The story
Part of a collection of 7 watches focused on exploring sustainability
The Sea-Gull ST5 watch has its origins rooted in the rich history of Chinese watchmaking, particularly from the Tianjin Sea-Gull Watch Group, which was established in 1955. The ST5 movement, a mechanical caliber, was developed in the 1970s and is known for its reliability and precision. This movement was part of a broader effort to modernize and innovate within the Chinese watch industry, allowing for both domestic and international markets to appreciate high-quality timepieces. The Sea-Gull ST5 has since gained recognition among watch enthusiasts for its craftsmanship and value, embodying a blend of traditional watchmaking techniques and contemporary design.
The painting reflects the concept of the permanence and transience of art, objects, and the individuals who enjoy and create them. The scene is inspired by the renowned Piazza del Duomo, with the large white building on the right being the Cathedral of Milan (Duomo).
Milan is a world fashion capital, showcasing a contrast between fashion—which evolves with the seasons, is deeply human, and almost inherently temporary—and the ancient buildings and cultural artefacts that form the city. There are intriguing parallels with the vintage watch, a tool for telling time that likely outlived its original owner, yet is also a fashion piece, subject to fluctuations in value driven by people's subjective whims at any given moment. While people's perceptions are powerful at a certain time, they are ultimately fleeting, as are their views, whereas objects like the functional wristwatch tend to endure longer (much like the tools, weapons, and household items that survive from many ancient civilizations).
The connection to sustainability lies in humankind's need to remember its relationship with both things and the planet. We cannot detach ourselves from time, and as we exist, we must comprehend and respect the ecosystem surrounding us.
The painting's style, and the seated mannequin, pay homage to Giorgio de Chirico, the famous Italian metaphysical painter.