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IKEPOD | THE STORY
For things to remain the same they must inevitably change
Founded in 1994 by designer Marc Newson and entrepreneur Oliver Ike, Ikepod is the first concept watch in horological history — a brand conceived from the outset not as a traditional manufacture, but as an object of total design. Over thirty years and three generations of production, Ikepod has become a reference point for collectors and design watch enthusiasts around the world.
1994. Foundation
Marc Newson and Oliver Ike launch Ikepod in Switzerland. The brand introduces a radical philosophy: the watch as a pure design object, in which form precedes apparent function. The first collections establish several defining trends for the decade to come: large-diameter cases, production in small limited series, positioning at the frontier of high watchmaking. The Seaslug is an immediate success.
1997. Hemipode
Launch of the Hemipode, the brand's flagship model. 44 mm case, direct lug-less bracelet attachment, balanced and symmetrical dials. The piece quickly establishes itself as the most recognised and iconic Ikepod watch. For more information on the Seaslug, Megapode, Manatee, and other brand icons, visit our "e-museum".
1999-2006. International development with Gen 1
Ikepod enters the distribution networks of the world's leading watch and design retailers: Hour Glass, Chronopassion, West Time, Colette. A manufacture is established in Bassecourt, in the Swiss Jura. The brand builds a loyal community of collectors across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
2008. First relaunch with Gen 2
Following the 2006 bankruptcy, Ikepod is relaunched by an American billionaire in an even more exclusive positioning: gold, platinum, ceramic, titanium. Marc Newson introduces new designs, including hourglasses. In 2012, despite an international distribution network and strong press recognition, the brand enters a period of dormancy. It remains present in the collections of many design watch enthusiasts.
2017-2018. Renaissance
Christian-Louis Col, the current owner, acquires the brand and its designs. The mission: to revive a landmark in watch design and make it accessible to a wider audience. Designer Emmanuel Gueit — creator of several legendary watches — signs the dials of the new Chronopod and Duopod. The brand relaunches via crowdfunding on Kickstarter.
2018. Kickstarter
Over 700 backers from around the world support the launch of the Duopod and Chronopod. The campaign ranks among the year's Kickstarter watch successes. Assembled in Hong Kong with Japanese movements and Taiwanese dials, the watches are acclaimed for their fidelity to the brand's original codes.
2020. Automatic Megapod
Return of the iconic model in automatic form. Designer Alexandre Peraldi signs a contemporary reinterpretation faithful to the 1997 codes: lug-less case, worked dials, automatic movement.
2021. Automatic Seapod 200m
Launch of the Seapod, which carries the DNA of the brand's historic aquatic models into a contemporary interpretation signed by Fabrice Gonet. An entirely new Ikepod — highly successful both aesthetically and technically, with seamless integration of the rotating bezel.
2022. Return to Swiss Made: Skypod
Ikepod reconnects with Swiss production with the Skypod, a flight-tool chronograph designed by Swedish studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The piece is a deliberate homage to the 1999 Megapode, using new old stock movements from Ikepod's second-generation supply. The Skypod reaffirms the brand's position in the Swiss Made segment.
2022. Horopod Swiss Made
Launch of the Horopod, a three-hand watch designed by Adrian Buchmann. The piece is an acknowledged nod to the 2008 Horizon, revisited through Ikepod's contemporary graphic codes. Pure Ikepod DNA, with a titanium bracelet that has inspired many far more expensive watches.
202. Return of the Hemipod
Return of the Hemipode, the emblematic watch of 1997 and the most recognised and identified model in Ikepod history. This return marks a powerfully symbolic moment: the reaffirmation of the brand's original identity, both for its long-standing collectors and for a new generation of enthusiasts.
2026. Manatee
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Manatee the brand's first rectangular watch, Ikepod launches a fully reimagined version designed by Jeanne Col. The brand's first rectangular watch, the new Manatee targets a broad, unigender clientele, with colourful versions and FKM straps. Accessible, fun, and true to Ikepod's founding spirit: desirable objects of time, within reach of everyone who loves design.