The Time Traveler

JOIE INFINIE DESIGN

當被問到現在是什麼時間,大多人會自然地看一看手腕上的錶。事實上,手錶只是計時器的一種,是人類創造出來量度時間的工具。研究時間的物理學家認為「過去、現在、未來」這種時間概念只是人類幻想出來,而我們對時間的感覺亦是來自外界資訊和內在感受,所以歡樂時間過得特別快,一些重要時刻放在心裡,回想起來卻分外漫長。

日本鐘錶師大護慎太郎先生同樣地認為時間不是相等的,「每一個人都有不同的時間,有些人的時間會走得慢點,某些時候可能凝住在某一個場景;有些人的時間過得很快,總是埋怨不夠用。而不同的時間都擁有屬於自己的故事,有些是美好的,有些是難忘的,或許一刻鐘就是停留一生的時間。」


When being asked about the current time, many would look at their watch out of reflex. In fact, watch is only one of the many tools that human invented to measure time. Physicists who speculate on the question of time believe “past”, “present” and “future” are merely constructed concepts. The perception of time comes from extrinsic information and intrinsic sensation, therefore, the happy moments appear to pass faster, while the important moments occur to be longer in one’s memory.

The Japanese watchmaker Shintaro Daigo also believes that time is not a rigid concept, “Time is never the same for everybody. Time passes slower for some people, it would also get suspended in some particular moment; for some others, they always complain about not having enough time as time passes very quickly to them. Every moment in time has its own story to tell, some are beautiful or unforgettable memories; some of these memories would remain for a lifetime.”

大護先生重視享受時間的本身,因他的一生都離不開「時間」。「自懂事以來,對時鐘、手錶已十分著迷,尤其是外表古老、充滿歷史感的舊手錶。在高中時已立志成為鐘錶設計師,並以人手製作的方式呈現。」除了錶面是使用手工雕刻外,由機殻到機芯等零件都由大護先生製作,就這樣本著默默用心製作時計的心,對抗冰冷、面目模糊的量產模式。大護先生於2003年成立了JOIE INFINIE DESIGN,以「無邊際的快樂」為概念,賦予時計新意義。


Daigo always stresses on the importance of enjoying “time” since time has always been an essential part in his life. “I have always found clocks and watches fascinating ever since I was a kid. The watches that have a vintage design and have a historical value are my favorite. Back in high school, I have determined to be a watchmaker who makes watches by hand.” Not only is the watch face handcrafted, the case and movement part are also made by Daigo. Unlike the mass-produced watches that are in lack of a human touch, Daigo’s watches are full of passion and dedication. The brand JOIE INFINIE DESIGN he founded in 2003 uses “infinite happiness” as a design concept to reinterpret the role of clock and watch.

與其說大護先生沉醉於過去,不如說他喜愛古物背後的歷史質感更為貼切。「古物都有屬於自己的故事,充滿珍貴的回憶外,歲月為物品帶來獨一無二的風霜痕跡,表面看來很有經歷的物品最能吸引我。」因此,在製作手錶時,大護先生會用各種方式來為手錶達致造舊效果,如用鐵錘在光亮的金屬上敲擊、從樹上抽取天然單寧、含羞草等物料塗於意大利皮革的錶帶上,或是不加防護塗層於錶面,讓它久經歲月磨練後,散發出獨有的古舊味道。「古物對我來說就是一種承傳,是我想留給下一代的物品。」帶上手錶,好像能穿越過去與未來,擺脫時間的限制,不慌不忙地享受當下的寧靜時光。


One may think Daigo dwells in the past, but to be precise, he simply enjoys looking at the historical quality behind vintage items. “Every vintage item has a story to tell; the cherishable memory that the items experienced brought to them unique traces of their past. I am particularly attracted to items that have a history.” Based on this belief, Daigo uses various ways to give some age to the watches he makes. For instance, he would use an iron hammer to hit on the shiny metal surface, apply natural tannin from tree or mimosa on the Italian leather strap, or skip the process of applying protective coating on the watch face so as to let it get scratched from everyday use — these steps can all help to make the watches appear more vintage. “I see vintage items as a heritage that I would like to pass down to the next generation.” The watch seems to be a portal that connects one to the past and the future; unrestricted by time, people can unhurriedly devote themselves to the tranquility of the present moment.

大護先生一直帶在手腕上的手錶,灰色錶面配上啡色皮革錶帶,設計簡潔,帶點殘舊質感。

The watch that Daigo always wears has a grey face with brown leather strap in a minimalistic design that carries a hint of vintage personality.

除了時鐘及手錶,品牌亦有推出戒指和頸鍊等飾物,包括以機芯零件製作的吊墜,散發工業風的懷舊氣息。

On top of clocks and watches, the brand also makes accessories including rings and necklaces. Some of the pendants are made of movement parts which bring a retro industrial style.

Storerooms  3/F, No.44 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mongkok  2426 6789

 

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