Shaping an unique proposition – The Feynman Q

We have seen plenty of watches using unique shapes, from ovals, rectangles and of course the traditional round ones, but what if someone decided to do go against the rules, create its own shape?

Let’s dig in a bit more about this thought because is not easy, designers and watchmakers usually combat the idea of both working in unison, it is a similar process of building a house. The architect will go and design the most outstanding and lavish design ever created only to be grounded by planning permission with everyday life realities.

Don’t believe me, well look at electric cars now, they might not be my favorite choice but in terms of design they have evolve quite quickly. When not having a long, complicated and heavy cylinder block, the shape of that car is not bound by any means apart from the regulation.

It is the same with a watch design, a unique one might be easy but bring it to life is another challenge. The main reason is the movement because it will define not only the shape of the case and crystal but also how everything is displayed. This is when having a quartz movement makes sense, if you really want to keep everything cost effective, rare and unique, the choice of having a thin and reliable engine will give you freedom of design.

Is here where we do the introduction to the beautiful Feynman Q, a watch that is defined by its looks and refinement. A true classic in my opinion and one that can also blend the exotic with modern technology. Join me to discover this outstanding new entry on their catalogue.

The specifications

It is hard to find the right size for a dress watch but the 34mm in diameter by 38mm lug to lug make the Q a perfect companion for a chic elegant night out. As a lover of small watches, I can tell you that my 6.25 inch wrist cannot get enough from it.

The yellow gold case is complex, it has a large amount of details that I’ve seen in watches costing at least 5x the price of the Q, we will come to that later. You could say that is an octagon shape but in reality all the sides are curved so it feels more like a loose interpretation of round case. I can only imagine how hard would have been to commission the sapphire crystal and to cut off the dial.  

Staying with the case, the brushed bezel dominates the composition but it adds polishing elements as well. The side of the case has a defined coin edge pattern which reminds me of Breguet watches (not a bad comparison) and adds a flare of discreet elegance. I haven’t seen this structure replicated by any other brand out there, so kudos here.

Going to the dial, our sample of the Q is the Tiger’s eye variety. It is unique for every watch because of the patterns from the stone and to make things better, there is no branding or anything cluttering it, only the seconds subdial markings adding the famous layout from Feynman Timekeepers including the seconds hand.

The handset, also in yellow gold, are also a unique in interpretation. They have a radical shape and when they meet in the center at 12 o’clock, they produce a diamond like shape to remind us that we all are unique, something we should embrace more.

Under the hood we can find a Swiss quartz Calibre, the Ronda 1014 which is not only one step above the Miyota counterparts in terms of reliability but also in terms of affordability vs a mechanical movement. The back plate also in yellow gold tone has a nice Easter egg, I will let the pictures do the talking.

On the wrist

I still do not understand those brands that use a quartz movements and make a watch that is not only thick but heavy. The Q is none of those, it is 7mm thin (yes you read that right) and feels feather weight, it disappears on the wrist.

The short lug to lug is a charm, it gives the old age vibe that many watches fail to replicate. The lug width is 18mm which give presence, and the strap that it comes with is completely hand made by @yi.leatherco. To give a bit of explanation, the strap is truly hand made and bespoke for every model, it is not a gimmick and as soon as you put the watch on, you can tell that the quality is way higher than anything we experience from other brands at this price point. The strap thinness and lack of padding make is it for me the ideal choice, after all, it would be odd to have a strap thicker than the watch itself.

I wore the Q to a weekly conference and it became a conversation starter. It is a watch that attracts the eye for the right reasons, no one will accuse it of distasteful, it’s a refined object specially with that stone dial.

The warmth is one of the first characteristics that the Q exposes, the earthy tones paired with the tanned strap makes it kind of a wood object, it’s a joy to wear. I would say that paired with an olive strap, you would also have a new watch all together, it’s a great piece.

Concluding thoughts

There is no denying that this is a watch that deserves a fancy night out, it is dressy but also can feel casual. That said there are plenty of varieties (or stones to chose from). If you would like something a bit colder, the turquoise, lapis and aventurine blue dials are paired with non-gold steel cases, and if you want to have a nudge to the vintage vibe and gold vibes, the malachite and red jasper will complete the line up together with our tiger’s eye.

Now let’s go to the part that we all have been waiting for and that is the price. The Feynman Q is offered at 439 GBP regardless of the dial/case configuration. That is an outstanding value and way below on what we are used to from the brand. I can easily dare anyone to find a watch at this price with these elements adding this level of uniqueness/execution.

From my side I would still pick up the Tiger’s eye variety because I think it feels the most vintage inspired, that said that lapis is giving me bad dreams and we could be in for a surprise.

The Feynman Q is a line that is most welcome for those who wanted to experience the brand at a lower price point without compromising quality and rarity, perhaps a collector’s set box would be a good idea? There is one version for almost everyone.

For more information please visit https://feynman.watch/collections/feynman-q

Technical specifications:

34mm case

38mm lug to lug

7mm thin

Gemstone dial

Swiss Calibre Rhonda 1014

Handcrafted strap by @yi.leatherco