1890’S Pocket Watch to Wrist Watch Conversion

Japanese Minimalism and My Personal Aesthetic

If I had to define my personal aesthetic, it would undoubtedly be Japanese minimalism. It influences many aspects of my life, from the clothes I wear and how I organize my apartment to how I approach problem-solving and stress management. This design philosophy has shaped not only my personal habits but also the way I see and interact with the world around me.

The Origins and Influences of Japanese Minimalism

Japanese minimalism is not a modern design trend, rather, it is a deeply rooted cultural philosophy that has existed for many centuries. It draws on principles from Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection), and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Simplicity, balance, and intentionality are core elements of this aesthetic, which has seen a rising influence in everything from architecture and pottery to fashion and household objects.

In the 20th century, Japanese minimalism gained international recognition through its intersections with modernism and functionalism, both of which emphasized clean lines and purposeful design. Designers such as Naoto Fukasawa and Shiro Kuramata helped bridge traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary industrial design.

In the consumer goods space, companies like Muji helped bring Japanese minimalism into the mainstream. Founded in 1980, Muji was a response to consumer excess and brand-driven marketing. It took inspiration from traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Zen aesthetics, and the concept of “no-brand” design, offering simple, high-quality products without flashy logos or unnecessary embellishments. The company made minimalism more accessible and mainstream by applying it to everyday consumer goods, from stationery and homeware to clothing and furniture.

The philosophy of Japanese minimalism also found its way into technology and industrial design, with companies like Apple drawing inspiration from both Dieter Rams’ functionalist approach and Japanese aesthetics. The influence of Japanese minimalism is now seen in a wide range of global design movements, from contemporary fashion to interior design and even digital interfaces.

Personal Experiences That Shaped My Aesthetic

My biggest influence comes from my time serving in the Navy, where I was homeported in Japan. Living in Japan gave me firsthand exposure to how deeply minimalism is embedded in daily life. It is not just about aesthetics but a way of thinking; an appreciation for quality over quantity, and for designing objects that exist in harmony with their surroundings.

One of the most striking examples of this is in everyday clothing. The way people dress is elegant and simple, avoiding the excessive patterns, logos, and graphic-heavy clothing that are more common in Western streetwear. Instead of band t-shirts and bright colors, people lean toward neutral palettes, well-tailored pieces, and layering techniques that take advantage of texture over color.

Applying My Aesthetic to My Project

My main project will likely not follow the Japanese minimalist aesthetic. Instead, I plan to convert an antique pocket watch into a wearable wristwatch, a project I have wanted to take on for some time. I have already sourced the pocket watch, and the primary challenge will be designing and manufacturing a case that allows it to function as a wristwatch while maintaining historical accuracy.

The aesthetic for the case will be inspired by World War I trench watch conversions, when soldiers modified their pocket watches to be worn on the battlefield. This period marked the beginning of men wearing wristwatches, as wristwatches before this time were primarily associated with women’s fashion.

Since these early conversions were often DIY and experimental, the cases were generally simple and utilitarian. Some were custom-fabricated for military use, while others involved simply brazing wire lugs onto existing pocket watch cases to accommodate straps. My design will reflect this era’s practical, no-frills approach, incorporating historical accuracy while improving durability and wearability for modern use.

Although this project does not directly align with Japanese minimalism, it still shares some of its core values, particularly in functional simplicity and purposeful design. However, this project will be more historically driven rather than aesthetically minimalistic.