Janus
Watch for WOLKOV
French inspired and brewed in Shanghai, the Janus is a real treat for all analog watch lovers. Thanks to its dual-dials and interchangeable strap, it is a good conversation starter and will make heads turn. User can flip and/or switch dials, and change straps to match daily outfit and activities. The case and lugs are made of steel and show first-rate finishing surface treatment and details. Straps are made of genuine leather with inner reinforcement to sustain daily wear.
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Download Press Kit № 103203 Watch for WOLKOV by William Volcoff to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Janus by William Volcoff
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Watch by William Volcoff
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William Volcoff Janus
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William Volcoff Watch
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Janus Watch Press Releases
Availability alert: Press releases for Janus in languages including English.
Janus Watch Media Articles
Ready-to-feature articles on Janus are available in these languages: Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Indonesian, Hindi, English, German and French, for your convenience.
Unique Properties
This is probably the world first Automatic watch combining dual-dials with interchangeable strap. User can flip and/or switch dials, change straps to match their daily outfit and activities. With its iconic case and oversized lugs, it has charisma and provides extra functionalities for analog watch lovers.
Tags
Dual-dial, Automatic, Analog, Wristwatch, Light luxury, Man accessory
Production Technology
We offer a mix of automatic and quartz movements within one case. One side is powered by Chinese Peacock automatic caliber SL1701 while the other side is powered by Japanese Myota quartz. This gives the opportunity for dual time zone and double the space to develop creative dials. Our unique clipping system has no extra moving parts and only use specific material resistance (from an invisible insert made of PP) to create the clipping spring feature. The design solution is striking visually and drove the design style from inside out, as we didn’t try to conceal it. The watchcase and lugs are made of high quality steel (316L) with over 8h of polishing process (usual watch are polish under 2h). Our straps are made of genuine leather. Our NATO strap are made of a double-layered polyamide thread combining 3 strain of color to add depth and texture.
Design Challenge
Key challenge was to convince watch factories to produce prototypes and test again and again the various ideas we had. We designed every details, from the screws head to the handles so we had to run prototype for each parts, opening molds and doing refinements a the same time.
Project Duration
The project started in September 2014 in Shanghai and finished in November 2018 in Shanghai.
Operation Flow
Operate the watch like a normal watch, use the crowns to set time on both sides. Un-clip the lugs to change strap.
Research
Heuristic design research based on guts feeling that something could still be improved in the watch industry. Initially our design had only one dial but we soon realize the potential to duplicate dials and offer dual time zones. The final clipping system for the strap with our semi flexible lug took over 2 years of refinement. We tested ourselves prototypes by wearing them and then adjusting details.
Inspiration
Janus was born from this deep satisfaction of holding a high quality product. Something that feels right when wearing it. Not everything must be connected. The extra boost you need sometime to get things moving the way you want and to connect with a distant past where machines were crafted.
Image Credits
Images #No1 - No 5: Photographer Kang Jing, 2018
Project Overview
Janus Watch has been a Golden winner in the Jewelry Design award category in the year 2019 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.
Golden Recognition
William Volcoff was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2020, a testament to excellence of their work Janus Watch.
William Volcoff Press Releases
We provide a series of press releases on William Volcoff that journalists and press members can freely incorporate into their narratives. For immediate journalistic use: 1 press releases are available right now.
Introducing Janus: The World's First Dual-Dial Automatic Watch with Interchangeable Strap
WY&P unveils Janus, a revolutionary timepiece offering dual-dials and interchangeable straps, designed to elevate the analog watch experience. Shanghai, November 2018 - WY&P proudly presents Janus, a unique automatic wristwatch that combines innovative functionality with light luxury appeal.
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