Renowned architect Tadao Ando, celebrated for his poetic interplay of light, silence, and geometry, steps into the world of horology with a striking debut: the Cauny Ando. This marks the first full watch designed by architect Tadao Ando, created in collaboration with Cauny, the historic Swiss watch brand now reestablished in Portugal.
Unveiled as part of the Architects of Time collection, the Cauny Ando will launch globally on May 29, 2025, and will be available for pre-sale in select boutiques and online until June 20, 2025. While architect Tadao Ando is best known for concrete temples and serene spaces, this timepiece proves his minimalist ethos can scale down without losing emotional impact.
Inspired by the symbolism of a green apple—a visual metaphor for youth, vitality, and unexplored potential—the Cauny Ando channels the philosophy of American poet Samuel Ullman, who defined youth as a state of mind rather than an age. Architect Tadao Ando translates this vision into two elegantly simple watch models. One version of the Cauny Ando features a vibrant green dial with a delicate, leaf-like minute hand, while the other boasts a cool brushed steel finish—both echoing the material purity central to Ando’s architectural language.
A domed sapphire crystal, ultra-thin Swiss quartz movement, and the absence of traditional lugs give the Cauny Ando its distinct pebble-shaped silhouette—soft, tactile, and refined. For architect Tadao Ando, this is more than just a design exercise; it’s a philosophical statement. The Cauny Ando watch distills his belief that simplicity can evoke the deepest emotional responses.
Images courtesy of CAUNY