Smartwatches undergo a design transformation with the touch of Pininfarina
Pininfarina’s latest Senso smartwatches by Globics navigate the delicate balance between aesthetics and utility.
Historically, venturing into the smartwatch arena required brands to navigate a compromise between integrating user-friendly technology into traditional watch designs. This is no longer the case, as a myriad of new timepieces seamlessly blend both form and function, accompanied by a host of additional features. Pininfarina, in particular, showcases this evolution with their new Senso smartwatches by Globics. These watches effortlessly draw inspiration from classic watchmaking and automotive design codes while delivering practical features, such as the ability to monitor vital signs for a month on just a one-hour charge. Sebastien Sauvage, the creative director of Globics Technology, provides insights into the design process.
ROADNESS: Can you share insights into what influenced the design of these pieces?
Our hybrid watch design is inspired by Pininfarina’s extensive design legacy, incorporating the design language and details from their most iconic creations. The clean lines, aerodynamic curves, and meticulous attention to detail synonymous with Pininfarina guided our entire design journey.
We integrated design elements paying homage to Pininfarina’s heritage. For instance, the lugs’ profile with a cutout references the rims of their legendary cars, adding a distinctive touch to our timepiece. Additionally, the dial mirrors the elegance and precision found in a Pininfarina-designed car dashboard, featuring a minimalist layout for readability and luxury finishes for sophistication.
By amalgamating these design influences, we’ve crafted a hybrid watch seamlessly merging classic elegance with cutting-edge technology. It encapsulates the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Pininfarina’s designs while providing a functional and intuitive timekeeping experience.
Our objective was to honor Pininfarina’s design legacy while infusing our unique vision, resulting in a remarkable timepiece that stands out in terms of both style and performance.
ROADNESS: How do they pay homage to classic Pininfarina design codes?
Our hybrid watch pays tribute to classic Pininfarina design codes in various ways. Firstly, the sleek and aerodynamic lines defining Pininfarina’s iconic cars find resonance in the overall silhouette of our timepiece. The smooth curves and elegant contours evoke a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication.
Furthermore, the lugs’ profile with the cutout on our hybrid watch recalls the rims found on some of Pininfarina’s most legendary automobiles. This design element directly references the classic Pininfarina aesthetic, showcasing our commitment to capturing the essence of their design language.
The dial of our hybrid watch is another significant nod to Pininfarina’s classic design codes. Inspired by the precision and elegance of Pininfarina car dashboards, we’ve crafted a dial reflecting their minimalist and functional approach. The arrangement of sub-dials, markers, and hands follows the principles of clarity and readability, mirroring the timeless design philosophy of Pininfarina.
Moreover, the intricate details and finishes of our hybrid watch evoke the craftsmanship and attention to detail hallmarks of Pininfarina’s designs. From the choice of high-quality materials to the meticulous finishing touches, every element is designed to reflect the same level of excellence seen in Pininfarina’s classic creations.
By incorporating these design codes, our hybrid watch becomes a visual tribute to the iconic Pininfarina style. It celebrates the enduring legacy of Pininfarina’s classic designs and translates them into a contemporary timepiece that captures the essence of their timeless beauty and sophistication.
In summary, our hybrid watches nod to classic Pininfarina design codes through their sleek silhouette, the lugs’ profile inspired by iconic car rims, the dial evoking the elegance of Pininfarina dashboards, and the meticulous attention to detail throughout the timepiece. It is a testament to our admiration for Pininfarina’s design language and our commitment to honoring their classic design codes in our own unique way.
ROADNESS: What were the main challenges faced during the creation?
We take immense pride in our commitment to creating a timepiece of extraordinary quality, utilizing materials and processes commonly found in luxury timepieces. However, during the manufacturing process, we encountered specific challenges that required extensive effort and iteration to overcome.
One challenge pertained to the PVD coating on the case. Certain shades of the coating impacted the sensors and conductivity, interfering with accurate ECG readings. To address this, we redesigned the coating process and created numerous samples to find the optimal balance. Each iteration involved careful testing and adjustments to ensure the highest level of functionality and performance.
Another significant challenge was incorporating see-through lugs into the design. This necessitated additional CNC processes and meticulous attention to detail to balance size and structural integrity. We aimed to maintain both a visually appealing aesthetic and a durable construction, demanding careful engineering and rigorous testing throughout the design process.
On the software side of development, challenges related to battery optimization and creating a stable user experience through the app emerged. Achieving a month-long battery life while ensuring accurate and reliable performance required multiple iterations and optimizations. Our team worked tirelessly to refine the software algorithms and enhance the user interface, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.
Despite these challenges, our dedication to creating a timepiece of exceptional quality and functionality drove us to overcome each obstacle. The countless hours spent on research, design iterations, and testing have resulted in a hybrid watch that combines the finest materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. We are proud to offer our customers a timepiece that not only embodies the spirit of luxury but also provides an accurate, stable, and remarkable user experience.
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