TGR Staff - 06/01/2023
Frank Stephenson, a renowned automobile designer, who has worked for Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, BMW, Fiat, Lancia, Mini, and Alfa Romeo has been called by Motor Trend "one of the most influential automotive designers of our time." Frank has served as Director of Design at Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat Group, and McLaren, He later founded the Frank Stephenson Design Consultancy where he continues to work on many different cross-industry design projects, products, and innovative design solutions.
“It was very enjoyable designing the Frank Stephenson Icon watch with Time Concepts, and I’m proud to debut it to automobile and design enthusiasts,” said Stephenson. “We all know the old adage …. ‘Car guys are watch guys,’ so it was a natural step to get creative with timepieces too. The collection showcases the love I have for good design, just like when I’m designing world-class cars. We hope that car enthusiasts and those that appreciate unique and compelling design will gravitate to my new watch collection and enjoy wearing them through all of life’s adventures.”
Building on the success of the previous Icon models, Szanto partnered with Frank Stephenson to design a watch reflecting the designer’s contributions to the automobile industry. The watch itself is crafted of 316L Stainless Steel case and case back with a highly scratch-resistant domed K1 crystal that blends into the round case shape right over the top of the watch. The dial features an original stylized font for the numbers at the four corners (0, 3, 6 & 9) that are printed with thick Swiss superluminova lume for night glow. The watch has a soft supple silicone rubber strap with a bespoke signature buckle. The watch is powered by Japanese quartz movement from Miyota which is commonly used in the fashion watch catagory.
“When discussing Frank’s vision with him for his foray into timepieces, he suggested a trilogy of designs tied to sea, air, and land. The first series is Air but goes a bit higher than most pilot watches – it’s called COSMOS and is meant to transport one to deep space when viewed. This is accomplished with dials made of granite slices with highly visible sparkling speckles that conjure up stars in the night sky when one looks into space.” said Time Concepts Founder Barry Cohen. “These watches are meant to provide Frank’s fans, automobile enthusiasts, and design lovers everywhere, with a timepiece displaying highly curated details in an attractive but unusual design, coming from the mind of one of the great designers of our time, achieved working closely with Frank on aspects of the design. There is a sensuality in the COSMOS design that is reminiscent of the flanks of some of the wonderful exotic cars Frank has penned.” Cohen added “The watch is almost sculptural in appearance and so unique that it seems to always draw interest when noticed. The case is very ergonomic and really curves to wrap over one’s wrist. Coupled with the soft silicone strap it is one of the most comfortable watches you will ever wear. We are excited to release the first in the series and are proud to share it with the world. Design work is under way for subsequent sea and land designs to follow.”
The Szanto Icon Signature Series are small collection of watches tied to famous individuals who have made their mark in a variety of fields. Time Concepts’ Icons are masters of their respective crafts, and all share an appreciation and affinity for quality timepieces. Other industry leaders in the Icon series include Indy Series and Indy 500 Champion, Danny Sullivan, renowned big-wave surfer, Shane Dorian, and motorcycle legend, Roland Sands, all of whom also worked closely with Time Concepts to define, design and develop a timepiece that connects to their respective styles and personalities, all while maintaining the Szanto commitment to excellence. In this way, Icon watches reflect the tastes and interests of the people who inspired them.
Szanto Icon Signature Series: Frank Stephenson watches retail for $250 and can be purchased HERE.
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