Introducing Ikepod Watches
Friday - 09 April 2021
Nineties legends Ikepod and their iconic UFO-like wristwatches are the latest luxury watch brand to join the Jura Watches family. First founded in 1994, Ikepod watches have had a turbulent history, one that has seen them fall and rise several times and yet no matter what, they have continued to challenge the norm of traditional watchmaking stereotypes. Now, they are back with a trio of extraordinary, vintage-inspired and lugless watch collections designed to take on the modern world.
History of Ikepod Watches
At the very beginning in 1994, Ikepod was founded by Swiss businessman Oliver Ike and designer Marc Newmon. Together, they wanted to create a range of unique timepieces that were a true innovative force in the horology world, entirely stepping over the mark of convention and setting trends never done before. In 1997, they launched the Ikpod Hemipode, a truly retro piece of wrist wear designed with a touch of 70’s flair, a lugless case and a large 47mm diameter. The design not only started the wave for large-sized watches but marked the beginning of Ikepod’s creative prowess and hinted at their future in luxury watchmaking.
It wasn’t long before Ikepod watches achieved something of a cult status until sadly in 2003, the brand had to file for bankruptcy. The company was eventually sold to the Perficio Group, who again shortly thereafter filed for liquidation in 2005. Similar revivals and collapses continued to happen over the next several years until 2017 when a gentlemen named Christian-Louis Col, a long time fan of Ikepod watches, brought the brand and its designs. Under new leadership and alongside legendary watch designers Emmanuel Gueit and Alexandre Peraldi, the brand has successfully been revived and with it they have brought back the vintage appeals of historic Ikepod watches with all the necessary contemporary improvements merited for luxury watch connoisseurs.
Ikepod Chronopod Watches
The Ikpod watch brand is currently home to three key collections and the first of these is the Ikpod Chronopod. Following in the footsteps of the original Hemipode line launched back in 1997, each Ikepod Chronopod watch delivers a boldy-sized UFO-shaped 44mm case with near invisible integrated lugs and a black silicon strap. The family is currently filled with a variety of variations, each dressed in stainless steel and powered by a Japanese chronograph quartz movement, but with a stunning selection of dial colours to choose from. We particularly love the uniqueness of the Chronopod Gold Dots watch with its textured, copper-coloured dial.
Ikepod Duopod Watches
The Ikepod Duopod watch collection brings us back to the essentials with a classic two hand design powered by another Japanese Miyota quartz movement. Their “less is more” aesthetic takes inspiration from a historic Ikepod collection known as the Horizon which was designed by the original founder Mark Newson. The familiar retro-modern finish measures to 42mm, although feels a lot smaller on the wrist, and is presented in stainless steel with a black silicon strap and a thick unadorned bezel.
Ikepod Megapod Watches
For lovers of mechanical watches, the Ikpod brand launched the Megapod watch collection arriving with an automatic winding Miyota movement. Alongside a healthy power reserve of 42 hours and a choice of two-hand or three-hand complications, the Ikepod Megapod watch once again takes inspiration from its past, this time the original Megapode watch launched in 1997. It’s 316L stainless steel case measures to 46mm in size and revives the iconic UFO silhouette with a 30 metre water resistance, black silicon strap and a colourful choice of dials. The Ikpod Megapod collection is also home to the brand’s first art collaboration since 2010 with the Megapod MTC1 Skaters in the Sky watch, a limited edition of 200 pieces designed in partnership with American painter Tom Christopher.
As official stockists of Ikepod watches, you can find all their latest releases on the Jura Watches website. For more information on the brand and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
