Mr Jones Watches, the brainchild of Crispin Jones, has carved a niche for itself by crafting timepieces that are as much about storytelling and artistry as they are about keeping time. With their latest creation, The Indefatigable Sphinx, Mr Jones once again pushes the boundaries of watchmaking, presenting a surreal landscape that unfolds on the wrist, inviting us to ponder the nature of time itself.
The story of
Mr Jones Watches is one of passion and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. Crispin Jones, the founder and creative force behind the brand, embarked on his horological journey after studying product design at Central St. Martins in London. Disillusioned with the prevailing trends in the watch industry, Jones sought to create timepieces that sparked conversations and evoked emotions, rather than simply serving as functional accessories. In 2007, he launched his eponymous brand, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Courtesy of Mr Jones
Mr Jones Watches quickly gained a cult following, thanks to their distinctive designs and playful approach to timekeeping. From watches that tell the time using words to those that feature whimsical illustrations and quirky animations, each Mr Jones creation is a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design. The Indefatigable Sphinx, the latest addition to the Mr Jones family, is no exception.
Conceived in collaboration with artist Edward Carvalho-Monaghan, The Indefatigable Sphinx is a surreal masterpiece that transports the wearer to a dreamlike realm where time flows in a non-linear fashion. The watch's dial is a canvas for Carvalho-Monaghan's intricate artwork, depicting a psychedelic landscape populated by deities, mythical creatures, and symbolic motifs drawn from various cultures and eras.
At the heart of this fantastical tableau lies the enigmatic Sphinx, a winged creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. As the hours pass, the Sphinx's head undergoes a series of transformations, offering an alternative way to read the time. This playful element adds a layer of intrigue to the watch, encouraging the wearer to engage with the artwork and decipher its hidden meanings.
Courtesy of Mr Jones
The Indefatigable Sphinx is not just a feast for the eyes; it's also a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and technical innovation. The watch is powered by a Swiss-made Sellita movement with a jump hour module, ensuring precise timekeeping. The jump hour mechanism, designed by Johannes Jahnke for Christopher Ward, adds a touch of sophistication to the watch, as the hour numeral in the window on the right of the dial changes instantaneously at the top of each hour.
The attention to detail extends to the watch's construction and materials. The case, crafted from silver stainless steel, provides a sleek and durable housing for the intricate movement within. The domed sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance, offers a clear view of the dial's mesmerizing artwork. The watch is also water-resistant to 5ATM, making it suitable for everyday wear.
One of the most striking features of The Indefatigable Sphinx is its handmade leather strap. Crafted in-house by Mr Jones' skilled artisans, the strap is made from leather sourced from the only remaining oak-bark tannery in Britain. This traditional tanning method, which involves soaking the hides in oak bark for up to a year, results in a leather that is both supple and durable, with a unique character that develops over time.
Let's take a moment to really appreciate the intricacies of The Indefatigable Sphinx's design, where the artistry of Edward Carvalho-Monaghan shines. The dial is a captivating tapestry, meticulously layered with vibrant colors and intricate details. The bejeweled all-seeing eye, positioned at the top, gazes out at the wearer, creating an intriguing connection between the surreal world within the watch and our own reality. Gods and goddesses from different cultures and eras mingle amidst sacred objects and fantastical landscapes, blurring the lines between time and space.
Courtesy of Mr Jones
Carvalho-Monaghan's vision for The Indefatigable Sphinx was to create a dreamscape where time exists both outside of and within all moments simultaneously. This concept is beautifully embodied in the watch's design, where elements from different periods coexist harmoniously. The Sphinx, a creature steeped in ancient mythology, transforms its head with each passing hour, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time and the constant flux of existence.
The watch's unique time-telling mechanism further reinforces this theme. The hour is displayed in a window on the right side of the dial, with each numeral represented in a distinct style, some bold and colorful, others more cryptic. This unconventional approach to displaying the hour adds another layer of intrigue to the watch, encouraging the wearer to actively engage with the timepiece and decipher its secrets.
The minute and second hands, while operating in the traditional manner, are seamlessly integrated into the artwork, with subtle design cues guiding the wearer's eye. This fusion of artistry and functionality is a hallmark of Mr Jones Watches, demonstrating that timekeeping can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The Indefatigable Sphinx is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each watch is a labor of love, representing countless hours of meticulous work. The dial alone boasts more layers of color than any previous Mr Jones creation, a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological design.
Courtesy of Mr Jones
The watch's case, measuring a versatile 40mm in diameter, is crafted from silver stainless steel, offering a balance of durability and elegance. The domed sapphire crystal not only protects the dial but also enhances its visual depth, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the intricate details of the artwork. The mineral case back provides a glimpse of the Sellita SW200 movement, a reliable workhorse known for its accuracy and longevity.
The Indefatigable Sphinx is not just a watch; it's an invitation to embrace the extraordinary. It's a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art that sparks curiosity and invites contemplation. It's a reminder that time is not just a linear progression but a fluid and multifaceted experience.
For those who appreciate the unconventional and seek to express their individuality through their accessories, The Indefatigable Sphinx is a perfect choice. It's a watch that defies categorization, transcending the boundaries between horology and art. It's a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the enigmatic.
Priced at $2,995, The Indefatigable Sphinx is an investment in both craftsmanship and artistry. Each watch comes with a custom-made leather strap, handcrafted in-house by Mr Jones' skilled artisans. The strap is made from leather sourced from the only remaining oak-bark tannery in Britain, ensuring its exceptional quality and durability.
As an added bonus, for a limited time, each purchase of The Indefatigable Sphinx includes a stunning signed and numbered A5 size art print created by Edward Carvalho-Monaghan. This exclusive print serves as a beautiful complement to the watch, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the artist's captivating vision.
Courtesy of Mr Jones
The Indefatigable Sphinx is more than just a timepiece; it's an experience, an invitation to explore the boundless realms of imagination and creativity. It's a watch that challenges conventions, sparks conversations, and celebrates the beauty of the unconventional. It's a testament to the enduring power of art and the timeless allure of the enigmatic.
In a world saturated with mass-produced timepieces, Mr Jones Watches stands out as a beacon of originality and artistry. The Indefatigable Sphinx is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design and creating timepieces that are as thought-provoking as they are beautiful. It's a watch that invites us to slow down, to appreciate the moment, and to embrace the mysteries that lie beyond the confines of time.