Ikepod reimagines a 1990s Icon: The Hemipod returns

Press release

December 2025

When watchmaking was repeating the past, Ikepod was inventing the future.

Ikepod reimagines a 1990s Icon: The Hemipod returns

Press release

December 2025

Ikepod reimagines a 1990s Icon: The Hemipod returns

When watchmaking was repeating the past, Ikepod was inventing the future.

hirty-one years ago, in 1994, Ikepod was born. In 1997 came the Hemipode — the creative and visual culmination of nearly a decade of exploration by the founder of the brand. With his POD watches of 1986 and 1987, the famous designer of Ikepod had already ventured into new territories, developing a coherent visual language and a distinctive brand identity

The Hemipode became a creative milestone, instantly earning its place as an icon of contemporary watch design. Its UFO-inspired case stood out in the watchmaking landscape, enhanced by the absence of lugs that allowed the silicone strap to flow seamlessly into the case. Ikepod pursued extreme ergonomics and comfort — a philosophy ahead of its time.

This four-dial chronograph quickly appealed to tech moguls, designers, and architects. In an era when few watches exceeded 40mm, its 44mm case (without lugs) wore like a 41mm but offered a stronger presence than many stars of the moment.

It was an instant success. Despite prices higher than a Daytona, Ikepod made waves and caused a sensation at Baselworld 1998. The brand was soon distributed by the world’s leading retailers as well as by the new “concept stores” of the time, such as Colette in Paris and 10 Corso Como in Milan.

Ikepod was a pioneer in many ways.

The first true “concept watch” was born — breaking conventions, inventing the future of watchmaking, and standing at the crossroads of design purity and horological precision (Ikepod watches were COSC-certified).

It also marked the beginning of the independent watchmaking wave, alongside other avant-garde names that would soon follow (Urwerk in 1997, De Bethune in 2002, MB&F in 2005…). A new price segment emerged: design could finally stand above tool watches or complications — a new set of rules initiated by Ikepod.

It was also the first time a non-watchmaker designer successfully created his own brand. Many would try or lend their name to watch projects, but mastering the world of the infinitely small is no easy feat when one comes from furniture or industrial design. Marc Newson remains the only one to have truly succeeded.

The Hemipode remains the watch that most boldly broke free from every known horological code. Unlike other works by its creator, it was neither a tribute nor an homage — it was a genuine innovation.

Its integrated TPE strap, featuring a distinctive pin-shaped clasp, foreshadowed the fastening system of today’s most popular connected watch. This simple yet ingenious design became a signature recognized by connoisseurs — even among younger generations who never knew the original.

This design, registered by Ikepod, helped shape the legend of the UFO-style watch. Today, Ikepod introduces a new Hemipod — faithful to the spirit of the original, yet refined for a new generation. The case remains the same iconic 44mm rounded shape, now crafted exclusively in titanium with a smart rear crown access system to prevent servicing issues. (While all Gen2 Hemipodes were in titanium, Gen1 models were in steel.)

There is no longer an “8-hour pusher” as on the first Hemipode. The new version is powered by Rochat Movements (a Valjoux 7750 with an added module), whereas the original used a La Joux-Perret module allowing GMT functionality via that pusher.

The dials — still owned and designed by Ikepod — retain the same architecture, while the pin strap has evolved: now made of natural rubber instead of the original polymer with its distinctive vanilla scent.

Sized at 44mm in diameter and 18mm thick, the titanium case features the Gen3 logo laser-engraved on the sapphire, echoing the Gen2 models (Gen1 had the logo on the dial, Gen2 featured the Hemipode bird on the glass).