Ikepod
Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1994
Founded by Marc Newson, Oliver Ike
Ikepod was an independent watch brand founded in 1994 by Marc Newson, whose distinctive pod-shaped cases became icons of late-20th-century industrial design. The brand ceased production and was revived briefly before being discontinued; its original watches remain highly collectible as design artefacts.
- Founded
- 1994
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Revived
Key Collections
- Hemipode — The most iconic Ikepod — a 44-47 mm 'lugless' chronograph in a pod-shaped case, introduced in 1997 and central to Newson's legacy in watch design.
- Horizon — Time-only model with Newson's signature elliptical case, later reissued as the modern Horopod.
- Duopod — Contemporary time-only 42 mm interpretation of the Ikepod design language, produced under the 2017 revival.
- Chronopod — Modern 44 mm chronograph revival of the Hemipode, released under the current ownership.
Timeline
- 1994 — Designer Marc Newson and entrepreneur Oliver Ike found Ikepod in Switzerland, based on Newson's earlier 'Large Pod Watch' concept.
- 1997 — The Hemipode chronograph launches, establishing Ikepod as one of the first true design-led independent brands.
- 2003 — The brand goes into administration for the first time amid the industry downturn.
- 2012 — A brief revival produces affordable quartz pieces, but the project is short-lived.
- 2017 — A new investor group led by Christian-Louis Col acquires the brand and relaunches it with mechanical models inspired by the originals.
- 2021 — Modern Duopod and Chronopod collections reach the market, honouring Newson's original design language.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ikepod
- Who designed Ikepod watches?
- Industrial designer Marc Newson designed the original Ikepod line — its elliptical 'pod' case was derived from a 1986 concept and became a late-20th-century design icon.
- Is Ikepod still in business?
- Yes. After two bankruptcies, the brand was acquired in 2017 by new Swiss investors and currently produces mechanical models including the Hemipod, Chronopod and Horopod.