So I am following watch designers, Jörg Hysek has been involved in noteworthy designs from Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, Tiffany and TAG Heuer. Jörg is an outstanding designer, whilst credited with numerous designs, I am reflecting on his most famous designs, what is interesting is some designers are somewhat divisive as tastes vary, Jörg certainly meets this criteria.

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the Vacheron Constantin 222 (1977) design a whole lot more, the steel sports watch of the 1970s. I really don’t think much of the scalloped bezel, I actually like the later model, but as the Overseas is still in production, the base design is sound even if the bezel is a little different. What I do appreciate is the respect the 222 gets, this is personal taste and I respect that I might not be seeing it this time because my tastes are inhibiting me.

Breguet is well known for elegant dress watches, so with Breguet producing a sports watch, the Marine (1990) is interesting. The wave design of the dial is distinctive, I really think Breget is under appreciated, I think it is right up there with the holy trinity of watchmaking. One of the oldest watchmakers with so many innovations, but does not have an unbroken run of production.

The TAG Heuer Kirium (1997) was a futuristic design, the liquid metal design and integrated three link bracelet. Of all of Jörg’sdesigns, this is the watch I own. Once again, an innovative and divisive design, it is a case of loving or hating it, but was a best seller for TAG Heuer in the 1990s. The Kirium is the only quartz watch I wear on a regular basis now, the rest have batteries removed and are no longer in the rotation. I do like the three hand version with the digital dial, something different.

The Tiffany Streamerica (1990) has many similarities to the Kirium, for me, this is a design that did not age well. I am aware Tiffany & Co is a very big name in jewellery, they are an international business with a very good reputation, the Tiffany blue dial is a highly sought after model and really in demand. But on this occasion, I am just not seeing it. The Streamerica looks extremely dated in my opinion, I don’t think I will see this design revisited.