Xusha Ma BaselWorld 2014 Independent Watchmaking

DonCorson · 2014-04-15T18:28:25Z

Discover Xusha Ma's unique timepieces from BaselWorld 2014. Explore his blend of organic and industrial design, including the innovative pantograph hands and 'soda can' tourbillon.

DonCorson

WPS member · Independents forum

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DonCorson provides an exclusive look at Xusha Ma's distinctive timepieces from BaselWorld 2014, showcased at the AHCI stand. The author highlights Ma's unique aesthetic, which blends organic mother-of-pearl with industrial design and steampunk elements, creating watches that are both unmistakable and playful.

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BaselWorld 2014 - Xusha Ma

Xusha Ma displayed his very charactoristic timepieces at the AHCA stand.
Xusha Ma's timepieces are unmistakable and playful. The jump between very organic mother-of-pearl and the sober industrial design of his cases is taken without a question along with the steam-punk style of some of his winding mechanisms.

His Nr.1 tourbillon has a neat crimpt sheet metal strap, minimal technology with maximum usefullness.

The "soda can" with the tourbillon at one end and the time indication on the side is surprisingly easy to wear, although the newer version in a wing shaped case does indeed fit better under your cuff.
What I really want to see is the mechanism inside.

Very neat watches with a completely different, but in itself coherent, design and finishing philosophy.
I love them.

Key Points from the Discussion

Xusha Ma's designs achieve a compelling blend of MB&F-type design coherence and serious engineering, particularly with his pantograph (telescoping hands) which rivals Parmigiani's.
The appeal of Xusha Ma's work lies in the ideas behind the watches, which are more difficult to replicate than mere finishing, suggesting a shift in what truly impresses collectors.
The self-made, unfinished prototype aesthetic of Xusha Ma's watches is appealing, evoking a sense of past innovation.
There is a need for more information on Xusha Ma, including his base of operations, as one watch caseback indicates 'Beijing' in Chinese.
While promising, Xusha Ma's watches would benefit from an elevated level of finishing to match their innovative designs.

The Discussion

Ancienne Le Brassus

Apr 16, 2014

Very nice watches, I like both shaped cases (the driver's & Barrel)

Do you have a picture of the clasp you mentioned? I'm quite intrigued now!! Great watches! S

DonCorson

Apr 16, 2014

Sorry, I don't. [nt]

chintu

Apr 16, 2014

This is fantastic from a design and horological perspective

I think what Xusha Ma has achieved is a great combination of MB&F type design coherence and some serious engineering. The Pantograph ( telescoping hands) is IMHO a resounding competition to the Parmigiani Ovale Pantograph. Going by the level of coverage and appreciation that the Parmigiani Pantorgaph got, the achievement of Xusha Ma therefore is no less than Parmigiani in this aspect of telescoping hands and the way the time is told. I do hope that Xusha Ma gets the proper recognition that i

alex

Apr 16, 2014

I think the designs need to be refined but love his playfulness [nt]

SALMANPK

Apr 16, 2014

Very Interesting Designs...

Looks promising but they need to bring their finishing up several notches. S

Goldenlutin

Apr 16, 2014

Love these watches....

obviously the design could be more refined but the self-made look has finally something appealing. These watches looks like unfinished prototypes from the past which is great. Thanks for the report Don!

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