A few months ago Richard Paige contacted me to say he was exhibiting his watches on a new design website. Normally I wouldn’t really go into any amount of detail about other companies (outside the watch industry) but Touch Of Modern is something extra special. Essentially it acts as a creative platform and celebrates good design. It also sells a wide variety of innovative products (normally at discounted prices) ranging from watches, jewellery, household goods and clothes. The only problem is that they only offer a shipping service in the US. This means that global buyers outside this region can’t take advantage of these fantastic offers. Hopefully as the business expands they will address this issue.
Earlier this year RPaige introduced a new edition to the ever-popular Wrocket family. The new collection is called the Barrage and has Military inspired appearance. Although I feel it shows a lot of design merit it doesn’t appeal to me as much as the original Wrocket or DuoFace collection of watches. Probably that is because I like more intricate and eclectic details. Realistically that is why I love the very concept of the DuoFace because every watch is completely different. Anyway these are just my thoughts and I am sure that a lot of people will disagree with my opinion.
Back in February I was fortunate to review a fantastic RPaige DuoFace with an exquisite “Art Nouveau” engraved gold Waltham dial. Fortunately I have now got access to another unique piece, which actually was made by Richard purely as a prototype. Within this range all the cases are the same size and measure 44mm x 57mm x 12mm. I have to say this watch is very pleasurable to wear and I have not experienced any digging from the lugs or crown. For that reason I feel it would definitely be a practical option for most occasions (with the exception of extreme sports or deep sea diving).
A lot of the time Richard will post images of experimental timepieces he has made. Ultimately he says that it is one of the perks of owing your own watch company. The DuoFace Spaceview is one of his more eclectic designs and certainly is a favourite of mine. What makes this timepiece so unique is the deconstructed black dial with exposed elements of the movement. This fragmented façade gives the watch a really cool industrial appearance. Other details include delicate black Cathedral style hands and a small red second hand. There is also the option to reverse this watch and display the movement face up.
Beneath the elegant exterior lies an Elgin vintage American manual winding movement dating back to 1908. The caliber comprises 17-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. This entire splendor is visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Duo Face features hours, minutes and small seconds. The timepiece is also water resistant to a depth of 50 metres.
The Duo Face I tested comes with a bespoke green South Australian strap (made by Matt Wallace) with matching engraved steel buckle.
For more information about RPaige Watch visit their website: https://www.rpaigewatch.com
