In time with time

ARCHITECTS by training but designers of timepieces in their souls, Tuangthong Anandetpaisan and Phanthipha Mongkolla first met while studying at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and came back together in 2012 to set up N.IX Studio, an online shop offering a unique collection of affordable wristwatches with the young generation in mind. 

The first watch they came up with was an instant hit, loved as much for its sleek stainless steel casing and black dial without numerals, as the reliable Miyota quartz movement, which was water resistant up to 30 metres.

Orders poured in from customers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the US, Singapore and Vietnam and today, with more than 100,000 followers on Facebook, they have also been invited to sell their products on the popular Singapore and Taiwanese shopping websites Megafash and Pinkoi. 

“We both worked for architectural firms after graduating but we weren’t happy. Designing buildings wasn’t what we really wanted to do. We just wanted to come up with our own products and run a small business based on what we both loved. We recognised the potential of the online retail market and the wristwatch was something we were familiar with. We started by learning how a timepiece works and how to repair them then spent a year developing our designs,” Tuangthong says. 

“Today we offer a variety of designs and functions that target young generation buyers. All watches are regulated by the Miyota quartz movement and available in different sizes. Our aim is to come up with quality timepieces that everyone can afford.” 

In February, the two girls finished renovating the old shophouse that is home to their stylish showroom. Modern and airy, it features black metal shelves against brilliant white walls. The brand has 10 collections from which to choose, in casings of yellow gold, silver and black and in sizes ranging from 34 to 40mm. Leather straps are available in more than 10 basic colours.

“We offer the dials and straps in different colours so that customers can pair them as they see fit. Our watches are limited edition pieces. We only produce around 300 items in each design,” Tuangthong says. 

The newest series include the Cafe Collection Volume 2 wristwatches featuring black-coated stainless steel cases and dials in grey, white and black. The straps come in white, Thai-tea, chocolate and black. 

The Ocean Project models boast both white and black luminous dials in stainless steel cases coated in gold, silver and black. The NW 15 series offers a choice of two dials in black and white, paired with detachable nylon and leather Nato straps. For their part, the Metal Project watches feature a stainless steel case and matching strap with a dial in titanium and metallic silver.

“We also offer an after-sales service. Our watches will be available soon at The Selected multi-brand boutique of Siam Center,” Tuangthong says.

  

 

ON THE WRIST

>> N.IX Studio is at 2104/53 Srinakarin Road, close to the Theparak intersection. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. 

Call (086) 810 0076 or visit www.NIXStudio.Company.