Since its inception in 2001, the Issey Miyake Watch Project has bridged the worlds of fashion, industrial design, and Japanese watchmaking. Created in partnership with Seiko Watch Corporation, each timepiece is designed by a world-renowned designer and produced in Japan by Seiko. These five watches highlight the creative ambition behind the project and showcase its legacy in the world of horology and product design.
1. Insetto (2001), Designed by Shunji Yamanaka
Insetto set the tone for what was to come. Its name means “insect” in Italian, and the design draws from the organic geometry of insects, from antenna-like hands to legs formed by the lugs. Yamanaka, a design engineer known for merging biology with robotics, brought a technological imagination to the project. The stainless steel case featured luminous elements and housed either a Seiko automatic or quartz movement. Insetto was imaginative, robust, and conceptually daring.
2. Vakio (2003), Designed by Harri Koskinen
Harri Koskinen, best known for his Block Lamp, brought cool precision to the project with Vakio, a celebration of Nordic minimalism. The name translates to “constant” in Finnish. Its rounded rectangular form in brushed stainless steel housed a Seiko quartz movement and an integrated bracelet. Some models included a dual-time display managed by twin crowns. Vakio introduced a design language that resonated widely.
3. TO (2005), Designed by Tokujin Yoshioka
A pure distillation of form and material, TO is often seen as the project’s most iconic watch. Yoshioka, known for transparent sculptures and light-based works, designed it to look sculpted from a single piece of metal. It uses rotating aluminum discs powered by a Seiko quartz movement to mark time with quiet rhythm. The monolithic stainless steel case amplifies its sculptural presence.
4. Hu (2009), Designed by Ross Lovegrove
Ross Lovegrove, known for biomorphic design, envisioned Hu as an extension of the body. With a sculpted titanium case, silicone strap, and angled dial, it reshaped the relationship between object and user. Lovegrove conceived it not as an accessory, but as part of the wearer. Powered by a Seiko quartz movement, Hu delivers comfort and innovation.
5. O (2011), Designed by Tokujin Yoshioka
Created for the project’s 10th anniversary, O is a transparent bangle watch resembling a droplet of water. The name references the French word “eau,” and its seamless polycarbonate form captures lightness and clarity. A minimal floating dial is powered by a compact Seiko quartz movement. O becomes a poetic sculpture marking time.
