STORIES
STORIES
How Are Watches Made? The Making of VIEREN Watches
Come behind the scenes to learn how watches are made. Watch this five-episode video series showcasing the creation of OG Automatic watches.
February 2024
Nº1 DESIGN
See what inspired fashion designer Sunny Fong to create this first automatic watch collection
Nº1 DESIGN
See what inspired fashion designer Sunny Fong to create this first automatic watch collection
I love the design process with fashion. I love how fast it moves. Usually, I’ll combine two contrasting ideas and make it into one.
With nearly two decades in fashion, Project Runway All Star Sunny Fong is now the creative visionary behind VIEREN. Bringing together the best in fashion design with the best in luxury watchmaking.
When we were designing this, I wanted to make sure that our watch was really something that could be constant and be on someone’s wrist all the time.
The one thing with watches - it’s neutral. You don’t need to be a certain body type to wear it. That's why we focused on all the little elements for the watch - from the crown to the case - those are the little things that make it a signature watch.
The one thing that I thought that would make it uniquely ours was to create this gold ring inside of the case, and that we would have on every watch.
When Sunny designed the watch, we knew that we wanted to have a rectangular face, and translating that from a 2D image into an actual 3D model, was way more challenging that I thought it was going to be.
Things down to 0.3 millimetre is a big difference, visually, as well as engineering-wise - it makes a big difference on how the watch works. Every single piece is designed and engineered specifically for us.
Moments of modernism, architecture, texture, things that are tone-on-tone - it’s that idea of subtlety and sexy together. I try to merge all those Ideas into one watch.
With nearly two decades in fashion, Project Runway All Star Sunny Fong is now the creative visionary behind VIEREN. Bringing together the best in fashion design with the best in luxury watchmaking.
When we were designing this, I wanted to make sure that our watch was really something that could be constant and be on someone’s wrist all the time.
The one thing with watches - it’s neutral. You don’t need to be a certain body type to wear it. That's why we focused on all the little elements for the watch - from the crown to the case - those are the little things that make it a signature watch.
The one thing that I thought that would make it uniquely ours was to create this gold ring inside of the case, and that we would have on every watch.
When Sunny designed the watch, we knew that we wanted to have a rectangular face, and translating that from a 2D image into an actual 3D model, was way more challenging that I thought it was going to be.
Things down to 0.3 millimetre is a big difference, visually, as well as engineering-wise - it makes a big difference on how the watch works. Every single piece is designed and engineered specifically for us.
Moments of modernism, architecture, texture, things that are tone-on-tone - it’s that idea of subtlety and sexy together. I try to merge all those Ideas into one watch.
I love the design process with fashion. I love how fast it moves. Usually, I’ll combine two contrasting ideas and make it into one.
With nearly two decades in fashion, Project Runway All Star Sunny Fong is now the creative visionary behind VIEREN. Bringing together the best in fashion design with the best in luxury watchmaking.
When we were designing this, I wanted to make sure that our watch was really something that could be constant and be on someone’s wrist all the time.
The one thing with watches - it’s neutral. You don’t need to be a certain body type to wear it. That's why we focused on all the little elements for the watch - from the crown to the case - those are the little things that make it a signature watch.
The one thing that I thought that would make it uniquely ours was to create this gold ring inside of the case, and that we would have on every watch.
When Sunny designed the watch, we knew that we wanted to have a rectangular face, and translating that from a 2D image into an actual 3D model, was way more challenging that I thought it was going to be.
Things down to 0.3 millimetre is a big difference, visually, as well as engineering-wise - it makes a big difference on how the watch works. Every single piece is designed and engineered specifically for us.
Moments of modernism, architecture, texture, things that are tone-on-tone - it’s that idea of subtlety and sexy together. I try to merge all those Ideas into one watch.
With nearly two decades in fashion, Project Runway All Star Sunny Fong is now the creative visionary behind VIEREN. Bringing together the best in fashion design with the best in luxury watchmaking.
When we were designing this, I wanted to make sure that our watch was really something that could be constant and be on someone’s wrist all the time.
The one thing with watches - it’s neutral. You don’t need to be a certain body type to wear it. That's why we focused on all the little elements for the watch - from the crown to the case - those are the little things that make it a signature watch.
The one thing that I thought that would make it uniquely ours was to create this gold ring inside of the case, and that we would have on every watch.
When Sunny designed the watch, we knew that we wanted to have a rectangular face, and translating that from a 2D image into an actual 3D model, was way more challenging that I thought it was going to be.
Things down to 0.3 millimetre is a big difference, visually, as well as engineering-wise - it makes a big difference on how the watch works. Every single piece is designed and engineered specifically for us.
Moments of modernism, architecture, texture, things that are tone-on-tone - it’s that idea of subtlety and sexy together. I try to merge all those Ideas into one watch.
Nº2 SWISS MADE
Learn what makes a Swiss Made watch so special and why Switzerland is known for quality timepieces
Nº2 SWISS MADE
Learn what makes a Swiss Made watch so special and why Switzerland is known for quality timepieces
What makes a Swiss Made watch so special?
Switzerland has always been known as a watchmaking industry and they’ve able to hone their craft over generations of watchmakers - and now excelling and being the best in quality as well as craftsmanship.
The Switzerland trip was very inspirational. What was surprising was how the country is centred around time.
Visiting the factory for the first time, we met the team there, headed by Olivier. At the factory there were a lot of younger watchmakers, a very diverse team who were very passionate.
Here in La Chaux-de-Fonds, you are in the place for a long time where we build watches. We have different facilities to achieve a finer product.
To get the Swiss label, you have to make the construction and development in Switzerland and the value of the head only, must be 60% made in Switzerland. You have to have a Swiss movement inside your watches and you can put the label Swiss Made.
To make an automatic watch, it’s almost 160 pieces. It’s much more difficult to achieve a mechanical watch.
The rubies placed on the movement are used to improve the rotation of the axes that are positioned on the movement, and this way there is no need to oil its bearings in the end: and the more rubies you have, the more precise the movement is.
The Automatic movement - you have the rotor behind the movement, and when you move, you wind the spring and you don’t need a battery. So theoretically it can actually last you forever and tell time perfectly.
Switzerland has always been known as a watchmaking industry and they’ve able to hone their craft over generations of watchmakers - and now excelling and being the best in quality as well as craftsmanship.
The Switzerland trip was very inspirational. What was surprising was how the country is centred around time.
Visiting the factory for the first time, we met the team there, headed by Olivier. At the factory there were a lot of younger watchmakers, a very diverse team who were very passionate.
Here in La Chaux-de-Fonds, you are in the place for a long time where we build watches. We have different facilities to achieve a finer product.
To get the Swiss label, you have to make the construction and development in Switzerland and the value of the head only, must be 60% made in Switzerland. You have to have a Swiss movement inside your watches and you can put the label Swiss Made.
To make an automatic watch, it’s almost 160 pieces. It’s much more difficult to achieve a mechanical watch.
The rubies placed on the movement are used to improve the rotation of the axes that are positioned on the movement, and this way there is no need to oil its bearings in the end: and the more rubies you have, the more precise the movement is.
The Automatic movement - you have the rotor behind the movement, and when you move, you wind the spring and you don’t need a battery. So theoretically it can actually last you forever and tell time perfectly.
What makes a Swiss Made watch so special?
Switzerland has always been known as a watchmaking industry and they’ve able to hone their craft over generations of watchmakers - and now excelling and being the best in quality as well as craftsmanship.
The Switzerland trip was very inspirational. What was surprising was how the country is centred around time.
Visiting the factory for the first time, we met the team there, headed by Olivier. At the factory there were a lot of younger watchmakers, a very diverse team who were very passionate.
Here in La Chaux-de-Fonds, you are in the place for a long time where we build watches. We have different facilities to achieve a finer product.
To get the Swiss label, you have to make the construction and development in Switzerland and the value of the head only, must be 60% made in Switzerland. You have to have a Swiss movement inside your watches and you can put the label Swiss Made.
To make an automatic watch, it’s almost 160 pieces. It’s much more difficult to achieve a mechanical watch.
The rubies placed on the movement are used to improve the rotation of the axes that are positioned on the movement, and this way there is no need to oil its bearings in the end: and the more rubies you have, the more precise the movement is.
The Automatic movement - you have the rotor behind the movement, and when you move, you wind the spring and you don’t need a battery. So theoretically it can actually last you forever and tell time perfectly.
Switzerland has always been known as a watchmaking industry and they’ve able to hone their craft over generations of watchmakers - and now excelling and being the best in quality as well as craftsmanship.
The Switzerland trip was very inspirational. What was surprising was how the country is centred around time.
Visiting the factory for the first time, we met the team there, headed by Olivier. At the factory there were a lot of younger watchmakers, a very diverse team who were very passionate.
Here in La Chaux-de-Fonds, you are in the place for a long time where we build watches. We have different facilities to achieve a finer product.
To get the Swiss label, you have to make the construction and development in Switzerland and the value of the head only, must be 60% made in Switzerland. You have to have a Swiss movement inside your watches and you can put the label Swiss Made.
To make an automatic watch, it’s almost 160 pieces. It’s much more difficult to achieve a mechanical watch.
The rubies placed on the movement are used to improve the rotation of the axes that are positioned on the movement, and this way there is no need to oil its bearings in the end: and the more rubies you have, the more precise the movement is.
The Automatic movement - you have the rotor behind the movement, and when you move, you wind the spring and you don’t need a battery. So theoretically it can actually last you forever and tell time perfectly.
Nº3 CASE TO DIAL
Experience the metal, oil, and grit that goes into VIEREN's iconic rectangular watch case and dial
Nº3 CASE TO DIAL
Experience the metal, oil, and grit that goes into VIEREN's iconic rectangular watch case and dial
Our watch is a rectangular watch... the movement is round. So for us, we're basically fitting a circle inside a square. How do we make this work?
The watch case which is one of the most signature and staple parts of the VIEREN watch.
"Rectangular watch cases require specialized machinery able to bevel high grade stainless steel from multiple angles with surgical precision."
We learned from our factory is that what they'll do is that they will 3D print the watch case to make sure the size and the fit work. We figured things out.
There are a lot of solutions to create something new.
We have 24 tools and this machine can work in five axes so you can work in every direction you like. So you can make the whole watch case in this one machine? Yes, exactly.
"Sustainability - it's important to us that all precious metal shavings and lubricating oil are collected and recycled"
As we move into the other processes, the machinery and metal parts, there are a lot of skills and machinery for this to be done properly.
"There are many layers to the creation of the dial - the face of the watch."
This machine is the first step for dial production. We make dials on brass material, very thin brass. Using a 6-tonne press, and by stamping, we get the shape of the dial. The shape is very precise.
The two feet are needed to fit the dial on the movement. He has to control the feet in the right position. We are loading from the vibration bowl here - it's going down.
First, I visually check the position of the feet to be welded. I start the welding machine. I check the piece with my gauge which allows me to have an exact adjustment of the piece in the gauge. (Got to protect those fingers. We need his fingers.)
This machine is a very important process in the dial production. We print different shapes on the dial (like the logo and so on), the dome takes shape, and transfers it onto the dial.
Finally, when you produce a dial, there are a lot of different processes (and manual processes), and if one is not okay, we have to restart from zero.
The watch case which is one of the most signature and staple parts of the VIEREN watch.
"Rectangular watch cases require specialized machinery able to bevel high grade stainless steel from multiple angles with surgical precision."
We learned from our factory is that what they'll do is that they will 3D print the watch case to make sure the size and the fit work. We figured things out.
There are a lot of solutions to create something new.
We have 24 tools and this machine can work in five axes so you can work in every direction you like. So you can make the whole watch case in this one machine? Yes, exactly.
"Sustainability - it's important to us that all precious metal shavings and lubricating oil are collected and recycled"
As we move into the other processes, the machinery and metal parts, there are a lot of skills and machinery for this to be done properly.
"There are many layers to the creation of the dial - the face of the watch."
This machine is the first step for dial production. We make dials on brass material, very thin brass. Using a 6-tonne press, and by stamping, we get the shape of the dial. The shape is very precise.
The two feet are needed to fit the dial on the movement. He has to control the feet in the right position. We are loading from the vibration bowl here - it's going down.
First, I visually check the position of the feet to be welded. I start the welding machine. I check the piece with my gauge which allows me to have an exact adjustment of the piece in the gauge. (Got to protect those fingers. We need his fingers.)
This machine is a very important process in the dial production. We print different shapes on the dial (like the logo and so on), the dome takes shape, and transfers it onto the dial.
Finally, when you produce a dial, there are a lot of different processes (and manual processes), and if one is not okay, we have to restart from zero.
Our watch is a rectangular watch... the movement is round. So for us, we're basically fitting a circle inside a square. How do we make this work?
The watch case which is one of the most signature and staple parts of the VIEREN watch.
"Rectangular watch cases require specialized machinery able to bevel high grade stainless steel from multiple angles with surgical precision."
We learned from our factory is that what they'll do is that they will 3D print the watch case to make sure the size and the fit work. We figured things out.
There are a lot of solutions to create something new.
We have 24 tools and this machine can work in five axes so you can work in every direction you like. So you can make the whole watch case in this one machine? Yes, exactly.
"Sustainability - it's important to us that all precious metal shavings and lubricating oil are collected and recycled"
As we move into the other processes, the machinery and metal parts, there are a lot of skills and machinery for this to be done properly.
"There are many layers to the creation of the dial - the face of the watch."
This machine is the first step for dial production. We make dials on brass material, very thin brass. Using a 6-tonne press, and by stamping, we get the shape of the dial. The shape is very precise.
The two feet are needed to fit the dial on the movement. He has to control the feet in the right position. We are loading from the vibration bowl here - it's going down.
First, I visually check the position of the feet to be welded. I start the welding machine. I check the piece with my gauge which allows me to have an exact adjustment of the piece in the gauge. (Got to protect those fingers. We need his fingers.)
This machine is a very important process in the dial production. We print different shapes on the dial (like the logo and so on), the dome takes shape, and transfers it onto the dial.
Finally, when you produce a dial, there are a lot of different processes (and manual processes), and if one is not okay, we have to restart from zero.
The watch case which is one of the most signature and staple parts of the VIEREN watch.
"Rectangular watch cases require specialized machinery able to bevel high grade stainless steel from multiple angles with surgical precision."
We learned from our factory is that what they'll do is that they will 3D print the watch case to make sure the size and the fit work. We figured things out.
There are a lot of solutions to create something new.
We have 24 tools and this machine can work in five axes so you can work in every direction you like. So you can make the whole watch case in this one machine? Yes, exactly.
"Sustainability - it's important to us that all precious metal shavings and lubricating oil are collected and recycled"
As we move into the other processes, the machinery and metal parts, there are a lot of skills and machinery for this to be done properly.
"There are many layers to the creation of the dial - the face of the watch."
This machine is the first step for dial production. We make dials on brass material, very thin brass. Using a 6-tonne press, and by stamping, we get the shape of the dial. The shape is very precise.
The two feet are needed to fit the dial on the movement. He has to control the feet in the right position. We are loading from the vibration bowl here - it's going down.
First, I visually check the position of the feet to be welded. I start the welding machine. I check the piece with my gauge which allows me to have an exact adjustment of the piece in the gauge. (Got to protect those fingers. We need his fingers.)
This machine is a very important process in the dial production. We print different shapes on the dial (like the logo and so on), the dome takes shape, and transfers it onto the dial.
Finally, when you produce a dial, there are a lot of different processes (and manual processes), and if one is not okay, we have to restart from zero.
Nº4 HANDCRAFTED
Crafted for over 6 months by expert watchmakers, putting each piece in place by hand with precision
Nº4 HANDCRAFTED
Crafted for over 6 months by expert watchmakers, putting each piece in place by hand with precision
The initial construction is all metal and oil and grit, but the finishing is all human.
We really wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship and the heritage that went into that celebration of time.
Seeing all this care in every part that is made and assembled really just wowed me.
With an automatic watch, there is this weight on the back, and as you move everyday, this rotates and it ends up winding the watch.
You need a really specialized watchmaker to do something so technical.
We’re working piece-by-piece. It takes a lot longer to assemble automatic watches.
Assembling the movement, the dial, and the hands, and then we assemble that into the watch case. After that, we fix the bracelet and so on.
One of my biggest lessons is actually how small everything is in terms of the scale. Where you have 0.1mm, if you’re off, the entire piece doesn’t fit together.
After assembly, we have to check the waterproof. Everything must be controlled, and of course, the precision of the finishing.
Every piece that is produced, which is very microscopic, is handled by craftsmen who put it place accurately in the right spot with precision - It’s all these human aspects that create this watch. I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
We really wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship and the heritage that went into that celebration of time.
Seeing all this care in every part that is made and assembled really just wowed me.
With an automatic watch, there is this weight on the back, and as you move everyday, this rotates and it ends up winding the watch.
You need a really specialized watchmaker to do something so technical.
We’re working piece-by-piece. It takes a lot longer to assemble automatic watches.
Assembling the movement, the dial, and the hands, and then we assemble that into the watch case. After that, we fix the bracelet and so on.
One of my biggest lessons is actually how small everything is in terms of the scale. Where you have 0.1mm, if you’re off, the entire piece doesn’t fit together.
After assembly, we have to check the waterproof. Everything must be controlled, and of course, the precision of the finishing.
Every piece that is produced, which is very microscopic, is handled by craftsmen who put it place accurately in the right spot with precision - It’s all these human aspects that create this watch. I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
The initial construction is all metal and oil and grit, but the finishing is all human.
We really wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship and the heritage that went into that celebration of time.
Seeing all this care in every part that is made and assembled really just wowed me.
With an automatic watch, there is this weight on the back, and as you move everyday, this rotates and it ends up winding the watch.
You need a really specialized watchmaker to do something so technical.
We’re working piece-by-piece. It takes a lot longer to assemble automatic watches.
Assembling the movement, the dial, and the hands, and then we assemble that into the watch case. After that, we fix the bracelet and so on.
One of my biggest lessons is actually how small everything is in terms of the scale. Where you have 0.1mm, if you’re off, the entire piece doesn’t fit together.
After assembly, we have to check the waterproof. Everything must be controlled, and of course, the precision of the finishing.
Every piece that is produced, which is very microscopic, is handled by craftsmen who put it place accurately in the right spot with precision - It’s all these human aspects that create this watch. I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
We really wanted to celebrate the craftsmanship and the heritage that went into that celebration of time.
Seeing all this care in every part that is made and assembled really just wowed me.
With an automatic watch, there is this weight on the back, and as you move everyday, this rotates and it ends up winding the watch.
You need a really specialized watchmaker to do something so technical.
We’re working piece-by-piece. It takes a lot longer to assemble automatic watches.
Assembling the movement, the dial, and the hands, and then we assemble that into the watch case. After that, we fix the bracelet and so on.
One of my biggest lessons is actually how small everything is in terms of the scale. Where you have 0.1mm, if you’re off, the entire piece doesn’t fit together.
After assembly, we have to check the waterproof. Everything must be controlled, and of course, the precision of the finishing.
Every piece that is produced, which is very microscopic, is handled by craftsmen who put it place accurately in the right spot with precision - It’s all these human aspects that create this watch. I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
Nº5 COLLECTION
Celebrating the OG Automatic watch collection by fashion designer Sunny Fong to power your time
Nº5 COLLECTION
Celebrating the OG Automatic watch collection by fashion designer Sunny Fong to power your time
I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
We want to feel present in the moment and feel confident in who you are today and where you’re headed.
The idea that I can create this watch that people can appreciate and make it part of their lives motivates me.
When I design our watch, it is a unisex watch and I think about where they are going to wear it to.
It’s always been who I am - I want to create beautiful things for everyone.
I’ve always been interested in the intersection of art and science, and the watch industry is really that intersection, design as well as the precision side.
Getting into the details about how certain parts are made, how everything is put together, and being able to create a piece of art that you put on your wrist.
There are nods in our collection that celebrate things that made us who we are.
For instance, we have our matte black watch - wouldn’t it be great if it was all matte black, as well as black diamonds.
You can see this little little highlight of gold.
We’re bringing the craftsmanship that has existed for forever to a generation that hasn’t had the experience of wearing an automatic watch.
Everyone is wearing technology on their wrist as opposed to something that has been there for hundreds of years. When we think about having an automatic watch on your wrist, and being able to power that watch, what we wanted to focus on was powering your time.
We want to feel present in the moment and feel confident in who you are today and where you’re headed.
The idea that I can create this watch that people can appreciate and make it part of their lives motivates me.
When I design our watch, it is a unisex watch and I think about where they are going to wear it to.
It’s always been who I am - I want to create beautiful things for everyone.
I’ve always been interested in the intersection of art and science, and the watch industry is really that intersection, design as well as the precision side.
Getting into the details about how certain parts are made, how everything is put together, and being able to create a piece of art that you put on your wrist.
There are nods in our collection that celebrate things that made us who we are.
For instance, we have our matte black watch - wouldn’t it be great if it was all matte black, as well as black diamonds.
You can see this little little highlight of gold.
We’re bringing the craftsmanship that has existed for forever to a generation that hasn’t had the experience of wearing an automatic watch.
Everyone is wearing technology on their wrist as opposed to something that has been there for hundreds of years. When we think about having an automatic watch on your wrist, and being able to power that watch, what we wanted to focus on was powering your time.
I realize this year that time really is the most precious thing.
We want to feel present in the moment and feel confident in who you are today and where you’re headed.
The idea that I can create this watch that people can appreciate and make it part of their lives motivates me.
When I design our watch, it is a unisex watch and I think about where they are going to wear it to.
It’s always been who I am - I want to create beautiful things for everyone.
I’ve always been interested in the intersection of art and science, and the watch industry is really that intersection, design as well as the precision side.
Getting into the details about how certain parts are made, how everything is put together, and being able to create a piece of art that you put on your wrist.
There are nods in our collection that celebrate things that made us who we are.
For instance, we have our matte black watch - wouldn’t it be great if it was all matte black, as well as black diamonds.
You can see this little little highlight of gold.
We’re bringing the craftsmanship that has existed for forever to a generation that hasn’t had the experience of wearing an automatic watch.
Everyone is wearing technology on their wrist as opposed to something that has been there for hundreds of years. When we think about having an automatic watch on your wrist, and being able to power that watch, what we wanted to focus on was powering your time.
We want to feel present in the moment and feel confident in who you are today and where you’re headed.
The idea that I can create this watch that people can appreciate and make it part of their lives motivates me.
When I design our watch, it is a unisex watch and I think about where they are going to wear it to.
It’s always been who I am - I want to create beautiful things for everyone.
I’ve always been interested in the intersection of art and science, and the watch industry is really that intersection, design as well as the precision side.
Getting into the details about how certain parts are made, how everything is put together, and being able to create a piece of art that you put on your wrist.
There are nods in our collection that celebrate things that made us who we are.
For instance, we have our matte black watch - wouldn’t it be great if it was all matte black, as well as black diamonds.
You can see this little little highlight of gold.
We’re bringing the craftsmanship that has existed for forever to a generation that hasn’t had the experience of wearing an automatic watch.
Everyone is wearing technology on their wrist as opposed to something that has been there for hundreds of years. When we think about having an automatic watch on your wrist, and being able to power that watch, what we wanted to focus on was powering your time.
SUMMARY
Experience the limited edition OG Automatic Collection by fashion designer Sunny Fong in this five-episode video series. Understand why time is the most precious thing and why wearing an automatic watch will inspire you to power your time.
Looking to learn more about how automatic watches work? Get all your questions answered in the complete guide about automatic watches here.
Looking to learn more about how automatic watches work? Get all your questions answered in the complete guide about automatic watches here.
SUMMARY
Experience the limited edition OG Automatic Collection by fashion designer Sunny Fong in this five-episode video series. Understand why time is the most precious thing and why wearing an automatic watch will inspire you to power your time.
Looking to learn more about how automatic watches work? Get all your questions answered in the complete guide about automatic watches here.
Looking to learn more about how automatic watches work? Get all your questions answered in the complete guide about automatic watches here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As a next-generation watch entrepreneur, Jess’ passion for horology led her to create VIEREN - the coveted new microbrand handcrafting modernist Swiss Made automatic watches to power your time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As a next-generation watch entrepreneur, Jess’ passion for horology led her to create VIEREN - the coveted new microbrand handcrafting modernist Swiss Made automatic watches to power your time.
CELEBRATE WITH VIEREN
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SUGGESTED FOR YOU
SUGGESTED FOR YOU
