number MNIKPDRG-2), this is a wristwatch, dated 2001. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 44 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
Designed by Marc Newson , the Ikepod Hemipode has become a modern icon of horological design. Marc Newson is one of the most influential designers of this generation. Newson has worked across an extensive range of design disciplines, and his clients include some of the most prestigious brands in the world spanning diverse sectors from manufacturing and technology to transportation, fashion, and the luxury goods sector. Newson's work resides in the permanent collections of many major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as well as the Smithsonian Design Museums. The Ikepod watch company founded in 1994 by Oliver Ike and Marc Newson and in recent history has firmly placed itself among some of the most iconic and desirable watches to have been created in our time. Ikepod has become known for its unique and exciting shaped saucer or disc-like watches. The Ikepods were among the first watches to start the wave of big diameter design watches in the millennial years with cases in gold, silver, steel, platinum, and titanium. Ikepods were produced in minimal quantities making each example exclusive onto itself with each reference, not only proving to be a functional but also a watch that is a useful piece of art. The Hemipode is named for the watches hemispheric shape has a monocoque design, meaning it is essentially one piece. The super-thin bezel is unscrewed with a unique tool, and the movement is accessed from the front of the watch instead of the back like most watches. The Ikepd Hemipode features the impressive Valjoux ETA 7750 movement, which was modified to accommodate Newson’s design features. Newson wanted perfect symmetry for the dial, Instead of the typical day of the week indicator Newson opted for a date dial, The movement is further modified by replacing the 12 hour counter found on most Valjoux 7750 based chronograph by replacing it with a 24 hour GMT dial and hand which is adjusted by an independent pusher on the left side of the case. A small sapphire window in the caseback allows a glimpse into the movement. Newson's design didn't stop with the watch itself, the Ikepod Hemipode comes on a specially designed rubber strap that attaches to the case with invisible screws. The Hemipode is certainly an eye-catching watch and an excellent choice for anyone looking for a truly standout piece. Matter of fact in recent pop culture Kanye West has been seen wearing an Ikepod Hemiphode in yellow gold! SPECS Stock # MNIKPDRG-2 Brand Ikepod Style Tri-Compax/GMT Model Ikepod Serial N/A Size Men's Material 18k Rose Gold Dial Anthracite Millimeters 44mm Bracelet Ikepod Rubber Strap (Black) CASE & BRACELET The unpolished 18k rose gold spherical case is absolutely stunning showing almost no signs of use. The pushers retain their orange enamel and like the crown remain in original and flawless condition. The original rubber strap and solid 18k rose gold button also remains in perfect condition. DIAL & HANDS The eye-catching dial remains in flawless condition. The luminous filled hands retain fully intact and glow intensely when viewed under UV light. The orange sweep seconds hand and sub-dial hands also remain in factory condition and are free from any degradation or patina. ACCESSORIES The watch comes complete with its original box, chronometer certificate, and Guarantee. The watch is running perfectly, extended service history is unknown.
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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