If there's one word that defines GANE watches, it's creativity. The life of founder and Malaysian native Raymond Phee has been shaped by art, music, and photography. In GANE watches, these creative passions have merged to create a unique line in the brand's first release - the Type C Automatic. Timeless, versatile, yet aesthetically expressive, the Type C model combines vintage features with modern execution.
Raymond was surrounded by the beautiful sights and sounds of Malaysia, then moved to Singapore for university, where he currently resides with his family. Malaysia and Singapore are known for their beautiful architecture and diverse cultural influences. It's no surprise that Raymond, an avid watch collector and photographer, decided to devote himself to watchmaking as a creative pursuit. Recognizing that the first step in creating watches of exceptional quality is finding the best partners, Raymond established a collaboration with a major Swiss watch manufacturer and member of the Swiss Watch Industry Federation FH to bring the project to life.
The result was a line of three beautifully crafted and visually distinctive Type C watches, each with its own dial possessing unique individuality and story. Why did he name his first watches Type C? It all comes back to music - 'C' is the first note of the musical scale, so what better note for a new brand?
The Type C case is made of 316L stainless steel and topped with sapphire glass. The 38mm Type C model with a short 45mm lug-to-lug distance was designed for comfortable everyday wear. The angular tonneau-shaped case evokes Art Deco, but the execution is entirely fresh and modern. The entire case features vertical matte surfaces except for a single polished bevel running along the top of the case. A small touch, but it adds elegance. Flip the watch over, and the case back features a personal touch: an engraving created by Raymond in honor of his late mother, Justilla. It is based on a sketch symbolizing justice, love, and illumination.
The Type C dials are undoubtedly the standout element, as each color variant is endowed with its own unique personality. The dials have a three-dimensional effect created by using a two-plate dial construction with CNC-milled indexes. This construction gives the Type C dial structural elegance and depth that is simply captivating. Each color was chosen to accentuate the dial lines and create a special effect.
Specifically, the C1 Automatic Sandy Salmon model has a dial reminiscent of ancient sundials made of metals like bronze, copper, and brass, which have acquired an organic reddish hue. Combined with the milled indexes, the inspiration is striking. Salmon dials add elegance to any watch, allowing them to be dressed up with ease. The C2 Automatic Brushed Blue, on the other hand, evokes a completely different feeling - part sporty, part understated. Indigo shades dance on the matte surface in different lighting, shifting from deep to blue. Completing the collection is the C3 Automatic Steely Silver model. The strong and bold steel dial captures attention, to say the least. Paired with a steel bracelet, the Steely Silver watch is made for adventure.
GANE Type C watches are equipped with the Citizen Miyota 8215 automatic movement. GANE chose the Miyota 8215 for its high reliability, which also allowed GANE to keep the Type C at an accessible price. With a 42-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, and a frequency of 21.6 kbph, this movement is built for longevity.
GANE Type C watches are offered on a vintage strap made of thick Italian vegetable-tanned leather or on a five-link bracelet. The leather and bracelet give the watches completely different aesthetics. The bracelet seamlessly blends into the lines of the case, continuing the vertical matte finish and adding a vintage touch. The bracelet is secured with a butterfly clasp with a push-button release.
GANE Type C watches are now available for purchase at $745 on the bracelet or $695 on the leather strap with free worldwide shipping. To learn more about GANE watches and the new Type C model, visit the brand's website.