The Exaequo Softwatchoften referred to as the Salvador Dali watchis a unique watch that draws its inspiration from the surrealist world of the famous artist, and more particularly from his emblematic painting "The Persistence of Memory. Known for its soft and deformed watchesThis work of art has left its mark on the collective imagination, giving rise to a watch that defies the limits of time. traditional watchmaking conventions.
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Salvador Dali watch - Melting watch
Embrace the dream world with our Watch by Waaqt. Inspired by the iconic depiction of soft watches in his work "La Persistencia de la Memoria / The Persistence of Memory", this watch is not just a time-measuring instrument, but a portable piece of art. This 1st [...]
The anecdote of inspiration for soft watches
The Exaequo Softwatch story begins with a fascinating anecdote from Salvador Dalì. One night, suffering from a headache, he chose to stay at home rather than go out. It was on this night that a banal observation triggered a revolutionary idea.
He noticed a piece of Camembert cheese melting on the table.. This simple vision awakened in him a deep reflection on the the nature of timethat he began to see fluid and malleable rather than rigid. This idea of "soft" time became the foundation of his masterpiece, "The Persistence of Memory.
In this painting, he depicts pocket watches melting like cheese.symbolizing relativity of time and its changing perception. "Persistence of Memory" quickly became one of the artist's most famous works, embodying his unique and imaginative approach to art.
Philly Muller and Exaequo Softwatch
In 1989, Philly Mullerpassionate watchmaker and founder of the brand Exaequofalls under the spell of the spanish artist, "The Disintegration of Memory Persistence".. This work, a variation on the famous "The Persistence of Memoryoffers a fragmented and even more surreal vision of time. Inspired by Dalì's audacity and imagination, Muller sees a unique opportunity to merge art and watchmaking.
Convinced that watches could transcend their utilitarian function to become true works of art, Muller embarked on the ambitious project of creating a watch that reflected Dalì's artistic vision. His mission was clear: to design a watch that would not simply be a time-measuring instrument, but also a work of art. sculptural piece that defies horological convention.
Muller and his Exaequo team spend months studying works of art from the same movementThey seek to understand the concepts and forms that characterize his unique style. They seek to capture the essence of surrealism and integrate it into a watch that would be both functional and aesthetic. This is how the idea of the Softwatcha watch whose fluid, organic design reminiscent of soft watches.
Creation and launch of the Softwatch
The efforts of Philly Muller and his team culminated in 1989 with the creation of the first Softwatch prototypes. These models are presented at the prestigious BaselworldThe brand's new watch, which was launched in 2008, immediately attracted the attention of watchmaking enthusiasts and professionals alike. The reaction was enthusiastic: the Softwatch is seen not only as a technical innovation, but also as an artistic revolution in the world of watchmaking.
In 1990, the first version of the Softwatch is marketed. It features a distinctive green strapIt's a reminder of the bright colors and natural elements often present in the artist's work. But it's above all its unique shape that makes it instantly recognizable. Unlike traditional watches, the Softwatch has no rigid contours its housing is asymmetricalwith gentle curves that seem to defy the laws of gravity.
This unconventional form is not just aesthetic; it embodies the surrealist spirit. giving the watch an almost living appearance, as if it could melt and reconfigure itself at any moment. The Softwatch is fast becoming a a symbol of creativitycelebrated for its ability to push back the boundaries of what a watch can be.
The launch of the Softwatch marks the beginning of a new era for Exaequo. The watch receives praised for its boldness and originalityThe Softwatch is the first of its kind in the world, attracting a clientele eager to own a piece of wearable art. With the Softwatch, Muller succeeds in capturing and immortalizing Dalì's vision.
How much does an Exaequo Softwatch watch cost?
Exaequo Softwatch launch price
When it was launched in the 90s, the Softwatch by Exaequo was marketed at a relatively affordable price, around 200 euros. This affordable price allowed everyone to own a unique timepiece, combining watchmaking and surrealism. However, the closure of the company in 1998 rapidly transformed the Softwatch's rarity, increasing its value on the grey market.
Price & current value of the Exaequo Softwatch
Over the years, the Softwatch has become a highly sought-after collector's item. Its value has risen considerably, reflecting both its rarity and its artistic importance. Today, a Softwatch in good condition can reach prices of up to 2750 eurosor more at auctions and on the collector's market. This spectacular rise in prices illustrates the enduring appeal of the watch and its status as a "collector's item". a true iconcelebrated for its innovative design and intimate relationship with the work. Collectors from all over the world are ready to invest significant amounts to acquire this iconic watch, testifying to its growing importance and value in the world of watchmaking and art.
Evolution of Exaequo Softwatch watches
Since its launch in 1990, the Softwatch by Exaequo has undergone several evolutions through different series and variations, each bringing distinct new features and improvements.
- First series: There first series by Softwatches, introduced in 1990, features gold-plated watches with white dials. These early watches remained true to the original inspiration, with a design that directly mirrored the softwatches in his paintings. The case, with its unique, organic shape, was instantly recognizable and marked the beginning of the popularity of the Softwatch.
- Second series: There second series saw the introduction of new colors and finishes, including palladium, an elegant and modern alternative to gold plating. This series has broadened the appeal of the Softwatch by offering customization options. The watches in this series retain the distinctive design of the Softwatch but introduce variations in dials and materials.
- Third series: There third series brings significant changes to the design. The watch case is slightly different, with the addition of four rear screwsThis gives the watch a more industrial and robust aesthetic. However, this series is also known for a less ergonomic, almost straight case, which deviates from the smooth, flowing curves of the previous series. Despite this change, the watch retains its surreal charm.
Exaequo Special Collections
In addition to the standard series, Exaequo has also launched several special collections featuring distinct artistic and thematic elements.
- Museum-inspired collections : Exaequo has collaborated with various museums to create watches with dials featuring reproductions of famous works of art. These watches, called "Museum CollectionThe new, contemporary and classic designs allow art lovers to wear a piece of art history on their wrists. Softwatch.
- Erotic collection : There erotic collection presents watches with dials decorated with erotic paintings. This provocative collection is certainly least favorite collection and the lowest-rated.
- Round model introduced in 1996 : In 1996, Exaequo introduces a model with a round shape, while retaining the characteristic melting elements of the Softwatch. This model combines a more traditional silhouette with the watch's surrealist originality, offering an interesting alternative for those seeking a fusion of classicism and artistic innovation.
Melting Watch" technical specifications
Exaequo's Softwatch is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, embodying the perfect fusion of art and watchmaking.
Pear-shaped case
Softwatch case adopts a unique pear shapemeasuring approximately 47×27 mm. This distinctive silhouette is inspired by soft watches. The soft curves and asymmetrical lines recall the surrealism of the period, making the watch instantly recognizable and truly unique.
Various finishes
Softwatch is available in several finishes to meet the varied tastes of collectors and watch enthusiasts. Options include:
- Gold-plated A classic, luxurious finish that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the watch.
- Palladium A modern, sophisticated alternative to gold plating, offering subtle, long-lasting brilliance.
- Rose Gold A warm, contemporary finish that combines the elegance of gold with a distinctive pinkish hue.
- Copper A bold and innovative finish, adding an industrial and artistic touch to the watch.
Quartz movement
The Softwatch is equipped with a quartz movementrenowned for its reliability and precision. This choice of movement ensures that the watch remains not only an objet d'art, but also a functional time-measuring instrument. The quartz movement requires very little maintenance, ensuring the watch's longevity. In most cases, a battery change is all that's needed to get the watch running again.
Inspiration or alternative to the Cartier Crash
The Softwatch dial is inspired by the emblematic style of Cartier watches.The dial features Roman numerals elegantly arranged to match the irregular shape of the case. The numerals seem to explode and rearrange themselves according to the curves of the case, creating a visual harmony between dial and case. The fine, delicate hands complement the refined aesthetics of the dial, while ensuring a clear reading of the time.
The legacy of Exaequo Softwatch today
Company closure
In 1998, the company Exaequo is closing its doors, marking the end of a unique watchmaking adventure. This closure is mainly due to legal issues related to the use of Dalì without authorization. Although the intention to pay tribute to the artist was sincere, the use of his name and works without formal agreement led to disputes that eventually caused the company to cease operations. This unfortunate outcome put an end to production of the Softwatchmaking existing examples even more precious and rare.
The growing popularity of Exaequo Watch
Despite the company's closure, the legacy of the Softwatch has endured and grown in popularity over the years. Today, the Softwatch is considered a prized collector's item.
- Unique design The distinctive design of the Softwatchwith its pear-shaped case and watch-inspired dial. Cartiercontinues to fascinate collectors. The watch represents a perfect fusion of watchmaking and surrealist art, offering an incomparable visual and aesthetic experience.
- Link to Dalì's art The close link between Softwatch with the work of Dalì makes it a sought-after piece for art lovers and watch collectors. Owning a Softwatchto own a piece of artistic heritage, a tangible tribute to its creative genius. This watch embodies the founding spirit in a unique way, transforming the concept of time into a wearable work of art.
- Increasing value Over the years, the value of the Softwatch has increased considerably. Initially sold at a relatively modest price, the watch's value increased as its rarity and artistic importance were recognized. Today, a Softwatch can fetch high prices on the collectors' market, testifying to its status as a emblematic collector's piece.
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