The watch brand RIDER1991 is a collaboration project of ZAVOD watchmakers and Ukrainian designers Nazar Malets and Roman Heviuk.
The team was united by the love for watches and aesthetics of the 60s and 70s of the twentieth century, a desire to explore the fundamental concepts of time and beauty with the usual methods through the manifestations in design, architecture, fashion and culture, including subcultural movements of different eras. In addition, one of the work aims was the creation and development of craft watchmaking in Ukraine using the latest technologies within the concept of sustainable development and social responsibility.
RIDER1991 is the idea of free movement embodied in metal. The source of inspiration was, on the one hand, the atmosphere and style of the Café Racer motorcycle culture, which originated in the early 1960s in London. On the other hand, the impressions from the motorcycle ride around Ukraine by one of the designers' friends in 2014. Thus, RIDER1991 is a watch for the free movement of true riders on their journey through time.
The brand idea of free movement is reflected both in its name and in the design itself. The name RIDER1991 consists of a word and a number, similar to the approach to the name of most famous motorcycles. RIDER is an independent traveler, of any social status or age, eager for adventure and victory. 1991 is the year of Ukraine's independence, the time of unification and the beginning of our free movement in history.
The design of the RIDER1991 watch is based on the shapes and colors of the Café Racer motorcycles: clear but smoothed edges of motorcycles, diamond-shaped handles and seats, colors and shades. The combination of brown leather and black matte metal. The main design accent is a winding crown with the diamond-shaped notches, reminiscent of a motorcycle throttle. The crown is located at the level of 2 o’clock and pressed into the case. It is aesthetically pleasing and allows the wrist to move freely.
As a result of the design work, several models of the RIDER1991 dial were chosen, which differ in color (white or black) and the material of the inner ring (rose gold, silver and steel with a matte black finish). Several strap options are offered: metal, leather, NATO straps of different colors.
All the watches are equipped with Miyota quartz movements and water resistant to 5 ATM. The phrase DESIGNED IN UKRAINE on the back of the watch emphasizes its Ukrainian origin.
In October 2015, the design of RIDER1991 was awarded the main prize of the international industrial design competition INDUSTART. And in 2017, a successful Kickstarter campaign was held, thanks to which the necessary funds were raised for the production of the first batch and the further development of the brand.
Quality, verified, comfortable and meaningful, the new watch brand RIDER1991 invites all true riders - both men and women - to join the free movement: from the free movement of the wrist while riding to the free journey through life.
The RW01 is the first RIDER1991 collection, and the team is currently developing the second RW02 series, which is getting ready for the Kickstarter release. ZAVOD is not only the creator, but also the only official distributor of the RIDER1991 watches in Ukraine.