buffy acacia
Once you touch a Mr. Jones watch, it’s impossible to get it out of your head. Your first thought may be negative, as if it’s no different than a novelty from an art gallery gift shop, but I guarantee you’ll keep coming back to browse the catalogue. There’s a reason why: Mr. Jones is a brand that knows all the rules of watches and art, and breaks them with a smile. Not only does the brand prioritize creativity and quality, but it also helps spotlight up-and-coming artists in dial designs that create successful collaborations. We’re big fans of this quirky British brand, so we thought we’d compile some of our favorite designs from these watch provocateurs for your reading pleasure.
accurate
Accurate is probably the least flashy of Jones’ entire collection, but there’s a good reason it’s been around for so long. The name of this watch refers not to the precision of the movement, but to a universal truth that cannot be surpassed. The philosophy of memento mori is usually depicted with skulls and similar morbid images, reminding us that we are mortal creatures and that by remembering death we can celebrate life. Mr. Jones’ Accurate simply places the phrase “Remember to Die” on the hour and minute hands for an easy reminder when checking the time. strict? Sure, but it’s also light-hearted. That’s the true spirit of Memento Mori, winking at the grave. Price: $275
night howl
Mr. Jones’ annual Halloween release is one of the ones I look forward to the most every year, and 2024’s Night Howl is my favorite so far. Thankfully, it’s now available year-round. Designed by French author and illustrator Xavier Brochu, this watch depicts completely immersive and unforgettable scenes. Outside the cozy cabin, a figure with a torch explores the snowy wasteland outside the door. As the minute hand, represented by a flashlight, rotates, various objects that collide with the night appear in bright light. The hour hand is a ghost, and it intersects with the beam once every hour when the protagonist discovers a terrifying ghost. The translucent blue disc that brings everything outside the torchlight into the night palette is pure genius. Price: $275
Mr. Jones Berry is late again!
Considering how conservative watch culture is, seeing profanity written on a watch face can instantly bring a smile to your face. This is also very late! This model is sarcastic enough to please even the most cynical of people, and makes creative use of transparent discs so the sarcastic message only appears once an hour. You can still tell the time because the whole strawberry indicates the hour and the bitten strawberry indicates the minutes. It was designed by the wonderfully quirky London-based artist Ana Diaz, who also designed the cheeky matching t-shirts that are on sale. If you don’t like pink, there’s also blueberry late. version. Price: $275
feline
If you want me to accuse you of recency bias, the recently launched Feline Fine model is another standout from Jones. Another one of theirs that isn’t afraid to get a little sweary (and existential as well) is a clock with a Molotov cocktail showing the hours, a flashing lighter showing the minutes, and a self-destructive cat character spinning around. and the dial will alternate between the two mantras. : The phrases “everything is fine” and “everything is shit” remind us to either ignite hope or embrace chaos. The watch was designed by British illustrator Eleanor Dalzell and was inspired by her book How To Self Sabotage, a copy of which is included with every purchase. Price: $275
number cruncher
The Jump Hour Watches seem to take themselves either incredibly seriously or not at all, while the Mr. Jones Number Cruncher is probably the least serious of all watches. Featuring a Godzilla-like cartoon creature by artist Honorio Depiro, the monster can be seen happily roaming London and devouring time. The jump time display is between the fingers ready to jump into the jaws of death, and the minutes can be seen on the X-ray display on the abdomen. It is also powered by SeaGull’s mechanical TY2709 movement, which offers a beat rate of 21,600vph and a power reserve of 42 hours. The case diameter is 37mm, the lug-to-lug width is 46.9mm, and the thickness is 10.8mm, making it perfectly comfortable for both genders. Price: $345
ascendent
For a brand whose personality typically revolves around quirky humor, Ascendent is boldly venturing into the more emotionally vulnerable side of art. While Ascendants continue to preach optimism with a message of overcoming personal obstacles, they are still aware of the challenges that come with the journey. Expertly crafted by Marion Labes, its textured surface is glittering with golden palladium, and it’s easy to see why this watch is one of Mr. Jones’ more expensive models. It’s also a jump hour watch with a SeaGull mechanical movement, allowing you to read the minutes from the stars and moon disappearing over the horizon, with each group representing a different set of minutes. Semantics and technical details aside, the Ascendent dial has to be one of the most hauntingly beautiful dials of all time. Price: $425
color ben
Strictly speaking, Mark Champkins is not an artist, but his approach to engineering is definitely artistic. When Jones was asked to design a watch, he came up with a demonstration of the CMYK color printing process. Inkjet printers can use just these three colors to blend a wide variety of shades, and that’s what this handset replicates to some degree. Cyan, magenta, and yellow form the hour, minute, and second hands, respectively, and their overlapping rotation creates red, green, blue, and black in between. This is a fascinating exhibition and a powerful example of color theory that would have made the Bauhaus generation proud. You don’t really need the index, but if you want to read the time, the little mark on the tip of the hand will help you tell the time. This is one of the few Mr. Jones watches powered by the Swiss Sellita SW200-1, offering a 38-hour power reserve and a 4Hz beat rate. Price: $695
