Description
The Shanghai Watch Originate Fangyu White 38mm translates Shanghai's architectural heritage into a contemporary square-case automatic watch.
Inspired by the historic Bund City Hall Plaza, its stainless-steel case combines precisely defined geometry with softened chamfers. A white textured dial featuring six concentric circular rings introduces subtle depth, while a taupe suede leather strap adds warmth to the otherwise restrained palette.
Powered by the Calibre 2130 automatic movement, the Fangyu brings together cultural inspiration, thoughtful design and traditional mechanical watchmaking.
Inspiration & Design
The Fangyu draws inspiration from The Bund City Hall Plaza, formerly known as the Old Municipal Government Building, a Shanghai landmark dating to 1914.
The building holds 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 its architectural language into the Fangyu's square case, where defined edges are softened by rounded chamfers that echo the building's distinctive fan-shaped porticos.
The design also reflects a philosophical idea from Chapter 41 of the Tao Te Ching:
“The great square has no corners.”
This principle informs the balance between angular structure and softened contours, creating a distinctive silhouette that feels architectural without appearing rigid.
Dial & Case
The white textured dial features six concentric circular rings, introducing depth and visual interest within the square case.
Applied hour markers and Super-LumiNova-coated hands provide legibility, while a date display at 3 o'clock adds everyday functionality.
The 38 × 38mm case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, with softly rounded chamfers that complement its architectural silhouette. At 10mm thick, it maintains balanced proportions.
A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial, while a transparent sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the automatic movement.
Water resistance is rated at 5 bar (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. The movement is visible through the transparent sapphire exhibition caseback.
Bracelet / Strap
The white Fangyu is paired with a taupe suede leather strap, introducing a warm, neutral contrast to the stainless-steel case.
Its soft, matte texture complements the watch's understated aesthetic, while the quick-release mechanism allows for convenient strap changes.
Final Thoughts
The Shanghai Watch Originate Fangyu White offers a refined interpretation of the collection's architectural design language.
Its softened square case, concentric dial detailing and restrained colour palette create a distinctive yet versatile appearance.
Combined with the Calibre 2130 automatic movement, the Fangyu is a considered choice for collectors who appreciate contemporary Chinese watchmaking and unconventional case design.
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: |
White textured dial with six concentric circular rings; SuperLuminova on hour, minute and second hands
|
| Glass: |
Flat sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance: |
5ATM |
| Strap type: |
Strap |
| Strap material: |
Taupe suede leather
|
| Buckle: |
Stainless steel tang buckle
|
| Warranty: |
2 years |
