Interview with Amida's CEO Mr. Clément Meynier With The Library: AMIDA Digitrend Open Saphire

Inside AMIDA’s Revival

PRESS RELEASE | 720 WORDS | 7 MINUTE READ

Time, Reimagined: The Vision Behind the Digitrend Revival

The AMIDA Digitrend Open Sapphire reimagines a 1970s icon with bold transparency and cutting-edge craftsmanship. Featuring a sapphire case, lateral time display via prism, and a mechanical jump hour movement, this limited-edition driver's watch blends Space Age spirit with Swiss horological excellence—an enduring tribute to innovation and design.

Photo Courtsey: AMIDA

CLÉMENT MEYNIER

THE LIBRARY: What sets your in-house jump hour mechanism apart from other designs in the market?

CLÉMENT MEYNIER: Our in-house developed jump hour complication is distinguished by its elegant nine-component architecture, which ensures both mechanical efficiency and engineering beauty. This streamlined design also contributes to its ease of service. 

TL: Are you exploring new materials or technologies for future AMIDA releases beyond sapphire and stainless steel?

CM: Absolutely. Amida was re-awakened precisely to ‘resume the journey’ to continue its retro-futurist innovation that was paused in 1976. Exploring novel materials and advanced technologies is central to our brand DNA and our commitment to 'out-thinking' traditional watchmaking. While we're not ready to reveal specific projects, you can certainly anticipate future Amida releases to continue pushing boundaries in both design and material science.

TL: Why was the Soprod Newton calibre selected for this watch over other movement options? Did you consider developing your proprietary calibre, in-house or specially developed for AMIDA by another movement manufacturer?

CM: We selected Soprod's Newton caliber as the robust and reliable heart of the Digitrend Open Sapphire for several strategic reasons. The Newton is a modern, high-performance automatic movement that provides an excellent, stable foundation, allowing us to focus our in-house development efforts on the unique jump hour complication itself

TL: Are there plans to offer customisation or personalisation for future AMIDA models?

CM: Yes, we are actively exploring possibilities for customization and personalization for future Amida models. We understand that our collectors appreciate the opportunity to make their timepiece truly unique, reflecting their individual style and connection to the brand's daring vision. While the Digitrend itself makes a powerful statement about the wearer's choice to embrace 'out-thinking' design, we are working on specific avenues to offer personalized touches. Be on the lookout for upcoming announcements on this front.

TL: Do you plan to expand AMIDA’s presence into India?

CM: As an independent watchmaker with a global vision, we are committed to strategically expanding its presence in key markets worldwide. Our initial focus is on carefully selected partners in established luxury watch markets, as detailed in our distribution strategy. However, India is undoubtedly a vibrant and increasingly important market for horology, and we are always evaluating opportunities to connect with enthusiasts and discerning collectors there. We welcome interest from all regions and remain open to exploring future partnerships that align with our brand values and long-term growth objectives.

TL: AMIDA Digitrend Open Sapphire is at a price point of CHF 4,500. Some may say it’s a steep price point compared to the commercially known and established Brands. Help us offer our readers a fair perspective.

CM: We believe the AMIDA Digitrend Open Sapphire offers exceptional value, especially when considering its unique proposition. The watch incorporates advanced, high-tech materials, notably the two-thirds sapphire case, which is not merely a flat window but sculpted from distortion-free sapphire using the Kyropoulos method to grow the crystal and polished for 20 hours to optical-lens standards. This material alone represents significant engineering and cost.

Furthermore, the Digitrend Open Sapphire boasts our in-house reimagined jump hour module, which is openly displayed for the first time. To complement this visibility, we have applied the full vocabulary of traditional Swiss finishing: broad Geneva stripes, mirror-bright anglage, and tight perlage texture. It's a testament to our commitment to delivering value rarely seen in high-end watchmaking.

For further information visit amida-watches.com