Mark Cho, the visionary behind The Armoury, has unveiled his latest venture, Temporal Works, introducing the Series A watch collection after an extensive three-year development period. This new line, meticulously crafted with a focus on understated elegance and exceptional wearability, showcases Cho's profound expertise in both tailoring and horology. The collection's debut marks a significant moment for watch enthusiasts seeking sophisticated, well-designed timepieces that prioritize comfort and classic aesthetics.
The Series A collection epitomizes a blend of traditional watch design and contemporary minimalist principles. With models featuring refined sector dials and a unique, vibrant pinkish-red face, Temporal Works aims to offer pieces that are both visually appealing and distinct. Each watch in the collection is a testament to Cho's dedication to perfection, undergoing numerous iterations to ensure every detail met his exacting standards. This launch not only expands The Armoury's influence into the watch market but also solidifies Mark Cho's reputation as a multifaceted connoisseur of fine craftsmanship.
The Genesis of Temporal Works: Mark Cho's Vision Realized
Mark Cho, co-founder of the esteemed tailoring house The Armoury, has brought his long-held vision for a watch brand to fruition with the launch of Temporal Works. The journey began three years ago, with Cho meticulously overseeing every detail, ensuring the final product aligned perfectly with his aesthetic and quality standards. This rigorous process, extending beyond initial expectations, underscores his commitment to creating timepieces that are not only beautiful but also meticulously engineered for superior wearability and timeless appeal.
The creation of Temporal Works stems from Cho's deep-seated passion for watches and his discerning eye for craftsmanship, honed through years in bespoke tailoring. His encounter at Watches and Wonders in 2023 hinted at the impending launch, revealing a project that has been a labor of love and an exercise in precision. By collaborating with Elliot Hammer, known for his work on The Armoury's watch collaborations, Cho has ensured that Temporal Works' inaugural Series A collection embodies the same principles of quality, design integrity, and subtle luxury that define The Armoury's renowned apparel.
Series A Collection: Design Philosophy and Unmatched Comfort
The Temporal Works Series A collection, launched by Mark Cho, embodies a design philosophy centered on stripped-down elegance and exceptional comfort. The initial offerings include two models featuring simple yet refined sector dials in classic navy and black, complemented by a distinctive third model with a vibrant pinkish-red finish. Priced at $2,500, each watch is designed for optimal wearability, featuring comfortable leather straps, with a special offer of a complimentary mesh metal bracelet for orders placed in December. This attention to detail reflects Cho's tailoring background, where the underlying "framework" of a piece is paramount, allowing for subtle variations in texture and material to transform the aesthetic.
Cho's pursuit of a minimalist yet impactful design is evident in the Series A's construction, which deliberately avoids excessive ornamentation to maintain a clean, sculptural aesthetic. The sector dial, a particular focus of refinement, was streamlined to prevent a "scientific" or crowded appearance, a decision influenced by feedback from industry peers. The watch's body draws inspiration from the iconic Patek Philippe Calatrava 565, reinterpreting its curvaceous profile for enhanced wrist comfort, eliminating the "flat" side and protruding case back often found in classic designs. Furthermore, the watches feature a Zaratsu polishing, typically associated with Grand Seiko, resulting in a mirror-like finish, and hands inspired by fountain pen nibs, adding a touch of old-world elegance. This meticulous approach to design, coupled with Cho's data-driven insights on ideal watch sizes, ensures that the Series A watches are not only visually striking but also supremely comfortable, often making wearers forget they have them on, a hallmark of a truly well-designed timepiece.
