Phenomen Axiom BaselWorld 2018 Debut

DonCorson · 2018-03-27T00:40:20Z

Discover Phenomen Axiom, a new French independent watch from BaselWorld 2018. Explore its automotive-inspired design and community debate on originality.

DonCorson introduces Phenomen, a new French watch brand debuting its Axiom model at BaselWorld 2018. He highlights the brand's strong pedigree, with designers from the automotive industry and La Joux Perret, and praises the Axiom's audacious, aerodynamic form and readability. This article explores the community's initial reactions to Phenomen's distinctive design.

To start off my BaselWorld reports this year I would like to show you the watch of a new French brand Phenomen.
Phenomen is based in Besançon the old French watchmaking capital not far from the Swiss bourder in the departement Doubs.
With an esthetique designer coming from the automobile industry (PSA) an a movement designer coming from one of the recently most prolific and creative companies La Joux Perret (Arnold) Phenomen has all the prerequisites for success.
Their first watch,the Axiom, appears to me to be a good omen for the future.
The Axiom is audatious with forms obviously coming from the automobile domain and not watchmaking.
The form is flowing, almost aerodynamic and although it is rather high, I think it is an eminently wearable watch.
It also makes for a very readable timepiece with its two retrograde hands, the balance wheel at the top of the movement animating the whole.
Take a look:

Key Points from the Discussion

The Axiom's design, while unique, draws clear influences from other independent brands like Urwerk and MB&F, leading to debate about its originality.
The author defends Phenomen's originality, arguing that its flowing, two-volume form differs significantly from Urwerk's more 'mathematical' and single-volume aesthetic.
Designers are consistently influenced by past experiences, with the Axiom's case shape evoking 1950s/60s automobile tailfins and Star Wars aircraft, similar to how MB&F and Urwerk draw inspiration from childhood memories and classic car dashboards.
The watch's price point and the degree of finishing are crucial factors for its acceptance, especially when compared to other high-level independents.
The retrograde minute display, while visually interesting, may compromise legibility for practical time-telling.
An independent brand should strive for unique design, even if drawing inspiration from the past, to avoid being perceived as derivative.
Despite potential influences, the Axiom possesses enough individualism to maintain its unique identity.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Mar 27, 2018

Reminds me of ....

another watch manufacturers product, I will think of the name in a minute.... probably just a coincidence.

Alkiro1

Mar 27, 2018

+1 I thought it was an Urwerk at first sight 😕

Best wishes Alkiro

Watchonthewrist

Mar 27, 2018

In person its a nice watch and wears nice as well but its a bit to much

Urwerk and MB&F (HM4) imho

Alkiro1

Mar 27, 2018

When you develop/make a new watch, you must offer to your clients your own and unique identity. Easily recognisable. Here, it’s definitely not the case unfortunately

Best wishes Alkiro

Arie - Mr Orange

Mar 27, 2018

A lot of watches are round with hands centered in the middle

😜

Alkiro1

Mar 27, 2018

For sure but you won’t make a mistake between a Rolex and a KV 😉

Here the case has such a special shape easier to get it mixed up with at least one or two well known other brands 😏 Best wishes Alkiro

Key Points from the Discussion

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