The Shanghai Watch Originate Fangyu Green 38mm draws inspiration from one of Shanghai's historic architectural landmarks, transforming the geometry of the Bund City Hall Plaza into a distinctive contemporary timepiece.
Its square stainless-steel case features softly rounded chamfers, balancing strong architectural lines with a more fluid silhouette. A textured green dial, decorated with six concentric circular rings, introduces visual depth, while the matching suede leather strap completes its understated character.
Powered by the Calibre 2130 automatic movement, the Fangyu combines a considered design narrative with traditional mechanical watchmaking.
Inspiration & Design
The Fangyu takes its inspiration from The Bund City Hall Plaza, formerly known as the Old Municipal Government Building, a Shanghai landmark dating to 1914.
The building occupies an important place in the city's architectural and civic history, including its association with the raising of Shanghai's first Five-Star Red Flag.
Shanghai Watch translates this heritage into the Fangyu's distinctive square case, where precisely defined geometry is softened by rounded chamfers. These details echo the building's characteristic fan-shaped porticos, creating a subtle connection between architecture and watchmaking.
The design also draws on a philosophical idea from Chapter 41 of the Tao Te Ching:
“The great square has no corners.”
This principle is reflected in the Fangyu's balance between angular structure and softened contours. Rather than treating the square as a rigid form, the watch explores how geometry can convey both strength and refinement.
Dial & Case
The Fangyu's green spark-pattern dial introduces texture through six concentric circular rings, creating a visual contrast with the surrounding square case.
Luminous hands provide practical readability, while a date display adds everyday functionality.
The 38 × 38mm case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, with softly rounded chamfers that complement its architectural design. Measuring 10mm thick, it maintains relatively restrained proportions for a square-case watch.
A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial, while a transparent sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the automatic movement.
Water resistance is rated at 5ATM (50 metres).
Movement
The Fangyu is powered by the Calibre 2130 automatic mechanical movement.
Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the movement features 28 jewels and delivers approximately 42 hours of power reserve.
Functions include hours, minutes, central seconds and a date display.
Visible through the transparent sapphire caseback, the movement provides a traditional mechanical foundation for the watch's contemporary design.
Bracelet / Strap
The green edition is paired with a dark-green suede leather strap, complementing the dial's textured finish.
Its soft, matte surface contrasts with the stainless-steel case, adding a tactile dimension to the design.
A quick-release mechanism allows for convenient strap changes.
Final Thoughts
The Shanghai Watch Originate Fangyu Green is a thoughtful interpretation of architectural watch design.
Its inspiration from Shanghai's historic Bund City Hall Plaza gives the watch a meaningful connection to the city's heritage, while its softened square case and concentric dial detailing translate that story into a distinctive contemporary form.
With its rich green colourway and automatic movement, the Fangyu offers collectors an expressive alternative to conventional mechanical watches.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
38x38mm
Case material:
Stainless steel
Case back:
Exhibition case back with sapphire crystal
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
Calibre 2130
Power reserve:
Approx 42hrs
Dial:
Green spark-pattern with six concentric circular rings; SuperLuminova on hour, minute and second hands
Glass:
Flat sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
5ATM
Strap type:
Strap
Strap material:
Dark green suede leather
Buckle:
Stainless steel tang buckle
Warranty:
2 years
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