iistanbul time company

Commemorative watches almost always emerge in the same way: An already produced model is selected, altered conveniently, branded with a tribute logo, presented alongside a booklet on the subject and the commemorative watch is ready to go. In other words, commemorative watches mostly are, mere ‘line extensions’, or rather, new but not very novel versions of existing watches. On the other hand, the design story of 1915, the debut collection of Istanbul Time Company, has emerged and developed in a completely different and novel way. It was created from scratch and designed purely for the commemorated occasion of the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli.

One day, Tarık Hatiboğlu received a call from a good friend, Savaş Karakaş: "2015 is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli, will you consider making a watch to commemorate it?" he asked. The idea of creating a watch collection commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli which has, unlike any other war in history, provided the issuance of peace messages to the world over the last hundred years, excited Tarık greatly. Leaving his other projects aside for a while, he turned all his attention to preparing the new design. Soon after he began entertaining the new idea, Tarık had one of his flashes of inspiration when he saw the old bronze porthole in his Antalya house. The curious bronze object, salvaged from the sea of Gallipoli, had ventured itself eventually to the Grand Bazaar where Tarık had bought it twenty five years ago. It seemed to him as if the porthole was returning his gaze like a deep gateway, opening his soul to experience a different time and reality. A new understanding dawned on him as he decided on what the watch should look like. It would be important to reflect on the design of the watch, the spirit and aesthetics of the early 20th century, without sacrificing a modern look, and hence, contemporary appeal.

In Istanbul Time Company’s designs, Tarık generally takes his reference from hundreds, even thousands of years of history; therefore, he feels thanks are due to Savaş Karakaş for his timely guidance towards 1915, a more recent yet most significant time in world history.

Above all, 1915 watch collection pays tribute to the extraordinary spirit that rose in Gallipoli; a spirit of reconciliation and friendship, and respect for the fallen men, be they Anzac or Turkish.  It is a token paying respect to the unique depth of understanding between the Turkish and Anzac veterans who fought in this last gentlemanly war. As the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who himself was a veteran of the Battle of Gallipoli demonstrates; no victory or superiority, nor glory, can ever be as important as the life of a single human being. Engraved on the case back are words spoken in the Turkish Assembly in 1934 by Atatürk to be delivered to an Anzac delegation visiting Gallipoli, and thereafter inscribed on a large monolith outside the northern cemetery of the Anzac Cove.

Ticking for peace, 1915 is a Turkish designer’s exceptional call to set time aside to remember that the greatest of virtues, even for the strong and the powerful, is above all, a respect for life.  Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Battle, the collection seeks not for a glorification of war but attempts to help install a deep understanding of the importance of peace. Paying respect to the great sacrifices that took place, it seeks to become a token of peace that will stand the world in good stead if ever it should again fall for the glory of war.

1915 is the first mechanical wristwatch collection that was ever designed and made in Turkey. Movement apart, each and every part of the watch, from screw to crown, has been designed and engineered by Tarık Hatiboğlu. The 30 cm. wide porthole-shaped wooden box housing the wrist watch is also designed by Tarık, and turns into a wall clock after the insertion of an additional part that comes with the box.

In designing the appealingly thick case, Tarık used the Golden Ratio which is observed in some of nature’s most beautiful formations. Just as the golden ratio has been nature’s witty solution in its myriad conceptions, it has also been the favourite tool of Renaissance artists. Following notable precedents in art and architecture Tarık incorporated the divine proportions to his design which gave the watch case its unique sense of depth and wonderfully balanced proportions.

Tarık’s further execution of an asymmetrical design on the case, a complex move in terms of production technology, imparts the watch a contemporary look. In engineering the state-of-the-art case, Tarık took the harder path of layered construction. The case was tirelessly engineered layer by layer, and through clever design manoeuvres, triumphantly emerged water resistant up to 30 meters.

1915 watch collection is strictly limited to only 1915 numbered pieces globally. It is available in three versions; including a limited edition of 19 pieces in 18K white gold, 982 pieces in bronze, and 914 pieces in stainless steel.

At the heart of the bronze from which the bronze versions’ layers were cast, Tarık threw a piece of the bronze porthole from the Gallipoli Sea. Rarely used in conventional watchmaking, bronze is a challenging material to work with. However, the outcome is well worth the laborious pursuit. The metal feels almost alive and will grow a unique patina over time.

1915 watch collection is the only exception to the very limited production principle of the Istanbul Time Company. It is the only occasion where any line in the Company’s collection exceeds 40/50 pieces. It was important for Tarık that 1915, the first Turkish-made mechanical wristwatch collection, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli be produced in the larger quantity of 1915 pieces. It was necessary to respectfully meet the expectations of hundreds of people, especially in Turkey and Australia, waiting to receive the watch at its debut. Also, it was important to deliver the peace message the watch embodies to as many people as possible. Limiting production to 1915 pieces is also significant in paying special tribute to the year of the war that left its mark in history with its unforgettable human virtues. However, the Company will never reproduce 1915, assures Tarık, and the collection will remain strictly limited to 1915 pieces globally, because it is the only way to protect, and over time increase, the value of the watches which are soon expected to be on auction catalogues as highly collectible items.

In the pricing of 1915, Tarık did not compromise from his logic of adding value, and for the sake of accessibility, selflessly enabled this rare collection be offered at the start from such a price segment. Furthermore, 10% of the proceeds from the sales of the 1915 watch collection will go directly to the ‘Gallipoli Campaign & Military History Researches Association’.