Paul Smith and Braun collaborate for new clocks

The limited edition collection of clocks and a watch puts a colourful spin on classic pieces

(Image credit: press)

The best of British and German design have come together in a partnership between Braun and Paul Smith, who have put a cheerful spin on an alarm clock, a wall clock and a watch as part of the limited edition project.

The collection, consisting of the BC02 Travel Alarm Clock, the BC17 Wall Clock and the BN0032 Classic Watch, all draw from the clean design codes of the original pieces. An uncluttered dial and curved modern typography make these pieces instantly familiar, with subtle tweaks hinting at the identity of the fashion designer at the helm. Paul Smith’s influence is visible in the reworked yellow second hand, here recast in his signature multicoloured stripe.

For Paul Smith, there is nothing new in bringing functionality into design, with clothing in the past – such as his crease-resistant wool suit, perfect for travelling in – all revealing a desire for pieces which are wearable above all else. The designer has long been a fan of Braun, expressing his admiration for Dieter Rams in his exhibition of Dieter Rams for Braun archive pieces at the 2013 opening of his Albermarle Street store. With this new collection, Smith was inspired by Ram’s 10 principles of good design, here translating the key concepts into a restrained aesthetic.

INFORMATION

paulsmith.com
braun-clocks.com

Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat art trends and conducted in-depth profiles, as well as writing and commissioning extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys travelling, visiting artists' studios and viewing exhibitions around the world, and has interviewed artists and designers including Maggi Hambling, William Kentridge, Jonathan Anderson, Chantal Joffe, Lubaina Himid, Tilda Swinton and Mickalene Thomas.