Ikepod Duopod Gold Dots

Few watches make the argument for industrial design quite like an Ikepod. Founded in 1994 by Oliver Ike and Marc Newson, the brand became a cult favorite for its smooth, pebble-like cases, integrated straps, unconventional dials, and wonderfully futuristic approach to the wristwatch. Newson eventually moved on, famously becoming part of the team behind the Apple Watch, but the design language he established at Ikepod remains instantly recognizable.

The modern Duopod takes that DNA and pares it back to the essentials. Its lugless, brushed stainless-steel case measures 42mm across, but the rounded architecture makes it wear closer to a conventional 39mm watch. A domed caseback continues the pebble-like form, flowing directly into the black silicone strap rather than relying on conventional lugs.

But the dial is the star here. Designed by legendary watch designer Emmanuel Gueit, the man behind such icons as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, the aptly named Gold Dots dial is covered in a hypnotic field of raised circular forms that expand toward the center and contract toward the edge. It’s a direct visual descendant of Ikepod’s earlier Horizon collection, creating the same almost optical illusion of depth. Against all that texture, the two-hand display is wonderfully simple, with bold black-outlined hands and no seconds hand to interrupt the composition.

Underneath is a Japanese Miyota quartz movement, an intentionally straightforward choice that keeps the emphasis exactly where Ikepod wants it: on design. Sapphire crystal, 50 meters of water resistance, and that comfortable integrated silicone strap make it considerably more practical than its sculptural appearance might suggest.

The result is pure Ikepod: part watch, part industrial-design object, and just strange enough to make you look twice. And for anyone who loves the original Newson-era pieces, the Duopod offers much of that visual punch in an easier, more wearable package.

Following his graduation from Sydney College of the Arts, budding industrial designer Marc Newson turned his recent studies in jewelry and sculpture into the the Large Pod Watch — a 60mm, aluminum-cased behemoth devoid of any extraneous ornamentation and paired to a rubber strap. A harbinger of things to come, this timepiece would form the aesthetic underpinnings of a brand Newson founded with Oliver Ike in 1994, called Ikepod.

Though the company was only a modest success in the 1990s, its watches — which presaged the ‘large watch’ trend of the late 1990s/early 2000s — would subsequently become cult classics. The Hemipode, which measures 44mm in diameter, cemented the firm as an innovator by marrying a large, monobloc case to an automatic movement that powered various compilations: a chronograph, a chronograph with GMT, and a chronograph with a large date window at 12 o’clock. Costing over $10,000 in gold, they ushered in the era of the high-end independent.

Today, Ikepod is no longer helmed by Newson and Ike — owned by Swiss investors, the new Ikepod watches are made in Hong Kong and are powered by Japanese-made quartz movements. However, strong horological clout remains, with design duties having been taken over by Emmanuel Gueit, who conceived Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore. Original, Newson-era models are, of course, highly collectible; forward-thinking, envelope-pushing objects, they’re reflective of the singular genius of the award-winning Aussie designer.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

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We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.