Not since every village had their own watchmaker have there been as many watch brands as there are today. Watchmaking, at least mechanical watchmaking, is enjoying an incredible renaissance. Because of their inattention to segment trends, the popular media has recently predicted the extinction of the wristwatch in the near future. While it’s true that many have begun to substitute the clock on their cell phone, iPod or PDA for the ubiquitous mass-produced quartz wristwatch, the segment for hand-made mechanical timepieces has grown exponentially over the last twenty years, Small, independent watchmakers are thriving. Most are clustered in the traditional watchmaking centers of Switzerland and Germany, but the trend has lately spread across the Atlantic, and American watchmakers, who once dominated the world with design and engineering excellence, are beginning to show signs of life again.
Chronomundi, creator of the University of Oregon homage, is one of these new American watchmakers recreating the tradition of fine American watchmaking. The idea to create unique timepieces that celebrate great American universities was conceived by Gary Bohannon, Chronomundi’s founder. Americans have an affinity for their schools that is unique and vibrant. Only an American watch company could set about capturing this distinctively American experience.
After years of collecting mechanical timepieces and studying the industry, Bohannon realized that the trend that was propelling the unprecedented market for luxury timepieces with amazing complications would also support wristwatches created to celebrate the pride and prestige of the university experience. The buyers of luxury timepieces are less interested in determining the correct time than in displaying their passion. Accurate depiction of the current time is not the reason one chooses an F.P. Journe Octa over a Timex Indiglo.
A high-quality timepiece is the one jewelry item men focus on to make a statement, and whether that statement is power, prestige, influence, interest or lifestyle, creative watchmakers have filled the landscape with interesting alternatives. Except when it comes to one’s alma mater. This most personal and passionate of affiliations has been totally unserved by luxury watch producers. Until now, a class ring or inexpensive and uninspired quartz watch were the only avenues available for someone wishing to make a statement about the pride they feel about their university and their accomplishment. To satisfy this significant need, Chronomundi was born.
