There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Many seem not to get it. Inevitably, whenever a top is featured on Massdrop, the discussion section lights up with questions. Why do people buy these? Why are they so expensive? Can they be used for something other than spinning?
We started by asking him why he’s drawn to spinning tops, but we also dug deeper into how he conceives of his designs and what we can expect from Vorso in the future.
Skeptics, pay heed.
What do you tell people who don't understand why someone would be interested in tops?
If I'm in front of them, I’ll show them my Mk1. I carry the first off the line from the original Kickstarter batch. I explain the physics involved and the process of turning chunks of metal into performance-machined tops. It takes about 4 to 5 minutes to give them the spiel, and of course the Mk1 is still spinning by the time I finish.
If I’m going for a few drinks with friends, then I’ll take a top. It's a fun thing to play with while having a chat and a beer. They’re good conversation starters, too.
We’ve heard from some in the EDC Community who wonder why anyone would carry a top every day. What do you say to those people?
If someone is specifically into everyday carry or prepping, then I explain the real-world uses of a spinning top: a pendulum, plumb bob, level, trap weight, or even fishing sink. I've even heard of someone using a top in a self-defense situation as a makeshift knuck!
That’s a new one! Why do you think most people collect tops?
There are so many reasons! Personally, I spend a lot of time designing and working at a desk. I always have my Mk1 sitting next to me. I try to complete whatever task I’m working on before the top grinds to a halt. I think tops allow you to think through distraction.
But a lot of collectors are into the machining and design of tops. There are some seriously talented makers out there who use all sorts of exotic materials and techniques, and each has their own style.
I work in five stages. I generally sketch ideas on paper, but only the details. I then move onto manually machining prototypes. Occasionally I’m happy with the first thing that comes off, a rare accident. If it happens, it's an amazing feeling, but usually it takes many, many prototypes to get things right. Once I’m happy and I’ve figured out the process to a particular design, I move onto the laptop and create 3D designs of my prototypes.
The fourth stage is CNC machining. The Mk1, for example, is assembled from three highly precision components. Each piece is machined separately, which allows for much tighter control over the tolerances at work. It also means that each component can be checked for quality at various stages. Hand finishing, assembling, and a final cleaning are the last flourishes of the process.
Glass lenses, always. There are some fantastic surrounds available, too. Check out ItsClearCut [on Etsy] for a great surface. We’ve also just launched our first spin stations, which will be on Massdrop soon. They are machined aluminium with either 75-millimeter or 100-millimeter lenses. They look absolutely wicked on desks and coffee tables.
Cool! Any other projects we can look forward to?
The Mk1 is now available for the first time in stainless steel and copper—both beautiful materials with totally different characteristics, weights, and strengths. It's something a lot of our customers have asked for and I'm excited to announce their arrival. There has even been talk of a tungsten Mk1, but we’ll have to wait and see if the rumors are true.
We’ve also just launched our first gyroscopic hand spinner [available on Massdrop at dro.ps/vorso-flat-top]. The Flat Top is an awesome little fiddle toy, combining the unique characteristics found in a gyroscope with a spinning top. It can be spun on a table or held in the hand.
He taught me the joy of making things with your hands and mind, the love of engine oil, speed, and near death. The design of the top takes features from some of the cars I loved in his collection.