In this episode of The Analog Explorer, I caught up with Matt Zinski of Typsim Watches live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. First featured back in Episode 19, he returns to the show with many of the ideas he hinted at then, now fully realized in the metal.
As a follow-up to that episode, Typsim has since launched the Time Traveler (fair warning to the #watchfam—you might want one after seeing it; I know I do), the Architect, and teased an upcoming skin diver that’s currently in the works.
Matt dives deeper into the story behind the Architect, a watch he created to honor his background in architecture, his passion for watches, and now shares his plan to gift one to a future architecture graduate as a way to pay it forward. He also reflects on what makes design meaningful and puts the question back to aspiring architects: What does good design mean to you? From what I’ve seen in both Matt and Typsim, good design isn’t just about looks, but also making something beautiful that serves a purpose, tells a story, and creates a personal connection. That mindset runs through Typsim’s design language, with its mid-century influences subtly shaped by the creative and adventurous vibes of the Pacific Northwest.
“Typsim (‘tip-sim) is a watch company focused on high-quality, durable, and precise mechanical watches. The name is derivative of abbreviations coming from my professional life as an architect. Typ = typical and sim = similar. Like MUJI or ACME, the name is meant to invoke non-branded, quality goods – in this case watches.”
Be sure to follow them on Instagram at @TypsimWatches or stay connected and up to date via their website
Big thanks to the Vancouver Timepiece Show for creator and media access for these conversations. Keep your eye on timepieceshow.com for updates on the upcoming Toronto Timepiece Show.
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