AKRIVIA
RR: ” I am not the person to revolutionize watchmaking;
for me it is all about tradition. But that does not mean that I
have nothing new to bring to the table. My case is a completely new design in this horological segment, the dials of each
timepiece in my collection are made using some rare classical
techniques that are seldom used today because they are too
time consuming for many commercial brands to execute. A
main point for me is that a watch must always remain sleek,
sober and understated, because only in this way can it become
a timeless object for the future, not subject to changes in
style and fashion twenty or a hundred years down the road.
Yet, when you go deeper in the movement and the soul of
the watch, aficionados can discover the complexity that lies
behind this visible simplicity. In my view a beautiful object
has to have some mystery hidden away inside. I am firmly
convinced from the reactions I receive that there is definite
future for watches like minethat approach timekeeping with
a traditionalist approach.”
means quality is not only what you see but also what is inside, only
visible to another watchmaker. In any case, in order to have a perfectly functioning watch that will work well far into the future, this
is a mandatory way to work I think. Also, it reflects my brand name,
AkriviA. which in Greek translates as ‘precision’. On a personal note,
I really enjoy working on a component until it is perfect; I don’t care
how long it takes or even if people will see it. I do it for myself. This
kind of work over the course of the day makes me feel relaxed and in
balance, my way of being ‘Zen’ perhaps’” he said with a smile.
Another aspect that myself and several other commentators online have mentioned is AkriviA’s design; very classical, yet different
from the mainstream and fresh without going over the top. Personally,
I feel the clean lines seem to make the workmanship stand out even
more, so this is a good thing, but if you are looking for a flashy timepiece, his approach might not fill the bill. As young as Rexhep is, he
is not out to ‘revolutionize’ watchmaking; in his heart he is a traditionalist. This is perhaps the reason why another watchmaker, none other
than the legendary Kari Voutilainen, has voiced a very high opinion
of Rexhep’s timepieces, as Kari also is a man of subtle gestures rather
than wild brushstrokes. I could therefore not resist asking Rexhep the
loaded question about how he planned to profile his watches from all
the others in an already overflowing marketplace:
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WRISTWATCH | 2016