Interestingly the Okapi name is more famous in South Africa as a knife than the actual animal! These look very cool! I wish the founder success with this project!
Thank you! I initially was very partial to the GMT,as that colour combo is outstanding. Then, without it being at fault for anything, it lost the crown to the Fusion. That watch is honey.
While the opposite is perhaps the intention, I think this review has made it even clearer to me that I should hold off on the current campaign. I had been complaining about feeling a lack of connection with the artefact, and with the Okapi fusion I already am more stimulated. Odd, perhaps, as it lacks some of the sophistication the Artefact benefits from, as well as the intricacy. Especially with regards to the multi-finish case and the integration of the bracelet and floe around the wrist. That said, I see also a list of things to address on this. Right off the bat, I feel that the Fusion (I'll concentrate on that as that's where my interest would lie) deserves it's own dial. Don't get me wrong, the already signature train track periferal suburst guilloché dial looks very handsome here and wears the very bright orange well (unlikely to be my colour in this hue), but I would like it to have more of its own character and touches. The baton markers on the GMT already show the direction in which we might find some of this. I think these markers are more befitting of the monobloc hewn case and shape, but I think they could be larger, more pronounced and overall more expressive. I'm as yet on the fence on the explorer style numerals. Perhaps a more expressive/unique font would help, especially next to larger markers. Then again, the crazy thought occurred to me that perhaps bold markers could be cut and polish-lined into a more dramatically raised sunburst ring (which could be congruent with polished sides, see below, as if the inside of the Okapi's block is liquid). I may be taking it too far... The sizing seems on point to me, as a 36 wearing like 38 would be perfect for my wrist. On yours, the GMT sits better. A key factor in this is the lug shape and downward artificulation. I like their general stubby shape a lot, but I feel they should end lower. In fact, being entirely and woefully ambitious, I agree that the case back should sit more flush in the case (do use a closed case back to effectuate this. There is nothing to lose over the view of a Mitota 9 series and you can have your own party on the case back design, Kevin!), but I'd be even more ambitious and suggest that perhaps this model would benefit from being ever so slightly curved, right from the crystal all the way to the case back, like oblong or rectangular watches (tanks etc or women's watches) tend to be. Then the lugs would automatically comparatively end lower and follow the curve of the wrist. I quite like the handset, but I wouldn't mind it if they were taken into a dressier direction. As it stands they're the useful lume champions of the watch, so I'll refrain from suggesting too many changes there. Another key aspect is indeed the crown. Now there is excellent precedent in very succesful design for an offset crown towards the lower end of the case. No problem there (I'm thinking of Trafford and Richardt Mejer), but when you do, make it bigger. Letting the case slightly wrap around it (as an arch over the top to the sides) can work well, too. And finally, while perhaps against the philosophy behind the model, I miss polish and think it could work to (good) dramatic effect on this case. I'd hesitate to suggest introducing more facets, considering that likely will take away from the purity. I didn't hear Toni mention sharp edges, so I sure hope there are none. So where would this polish go? Well the controversiallybmost logical place would seem to be the case sides. I also think it could work well with radial rather than circular brushing on top, but I realise this brings it closer to eve further models down the line. Nonetheless, I think it could become a show piece. Yes, it needs a strap upgrade to truly wear such dressy refinements, but I'm sure that's an easy fix. So, have a butchered Kevin's design or made love to it? I'm not entirely sure, but somehow the Okapi has got me more excited, but perhaps exactly as is, it still won't be an instant buy for me. I'm excruciating, of that I'm sure. (PS you called the GMT hand deliciously stubby, I think to recall. For me it is obviously too short.)
Quite a lot to take onboard here (especially with your trademark lack of paragraphs 😂 ), but I'll try to address (most of) your points. I don't agree with changing the marker configuration on the Fusion. I believe the numerals "stretching" the dial is consistent with the shape of the case. Actually, as observed on the Rymd and Dreamchaser, Pedral tends to emphasize/"mask" the dial's unique shape through using different layouts. I would also keep the cigar shaped profile of the Okapi case. Granted, it's bound to create gaps between the lugs and the wrist, but that's why Kevin went for leather and not a bracelet. His feedback to my review, though, was more on your line of thinking, as he stated he will try elongating the lugs while keeping the downturn for a better on-wrist integration. I do agree that a raised chapter ring would benefit the overall design of the dial and that larger markers should be applied on the GMT. Speaking of the GMT, I stand by my liking of its dedicated hand, looking at it both aesthetically and functionally. As for polished accents, I, too, miss them, but, honestly, couldn't find any place where they should fit. If the sides would've had some eccentric curve/angle, I could've envisioned some chamfering, but I believe Kevin has done well with this monoblock approach. And no, I didn't mention any sharpness as there isn't any (my description was about all straight lines being tamed).
@watchyawant yes, I frantically type these thoughts on a phone where I only see a few lines at a time. Editing, checking, and separating paragraphs barely comes into it! It's especially interesting to me that Kevin himself picked up on a few things that I noticed too. On the whole regarding the dial, I would simply enjoy this watch separating itself more from the Artefact in that department and its markers. They are fine, but not persuasive to me. More prominent and perhaps daringly shaped batons and font could enhance the watch, as well as trying more eccentric options, celebrating that this is the design direction chosen. Did I complain about a cigar? I'm not sure I did, but the overall profile (and flow) of the watch could possibly be improved following your own suggestion of ensuring the caseback is set deeper into the case. On top, I'd find it interesting to try and curve the whole wat h ever so slightly. I think even the crystal would gain greater elegance by moving away from being flat. But I appreciate it'll have to be subtle. Similarly, this is not a design that would benefit from long lugs, I think. I will also stand by my wish for polish, probably just on those sides. I appreciate it would likely make the whole wat h more dressy and may not suit the GMT. It would suit the direction of the orange dial much better. Let's see what Kevin does, if anything, with our input!
Interestingly the Okapi name is more famous in South Africa as a knife than the actual animal! These look very cool! I wish the founder success with this project!
Kevin being a Congo native, I'm pretty sure this is related to the animal. Thank you for watching!
@@themicrobrandexpert Absolutely! Thanks for sharing!
Funkylicious designs, i like it! Love the orange colour of the dial in combination with the strap. But the GMT stole the show here for me 😎
What kind of a Dutch person are you to prefer the green GMT to the orange Fusion?! 😂
Without a doubt I am drawn to the rhomboidal Orange beast. A diamond shaped Explorer if I ever saw one. Excellent review and macros ❤
Thank you! I initially was very partial to the GMT,as that colour combo is outstanding. Then, without it being at fault for anything, it lost the crown to the Fusion. That watch is honey.
My favorite is the 3hander! In the GMT I think the GMT hand could be a bit longer? E.g. to reach the beginning of the 24hr ring.
I actually prefer the GMT hand stubbier, especially because it denies the mushier, somewhat imprecise nature of the NH34. Thank you for watching!
Love the orange. The mixed response is questionable at best! Thanks Toni.
Thank you, Fred! It is what it is, the real surprise was losing a couple of subscribers on that video - that I can't understand...
@@themicrobrandexpertNow that is really strange.
While the opposite is perhaps the intention, I think this review has made it even clearer to me that I should hold off on the current campaign. I had been complaining about feeling a lack of connection with the artefact, and with the Okapi fusion I already am more stimulated. Odd, perhaps, as it lacks some of the sophistication the Artefact benefits from, as well as the intricacy. Especially with regards to the multi-finish case and the integration of the bracelet and floe around the wrist. That said, I see also a list of things to address on this. Right off the bat, I feel that the Fusion (I'll concentrate on that as that's where my interest would lie) deserves it's own dial. Don't get me wrong, the already signature train track periferal suburst guilloché dial looks very handsome here and wears the very bright orange well (unlikely to be my colour in this hue), but I would like it to have more of its own character and touches. The baton markers on the GMT already show the direction in which we might find some of this. I think these markers are more befitting of the monobloc hewn case and shape, but I think they could be larger, more pronounced and overall more expressive. I'm as yet on the fence on the explorer style numerals. Perhaps a more expressive/unique font would help, especially next to larger markers. Then again, the crazy thought occurred to me that perhaps bold markers could be cut and polish-lined into a more dramatically raised sunburst ring (which could be congruent with polished sides, see below, as if the inside of the Okapi's block is liquid). I may be taking it too far... The sizing seems on point to me, as a 36 wearing like 38 would be perfect for my wrist. On yours, the GMT sits better. A key factor in this is the lug shape and downward artificulation. I like their general stubby shape a lot, but I feel they should end lower. In fact, being entirely and woefully ambitious, I agree that the case back should sit more flush in the case (do use a closed case back to effectuate this. There is nothing to lose over the view of a Mitota 9 series and you can have your own party on the case back design, Kevin!), but I'd be even more ambitious and suggest that perhaps this model would benefit from being ever so slightly curved, right from the crystal all the way to the case back, like oblong or rectangular watches (tanks etc or women's watches) tend to be. Then the lugs would automatically comparatively end lower and follow the curve of the wrist. I quite like the handset, but I wouldn't mind it if they were taken into a dressier direction. As it stands they're the useful lume champions of the watch, so I'll refrain from suggesting too many changes there. Another key aspect is indeed the crown. Now there is excellent precedent in very succesful design for an offset crown towards the lower end of the case. No problem there (I'm thinking of Trafford and Richardt Mejer), but when you do, make it bigger. Letting the case slightly wrap around it (as an arch over the top to the sides) can work well, too. And finally, while perhaps against the philosophy behind the model, I miss polish and think it could work to (good) dramatic effect on this case. I'd hesitate to suggest introducing more facets, considering that likely will take away from the purity. I didn't hear Toni mention sharp edges, so I sure hope there are none. So where would this polish go? Well the controversiallybmost logical place would seem to be the case sides. I also think it could work well with radial rather than circular brushing on top, but I realise this brings it closer to eve further models down the line. Nonetheless, I think it could become a show piece. Yes, it needs a strap upgrade to truly wear such dressy refinements, but I'm sure that's an easy fix. So, have a butchered Kevin's design or made love to it? I'm not entirely sure, but somehow the Okapi has got me more excited, but perhaps exactly as is, it still won't be an instant buy for me. I'm excruciating, of that I'm sure. (PS you called the GMT hand deliciously stubby, I think to recall. For me it is obviously too short.)
Quite a lot to take onboard here (especially with your trademark lack of paragraphs 😂 ), but I'll try to address (most of) your points.
I don't agree with changing the marker configuration on the Fusion. I believe the numerals "stretching" the dial is consistent with the shape of the case. Actually, as observed on the Rymd and Dreamchaser, Pedral tends to emphasize/"mask" the dial's unique shape through using different layouts.
I would also keep the cigar shaped profile of the Okapi case. Granted, it's bound to create gaps between the lugs and the wrist, but that's why Kevin went for leather and not a bracelet. His feedback to my review, though, was more on your line of thinking, as he stated he will try elongating the lugs while keeping the downturn for a better on-wrist integration.
I do agree that a raised chapter ring would benefit the overall design of the dial and that larger markers should be applied on the GMT. Speaking of the GMT, I stand by my liking of its dedicated hand, looking at it both aesthetically and functionally.
As for polished accents, I, too, miss them, but, honestly, couldn't find any place where they should fit. If the sides would've had some eccentric curve/angle, I could've envisioned some chamfering, but I believe Kevin has done well with this monoblock approach. And no, I didn't mention any sharpness as there isn't any (my description was about all straight lines being tamed).
@watchyawant yes, I frantically type these thoughts on a phone where I only see a few lines at a time. Editing, checking, and separating paragraphs barely comes into it! It's especially interesting to me that Kevin himself picked up on a few things that I noticed too. On the whole regarding the dial, I would simply enjoy this watch separating itself more from the Artefact in that department and its markers. They are fine, but not persuasive to me. More prominent and perhaps daringly shaped batons and font could enhance the watch, as well as trying more eccentric options, celebrating that this is the design direction chosen. Did I complain about a cigar? I'm not sure I did, but the overall profile (and flow) of the watch could possibly be improved following your own suggestion of ensuring the caseback is set deeper into the case. On top, I'd find it interesting to try and curve the whole wat h ever so slightly. I think even the crystal would gain greater elegance by moving away from being flat. But I appreciate it'll have to be subtle. Similarly, this is not a design that would benefit from long lugs, I think. I will also stand by my wish for polish, probably just on those sides. I appreciate it would likely make the whole wat h more dressy and may not suit the GMT. It would suit the direction of the orange dial much better. Let's see what Kevin does, if anything, with our input!