Tom Austin Pauline is expanding his flagship module collection with fresh dial designs with the help of Chicago-based artist and designer Crystal Zapata. Day and night on the Zapata module, one is deep navy and white, and the other is off-white with blue graphics, both available in two configurations designed by Zapata. Completed the look of the custom hand, dial and caseback, both versions cost £450.
We are far from the clock about telling the time right now. For many, watches are expressions of style and personality, reflecting personal preferences, and are associated with the notion that watches can become artistic forms. The great thing about this is that brands have often used watches as blank artistic canvases over the years, but some brands are more interested in this connection than others, and Pauline is one such brand.
Pauline is a British brand based in Glasgow, Scotland. Started in 2013 by a trio of sisters, they proudly present a number of manufacturing partners from not only the UK but also around the world. Their watch designs are inspired by Art Deco and postmodernist art, and are inspired by mid-century designs to create something truly unique, with a focus on the use of colour, typeface, geometric aesthetics, and more.
Their latest creation is an extension of the popular module range, and rather than moving away from collaboration, they worked with Chicago-based artist and designer Crystal Zapata to create some fantastic looking watches. Typography is interested in both Paulin and Zapata, and Zapata’s back catalogue consists of jobs such as Nike, Apple, Levi, and Calvin Klein. Using the module, she aimed to translate experimental and expressive graphic styles into functional, wearable, and, importantly, unique watch designs. The design theme comes from classic markers of time, such as the movement of the Earth, the movement of stars and planets, and clocks.
The module tonneau-shaped case is made of high quality brush 316L stainless steel and comes in a fashionable size of 35mm. It may be a bit of a thing on the small side, but it certainly is for now, especially for the more fashion-conscious people between us. The integrated rug design gives off a huge 70’s vibe. Again, it’s really back.
In the case ratio, it wears slightly heavily thanks to the 40mm lug-to-lag measurement and 8.2mm thickness. In fact, the case is made of three parts, with a central steel body and two lug sections clamped together. The case is compact yet practical, with a screw case back, offering 50 meters of water resistance to the watch. The back is also intricately carved in-house to feature Zapata’s own Star Constellation design.
This watch is available in two dial configurations. The first thing you notice about both of them is the hot, blurry 12, 3, 6, 9, which makes them appear to be looking at them through a distorted lens. This effect is emphasized by the HESALITE box section crystal of the module. Each number consists of small clustered dots that give it their blurred rotation effect, focusing or focusing.
Both dials are either deep blue with white numbers or off-white with cloudy blue numbers, and feature sunburst finish gloss lacquer. Both dials feature star-studded Minute Tracks, with the crystal being named at 12 o’clock. The hand is also unique to this watch, with a second-hand star on the tip and an arrow-shaped hand of time. Both are subtle touches and don’t obscure the appearance of the dial too much. However, the color of the hand that matches the dial on a particular light may mean that time is approaching.
Powering the watch is the Swiss-made ETA F06 quartz movement, which can be found on many watches at a higher price range than modules that include Hamilton, Tag Heuer and Tissot quartz pieces. The module offers a simple time-only display, features three gems, and expects a battery life of around 7 years.
That 70s vibe continues with the addition of a mesh milanese strap. These are extremely comfortable and can be adjusted to fit almost any size wrist through a clamping mechanism. Thanks to the 18mm lug width, there are plenty of other options that need to be customized further. The Milanese is a great fit for this watch and is very in line with the retro styling.
Day and Night on Zapata Module is a cool collaboration between interesting female artists, an innovative and unique watch brand led by three sisters. This brand is currently part of the Scottish brand Anordain, which is great because I know they take the dial very seriously. The Zapata module is a trendy, contemporary art watch that aims to attract the attention of anyone looking for something to check out on a retro box, but explores the world of contemporary art that is rarely seen on watches.
Paulin Zapata Modul Day and Night Prices and Availability
Paulin Zapata Modul Day and Night Collection will be available online from March 14th, 2025. Price: £450
Brand Paulin Watches Model Zapata Modul Day and Night Case Dimensions 35mm(d) x 8.2mm(T) x 40mm(LTL) Case Material 316L Stainless Steel Resistance 50m Crystal Lacquer Lacquer Blue or Off-White Lacquer Width 18mm Bracet Steel Lifetime Hours, Minutes, Seconds Availability Price £450
