TYPSIM
Typsim (‘tip-sim) is a watch company focused on high-quality, durable, and precise mechanical watches. The name is derivative of abbreviations coming from my professional life as an architect. Typ = typical and sim = similar. Like MUJI or ACME, the name is meant to invoke non-branded, quality goods – in this case watches.
ORIGINS
Typsim was conceived in a basement in Buffalo, New York sometime in the summer of 2005 between myself and two other young architects as an outlet for our design enthusiasm. Over the years collaborators have come and gone, and projects ranged from architectural ideas competition entries to retail tenant improvements to furniture design (with a lot of everything else in between). In 2019, as the remaining member, I trademarked the name, officially filed for a business license, and evolved Typsim to follow my passion for both design and watches.
MATTHEW ZINSKI
I am a licensed architect with about a quarter century of experience in the design industry. If I had to describe the philosophy behind my designs, it’s about clarity and beauty. I believe we have an imperative as designers to create clarity of function and clarity of concept. Clarity requires rigorous editing and honest evaluation. Beauty, while subjective, should be evaluated for simplicity, delight, and longevity.
Not only am I a designer, I am an architect, a self-taught watchmaker and horological enthusiast. I founded Typsim (‘tip-sim) in 2019, about four years into my journey as a self-taught watchmaker. This aligned to an inflection point in my watchmaking career. At the time I was increasingly working on more vintage, high-end timepieces and was increasingly connecting with them. Especially because I was becoming increasingly aware of how these pieces came together – the design, the details, the materials.
Armed with my experience as a designer and watchmaker, I decided to express my design philosophy through watches. I started Typsim to create the watches I would choose for myself as an enthusiast / collector, pieces that are carefully detailed, high-quality, and wear remarkably well. I am inspired by classic design elements and materials – the things that make vintage watches so wonderful. I use true gilt dials, a custom luminous material that will age with time, and acrylic crystals. I design chamfered details, thin bracelets, and drilled lugs.
I am inspired to create watches that people will wear – figuratively and literally. I love that people connect with my watches and these become parts of their lives, indexical of their story.
DESIGN VALUES
I recognize watches are unique artifacts that provide functional utility and emotional connection to their owners. Typsim is driven by design and desire to build really good watches. Our achievement is based on three core principles:
CRAFTSMANSHIP - I believe in the quality of design and work reflected in something well made. I believe this takes skill and knowledge honed with experience.
QUALITY - I believe in thoughtful material selection and manufacturing processes.
PRECISION - I believe in a high standard of accuracy both in timekeeping and material details.