watches | designboom.com https://www.designboom.com/tag/watches/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:56:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 fold watch tells time only through shadow and layered architectural dials https://www.designboom.com/design/brushed-metal-fold-watch-time-shadow-layered-architectural-dials/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:30:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1176837 the stepped levels create measurable depth, and their edges cast controlled shadows that function as precise visual guides.

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nazar Şigaher restructures traditional dial with fold watch 

 

Fold Watch by Nazar Şigaher restructures analog timekeeping through the layering of its dial. In this watch design, the dial is read through indicators derived from the dial’s own layers rather than added hands. Each layer defines the boundary of the previous one and becomes a reading reference for the next. The indicator system is integrated into the dial’s geometric organization, translating a minimal circular language into a contemporary approach to time reading. Rather than applying indices and markers onto a flat surface, the design builds them into the dial’s layered architecture. In this way, the act of reading time emerges directly from the construction of the dial. The stepped levels create measurable depth, and their edges cast controlled shadows that function as precise visual guides. Instead of separating structure and indication, the design makes them one and the same.

fold watch 1
all images courtesy of Nazar Şigaher

 

 

spacing between tiers decreases in order to tell time

 

As the layers taper toward the tip of the indicator, the designer makes the spacing between levels gradually decrease. This reduction softens the shadow lines and creates a smooth visual transition that improves legibility. The eye naturally follows the shifting boundaries inward and outward, reading time through changes in depth rather than applied graphics. Geometry operates as the indication method itself, not as surface styling. Concentric organization and calibrated level shifts guide the gaze from the center outward in a deliberate and intuitive sequence. By embedding the indicators within the dial’s construction, the design transforms the watch face from a decorative composition into a functional structural diagram. The dial and the reading system share a single geometric language, aligning form, hierarchy, and performance.

fold watch 2
each concentric tier forms a physical boundary that defines the edge of the previous layer

 

 

brushed metal look updates contemporary fold watch 

 

Material and surface treatments clarify this spatial logic. Subtle variations in height reveal themselves through reflection, light falloff, and shadow, while the directional brushed metal finish accentuates the separations between layers. The design preserves the essential typology of the analog watch, yet reinterprets the logic of hands and indices through layered boundaries and controlled depth, presenting a contemporary expression grounded in precision and clarity.

fold watch 3
geometry operates as the indication method itself, not as surface styling

brushed-metal-fold-watch-time-shadow-layered-architectural-dials01

the design transforms the watch face from a decorative composition into a functional structural diagram

 

project info:

 

name: Fold Watch
designer: Nazar Şigaher

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: claire brodka | designboom

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stuart semple creates a watch that smiles at you instead of telling the time https://www.designboom.com/design/stuart-semple-watch-smile-time-thomas-lehman-analogue-lab-12-19-2025/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:45:46 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1170509 happy time operates as a small, conceptual sculpture for the wrist, offering a slowed, ambiguous experience of duration.

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stuart semple-designed watch replaces precision with pause

 

Artist Stuart Semple unveils Happy Time, a wearable artwork developed with designer Thomas Lehman of Milan’s Analog Lab that deliberately sidesteps the basic function of a watch. Launched on Kickstarter, the project proposes an alternative relationship with time, defined less by measurement and efficiency and more by pause, perception, and emotional relief. Happy Time operates as a small, conceptual sculpture for the wrist, offering a slowed, ambiguous experience of duration.

 

At first glance, the watch reads as almost empty. Numerals and hands on the dial are replaced by a black smiley face that rotates slowly, completing a full turn once every hour, while a small silver dot marks a twelve-hour cycle. This minimal design provides only the loosest indication of passing time, resisting precision by design. Semple describes the object as a device that invites stillness instead of urgency. ‘It is a small object, but it gives you a small moment of calm every time you see it,’ the artist shares.

 

The dial is coated in Black 4.0, Semple’s ultra-matte acrylic paint developed over more than a decade of experimentation. Absorbing nearly all visible light, the surface reads as a velvety void, flattening depth and muting reflection.


all images courtesy of Stuart Semple and Thomas Lehman

 

 

happy time questions timekeeping with rotating smiley face

 

The steel case of the watch is finely machined and balanced for everyday wear, while a high-clarity crystal lens gives the rotating elements a floating presence. A Japanese Miyota movement drives the mechanism, maintaining consistency without drawing attention to itself. Materials are selected for longevity and tactility, with recyclable components used throughout. An optional crystal caseback exposes the movement, reframing the watch as a transparent kinetic object rather than a sealed instrument.

 

British artist Stuart Semple conceived Happy Time after observing a close friend in the art world who, despite outward success, seemed depleted by constant pressure. The watch was imagined as a way to soften daily rhythms, an object that slows perception. In this sense, Happy Time aligns with broader cultural fatigue around productivity metrics, screens, and constant quantification. Semple and Lehman treat the watch as a conceptual starting point, questioning timekeeping.


the project proposes an alternative relationship with time


a Japanese Miyota movement drives the mechanism


numerals and hands on the dial are replaced by a black smiley face

stuart-semple-watch-smile-time-thomas-lehman-analogue-lab-designboom-large01

the rotating face completes a full turn once every hour


resisting precision by design


the dial is coated in Black 4.0, Semple’s ultra-matte acrylic paint


Happy Time operates as a small, conceptual sculpture for the wrist


the watch was imagined as a way to soften daily rhythms

 

 

project info:

 

name: Happy Time

artists / designers: Stuart Semple | @stuartsemple in collaboration with Thomas Lehman (Analog Lab)

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daniel arsham sculpts his first hublot wristwatch to capture movement of rippling waters https://www.designboom.com/technology/daniel-arsham-hublot-wristwatch-mp-17-meca-10-splash-titanium-sapphire-10-10-2025/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:30:34 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1158863 daniel arsham's first hublot wristwatch is recognized by a splash-shaped aperture on the dial and the artist's signature green accents.

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hublot’s MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire

 

The MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire marks the first wristwatch collaboration between Hublot and artist Daniel Arsham. Limited to 99 pieces, the 42 mm watch continues the designer’s dialogue between art and mechanics that began with last year’s MP-16 Arsham Droplet. Where that design reimagined a pocket watch as a sculptural object, the MP-17 translates similar ideas into a wearable form that captures the movement and clarity of water.

 

Housed in a titanium case framed by a sapphire crystal bezel, the MP-17 embodies both precision and flow. The timepiece’s defining feature is a splash-shaped dial aperture — an irregular, organic opening that reveals the intricate architecture of Hublot’s Meca-10 manual-wind movement beneath. Through this aperture, the eye follows the rhythm of gears and bridges as they turn, framed by Arsham’s signature shade of green.

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
images © Hublot

 

 

a wristwatch designed by an architect

 

Hublot’s use of sapphire crystal gives the Daniel Arsham-designed MP-17 a sense of openness uncommon in mechanical watchmaking. Light passes through the case, illuminating the skeletonized movement, while the smooth titanium lugs and exposed H-screws emphasize its engineered clarity. The transparency of the watch feels architectural, as if the case were a pavilion designed to expose its inner framework rather than conceal it.

 

The artist’s concept of ‘collapsed time’ finds expression here through material and structure. ‘My work is about collapsing time,he explains.You’re not quite sure if it’s an object from the past or the future.’ The MP-17 embodies that tension, as it is designed to feel at once futuristic and archaeological. Arsham hopes that the timepiece might seem to be discovered or designed centuries apart.

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
Hublot and Daniel Arsham unveil their first wristwatch collaboration

 

 

asymmetry through a splash motif

 

The wristwatch by Daniel Arsham houses Hublot’s Meca-10 movement, and a ten-day power reserve is indicated by a green gauge on the dial. The rubber strap and H-shaped titanium clasp ground the piece in familiar Hublot design language, lending continuity between the brand’s mechanical heritage and Arsham’s sculptural sensibility.

 

The dial’s asymmetry is defined by the splash motif, which draws the wearer’s attention inward. It becomes a small study in spatial proportion, like an architectural cutout that mediates between inside and outside. The polished titanium surfaces contrast with the matte textures of the movement in a deliberate play of reflection and depth.

 

Priced at $69,000 USD and available in a numbered series of 99, the watch is offered exclusively through Hublot boutiques and select retailers.

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
a splash shaped aperture on the dial reveals the movement’s intricate structure and gear train beneath

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
its 42mm titanium case and sapphire bezel create a fluid frame around the Meca-10 movement

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
sapphire crystal and curved titanium lugs emphasize openness and the play of light across materials

daniel-arsham-hublot-splash-titanium-sapphire-42-mm-watch-timepiece-designboom-06a

accents in Arsham’s signature green mark the hands, power reserve, and indices

daniel arsham hublot wristwatch
Only 99 pieces will be produced, available exclusively through Hublot boutiques worldwide

daniel-arsham-hublot-splash-titanium-sapphire-42-mm-watch-timepiece-designboom-08a

Arsham describes the design as an exploration of collapsed time between past and future

 

project info:

 

name: MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire

designer: Daniel Arsham | @danielarsham

brand: Hublot | @hublot

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cone-shaped watch by paul kweton brings postmodern architecture to your wrist https://www.designboom.com/design/cone-shaped-watch-paul-kweton-postmodern-architecture-wrist-09-06-2024/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:10:32 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1086774 the watch features a cone-shaped case paired with an oversized cylindrical crown, embodying the bold aesthetics of postmodern architecture.

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wristwatch by Paul Kweton humorously interprets iconic shapes

 

Paul Kweton of Studio PAULBAUT creates the Postmodern Cone Watch, a playful reinterpretation of iconic architectural shapes in a wristwatch design. The watch features a cone-shaped case paired with an oversized cylindrical crown, embodying the eclectic and bold aesthetics of postmodern architecture. The 3D printed dial, finished in baby blue, is contrasted by simple black hour and minute hands, drawing attention more to its form than to its timekeeping function.


all images courtesy of Paul Kweton

 

 

The Postmodern Cone Watch expresses artistic freedom

 

Postmodern architecture, known for its curved forms, decorative elements, asymmetry, and vibrant colors, often integrates features from different historical periods in an unconventional manner. This influence is evident in the watch’s design by Paul Kweton, where colors and textures are chosen without regard for conventional functionality, instead serving as an expression of artistic freedom. The industrial design studio blends playful forms and bold colors in this design, challenging traditional expectations of what a wristwatch looks like and embodying the essence of postmodernism.


Paul Kweton of Studio PAULBAUT creates the Postmodern Cone Watch


a playful reinterpretation of iconic architectural shapes in a wristwatch design

 


the watch features a cone-shaped case paired with an oversized cylindrical crown

cone-shaped-watch-paul-kweton-postmodern-architecture-wrist-designboom-1800-01

challenging traditional expectations of what a wristwatch looks like


postmodern architecture is known for its curved forms, decorative elements, asymmetry, and vibrant colors


colors and textures are chosen without regard for conventional functionality

 

 

project info:

 

name: The Postmodern Cone Watch
designer: Studio PAULBAUT | @studio_paulbaut
lead designer: Paul Kweton

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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vibrant symbol-free wristwatch by anicorn and brutto studio celebrates the art of being late https://www.designboom.com/design/vibrant-symbol-free-wristwatch-anicorn-brutto-studio-art-late-07-18-2024/ Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:10:58 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1078232 the trio of time by anicorn and brutto studio's wristwatch features vibrant artwork with 'don't worry, be late,' written against a black backdrop.

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Brutto Studio’s artwork promotes the acceptance of being late

 

The collaboration between The Trio of Time (TTT) by Anicorn Watches and Brutto Studio has produced the Be Late wristwatch, a piece to celebrate the art of being late. Designed by Brutto Studio, the watch features vibrant artwork with ‘Don’t Worry, Be Late,’ written against a black backdrop adorned with lively shapes drawing a face. The absence of symbols indicating hours or minutes emphasizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating the moments we might otherwise rush through. By promoting the idea that it’s acceptable to be late, the wristwatch encourages a more relaxed approach to time management.


all images courtesy of The Trio of Time by Anicorn

 

 

timepiece by Anicorn’s trio of time embraces the present moment

 

In a world where punctuality is often glorified and every minute is accounted for, the TTT by Anicorn and Brutto Studio’s Be Late wristwatch offers another perspective on being late. It evokes that life does not always have to be a race and that sometimes it’s okay to take a slow stroll. The project presented by the hong kong-based watchmaker collaborates with the Spain-based studio for a timepiece equipped with a Japanese Miyota 2035 Quartz movement, a 39mm 316L stainless steel case with a height of 8.7mm, mineral glass, and a genuine leather strap with a smart docking system and stainless steel buckle. It is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Overall, the Be Late timepiece serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment.


The Trio of Time (TTT) by Anicorn Watches and Brutto Studio has produced the Be Late wristwatch


the timepiece celebrates the value of taking life at a slower pace


designed by Brutto Studio, the watch features vibrant artwork


‘Don’t Worry, Be Late,’is written set against a black backdrop with lively shapes drawing a face


The absence of symbols indicating hours or minutes emphasizes the importance of slowing down


by promoting the idea that it’s acceptable to be late, the Be Late wristwatch encourages a more relaxed approach


in a world where punctuality is glorified, the Be Late timepiece offers another perspective on the value of being late


overall, the Be Late timepiece serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment

 

 

project info:

 

name: Be Late wrist watch
brand: The Trio of Time | @the_trio_of_time by Anicorn | @anicornwatches
designer: Brutto Studio | @brutto.studio

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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the world’s first perfume timepiece by vacheron constantin debuts at watches and wonders https://www.designboom.com/design/worlds-first-perfume-concept-timepiece-vacheron-constantin-watches-and-wonders-04-10-2024/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:30:51 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1057744 the fragrance emanates subtly as the strap gently brushes against the wearer's wrist.

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Vacheron Constantin introduces one-of-a-kind perfume watch

 

Vacheron Constantin unveiled the world’s first perfume concept watch at Watches and Wonders 2024. Named Égérie – The Pleats of Time, this unique timepiece is the result of a collaboration between the Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, Parisian couturier Yiqing Yin, and master perfumer Dominique Ropion. Yiqing Yin has designed a lilac strap adorned with a delicate pleat pattern and intricate embroidery, which is infused with a bespoke fragrance crafted by Ropion. The fragrance emanates subtly with notes of lavender and orange blossom as the strap gently brushes against the wearer’s wrist.


all images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

 

 

Yiqing Yin’s intricate strap meets Dominique Ropion’s fragrance

 

The Égérie concept watch by Vacheron Constantin (find more here) initiates a conversation bridging three realms: Haute Horlogerie, Haute Couture, and Haute Parfumerie. With a 37 mm pink gold casing adorned with diamonds, it presents a dial devoid of hour markers, encouraging one to engage with time intuitively and emotionally. The dial showcases a ‘pleats’ motif unfolding across its entirety in two stages: a central pattern surrounded by delicate gold ‘pearls’, and an outer pattern extending the folds and creases. The strap by Yiqing Yin (find more here) is embellished with artistic embroidery, incorporating mother-of-pearl fragments amidst silk threads. Yin has opted for a gentle lilac hue, describing it as ‘feminine, ethereal, akin to a delicate manifestation of a reverie.’ Integral yet concealed, a fragrance conceptualized by master perfumer Dominique Ropion is encased within the strap.

 

As Ropion explains, when evoking the core aims of the process, it was about ‘creating a fragrance that would be universal, like time itself. A mineral scent with pastel, wintry, powdery and iridescent notes, playing with the sun and wisps of smoke.’ Once the fragrance had been defined, the idea was to encapsulate it in the heart of the strap and ‘accept the passage of time in order to breathe and be receptive to wonder’, as Yiqing Yin points out. This led to a comprehensive innovative process in which the droplets of fragrance concentrate were encapsulated. Each component of the strap was then steeped in these encapsulations. The perfume contained in the nanocapsules is released randomly, as the strap rubs against the skin and in step with wrist movements.


the intricate lilac timepiece exudes a feminine, ethereal character

 

 

A dress to prolong the experience

 

To accompany the concept watch, Yiqing Yin created a Haute Couture dress epitomizing its spirit. ‘The light fabrics swirl around the body, creating a pleated, swirling showcase of supernatural hues, evoking the moiré dial diffractions. This undulating silhouette, in harmony with the body, offers a suppleness suspended in time, culminating in the wearer’s movement and the caress of the elements. The evolving volume of the skirt unfolds in sunburst pleats, composed of cascades of iridescent satin that continue their journey in silk chiffon, creating superimposed transparency effects and ever-changing silky reflections that capture the splendor of each given moment. Inspired by the vitality of the elements, this creation celebrates movement’s inherent beauty, where infinity is gracefully reflected in fluidity,’ she shares. 


to accompany the concept watch, Yiqing Yin created a Haute Couture dress


the strap is embellished with artistic embroidery, incorporating mother-of-pearl fragments


the dial showcases a ‘pleats’ motif

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Égérie – The Pleats of Time
brand: Vacheron Constantin
in collaboration with: Yiqing Yin, Dominique Ropion

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video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece https://www.designboom.com/technology/video-electronic-waste-apple-watch-mechanical-timepiece-08-11-2023/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:05:07 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1009788 this 25-min video highlights the effort put into making this concept a reality!

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creating an analog Apple watch from electronic waste

 

The YouTuber NanoRobotGeek converted electronic waste from a discontinued Apple watch into a fully functional mechanical timepiece over a span of three months. It all started last December when the creator was looking to buy a conventional Apple Watch. However, upon reflection, he found it unreasonable to invest a substantial amount of money in features that he didn’t really need. He also knew that the typical Apple Watch would inevitably become obsolete within a few years. So, he came up with the idea of crafting himself a mechanical Apple Watch instead as a fun and interesting response to the regular smartwatch. For the past few months, he’s worked hard to make an analog version of the Apple Watch that works properly, and now he shares a video that showcases the effort and creativity invested in bringing this concept to life. (Watch the full video above.)

video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece
the new watch is seen on the left, and the donor watch is on the right | all images by NanoRobotGeek

 

 

Challenging Technology’s Ephemeral Nature

 

This project is about going against the idea of technology becoming old quickly and not lasting long. Passionate about challenging the usual way things are done and combining old-fashioned skills with modern technology, the YouTuber started a creative journey to breathe new life into second-hand gadgets, showcasing their potential in the contemporary world. 

 

The creator acquired two inexpensive watches for experimentation before using a better stainless steel one for the final project. Even one of the $1 watches worked after a few hours of tinkering. As for the main watch used in the project, it was functional when bought but had a short battery life. This Apple Watch Series 1 had become unsupported by Apple since 2020, yet its design remained iconic. Despite being considered electronic waste, he purchased it for $50 due to its premium materials and used it for the final outer shell. The aim was to extend its usability by a couple more years.

video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece
an open back that proves the watch is mechanical

 

 

successful disassembly and reassembly of the watch

 

Throughout the project, the watch was disassembled and reassembled multiple times. Disassembling the watch with precision was challenging but feasible with the right approach. The initial step involved removing both the back and front glass of the watch. By using a combination of heat and isopropyl alcohol, the glue binding the glass was loosened. The glass was carefully detached with the assistance of a suction cup, ensuring utmost care to prevent any damage. Following this, the watch hands were delicately removed, similar to the process used with conventional watches, all while ensuring the dial’s protection.

 

Subsequently, the screws securing the dial were unscrewed, allowing the dial to be gently lifted from its top left corner. A piece of tape was underneath, designed to accommodate a new component. The movement of the watch required a specific method for detachment. This was achieved by depressing a particular part inside the watch, effectively separating the movement from the stem. The utilization of fine tweezers aided in this meticulous process. Once separated, the movement was extracted from the stem, ensuring the case remained unscathed. video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece using the outer shell of a discontinued Apple watch

 

The connection between the movement and the dial was established through adhesive, necessitating careful loosening using either heat or alcohol. With precision, the movement was elevated, taking care not to inflict any damage on the dial. Lastly, a small wheel situated on the watch crown was detached, followed by the unscrewing of bolts associated with a button. This comprehensive procedure facilitated the complete disassembly of the watch. 

 

After tearing all the old parts down, he put the new watch back together. The YouTuber chose a special movement called Seiko NH38, which is like a tiny engine that works without winding and gets energy from moving around. This movement can keep the watch running for many hours without needing a recharge, making it a special kind of Apple Watch that doesn’t need constant charging. During the reassembly, he made sure the movement fit perfectly inside the watch’s metal body, as well as the buttons worked correctly. By pressing a button and turning a knob at the same time, users could set the time. Once all the essential steps were completed, the watch was finished with transparent covers on its front and back.

 

After this successful creation, the creator brings fresh ideas to the table, such as transforming an iPad into a wall clock, repurposing an iPhone as a desk clock, or even crafting an iPhone pocket watch.

video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece

video: turning e-waste apple watch into a mechanical timepiece tearing down the Apple Watch


button to stem linkage


cutting the Apple logo out of the rotor with fiber laser

 

 

project info:

 

creator: Jack Spiggle, known as NanoRobotGeek

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watch store in tokyo peeks through orange stained glass facade https://www.designboom.com/architecture/watch-store-orange-glass-facade-askwatch-nakano-kenta-nagai-01-07-2023/ Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:20:24 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=954583 the interior arrangement by designer kenta nagai sets up finishing materials such as stone, plastic, and aluminum.

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Kenta Nagai designs the interior of ASKWATCH store in Nakano

 

Rerunning the collaboration with the watch brand ASKWATCH, designer Kenta Nagai takes over the interior plan of the watch store based in Nakano, Tokyo. Specializing in rare watches from around the world, the Japanese shop is designed with a strong brand image and engages with an environmental connection through extensive use of stone materiality. Located in ‘Nakano Broadway’, a commercial facility with a high density of various products and small stores, the main showroom differentiates from the rest through an orange-colored glass facade standing between the common area and the interior of the store.

watch store in tokyo peeks through orange stained glass facade
all images by Kenta Hasegawa

 

 

orange-hued glass adorns the entrance of the store

 

The designer reconstructs the space in consideration of the environmental factors and visual relationship with the customer. The main store’s characteristic lighting scheme eliminates ceiling lighting and uses only fixtures creating an unusual tone emphasizing on the goods. In an effort to differentiate from the other shops of the facility, the watch store erects a colored glass facade. Standing between the common area and the interior zone, the orange glass surface filters the store’s inorganic light converting it into an elegant amber hue flowing inside and outside of the showroom and attracting customers’ attention. Following the concept of the brand, the interior of the store is designed with high contrasts to create a sense of the relationship between time and space, while also taking advantage of the characteristics of each finishing material arranged, such as stone, plastic, and aluminum.

 

Opting for a rough texture, the design applies stone to some of the walls visualizing the material’s unique weight and the accumulation of time. The front wall of the long and narrow cylindrical storefront is mirrored to create depth in the limited store space, eliminating the sense of oppression and the difficulty of entering the store when confronted with the counter. The watch store embodies the brand’s identity while setting up captivating finishes and design features.

watch store orange glass

askwatch-nakano-designbboom-1800-2

watch store orange glass
askwatch is designed with a strong brand image extensively using stone as the main material

watch store orange glass
the store appears through an orange-colored glass facade

watch store orange glass
the glass facade stands between the common area and the interior of the store


the Japanese brand specializes in rare watches from around the world

askwatch-nakano-designbboom-1800-3

project info:

 

name: ASKWATCH Nakano
designer: Kenta Nagai | @kentanagaistudio

location: Nakano, Tokyo, Japan

photography: Kenta Hasegawa – OFP | @kentahasegawa

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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slim & titanium-cut pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41 shows clockwork mechanism https://www.designboom.com/technology/slim-pocket-watch-mecascape-code41-08-30-2022/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:15:37 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=924961 the mechanical pocket watch from the swiss watch brand is cut from grade 5 titanium and has a thickness of 7mm.

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Mechanical pocket watch based on math

 

The idea for Mecascape watch brewed in the mind of Claudio D’Amore, founder and CEO of CODE41, but he did not materialize it until having produced six collections and dedicated five years to developing his product. He calls his 7mm-sized mechanical pocket watch an ambitious and daring project, a translation of his vision and challenge. The team designed Mecascape based on the mathematical language of the Golden Ratio 1.618 and the Fibonacci sequence. At a first glance, the mechanical pocket watch might fit one’s fashion style – if carried in their pockets – or home along with the smart home technology that carpets the space.

 

The outcome gifts main hour, minutes, and seconds counters and a second time zone with the representation of a world map in the heart of the GMT disc. The two small knurled crowns on each side allow the user to set the time and the Mecascape to be wound mechanically with a small push button on the side to the date. From the complex-looking mechanism to the thin aesthetic, Mecascape emphasizes structure, functions, lines, and curves, offering complements and contrasts to the timepiece as a whole.

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
images courtesy of CODE41

 

 

the contraction of ‘mechanical’ and ‘landscape’

 

The team of CODE41 imagined a balanced, modern, and geometric watch and derived their design foundations from their in-house algorithms. Strength and originality came forward as secondary elements to making their clockwork mechanism work. They wanted a visually appealing product that would fall in sync with its components, shape, movement, and exterior while being so slim that it could be easily slipped into a jacket pocket.

 

Mecascape came out as the result, the contraction of ‘mechanical’ and ‘landscape’. The team has revised the original design to cater to the needs and challenges of the watch including the use of scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective treatment for ideal reading of information and the increased size of the side crowns. As the company puts it, the watch anchors spatial volumes that are loosened and de-contracted, ‘becoming more generous than those afforded in a watch or a clock, which in turn requires a skillful capacity to adapt.’

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
mechanical pocket watch ‘Mecascape’ by CODE41

 

 

Cut from grade 5 titanium

 

The entire landscape of the Mecascape is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Its solid Grade 5 titanium case and cut protect it from possible twisting and ensures a solid structure. Its small opening affords some of the movement’s gears, and the solid back also allows the Mecascape to be placed vertically on a piece of furniture or a desk, thanks to its metal support provided for this purpose.

 

As a result of CODE41’s collaboration with the Cercle des Horlogers, an independent Swiss watchmaking workshop located in the Canton of Neuchâte, the Mecascape has overcome technical challenges, starting with its dimensions and the complex calibration of the machines and its structural integrity.

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
titanium-cut back part

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
side knobs

mecascape-code41-mechanical-pocket-watcgh-designboom-ban2

mechanical pocket watch ‘Mecascape’ by CODE41

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
it has a thickness of 7mm

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
the titanium material makes it easy to be slipped in jacket pockets

mechanical pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41
the mechanical pocket watch ‘Mecascape’ by CODE41 can also act as a table clock

mecascape-code41-mechanical-pocket-watcgh-designboom-ban

mechanical pocket watch ‘Mecascape’ by CODE41

 

project info:

 

name: Mecascape

company: CODE41

The post slim & titanium-cut pocket watch ‘mecascape’ by CODE41 shows clockwork mechanism appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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past meets present in kenta nagai’s industrially elegant watch store in tokyo https://www.designboom.com/architecture/past-meets-present-in-kenta-nagais-industrially-elegant-watch-store-in-tokyo-12-19-2021/ Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:45:07 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=862242 the lights, stainless-steel displays, built-in sitting booths and the under-lit floor integrate profoundly the fragmented layered materiality with sophisticated touches.

The post past meets present in kenta nagai’s industrially elegant watch store in tokyo appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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the japanese watch store is the definition of brutalist luxury

 

as if stepping into one of tokyo‘s abandoned, underground shrines, the askwatch store by interior designer kenta nagai is the definition of brutalist luxury. amongst the crooked concrete walls, the rare and high-end products are displayed like trophies on the illuminated shelves. the existing building’s fragmented architecture through the years becomes the perfect setting for the japanese watches, as the two time-frames meet. 


kenta nagai’s watch store is as immersive as it gets with the layered materiality and sophistication

all images courtesy of kenta nagai

 

 

kenta nagai keeps the fragmented rawness exposed

 

instead of covering-up and smoothening-out the various fractures, japanese designer kenta nagai chooses to highlight and embrace them. to stay true to his philosophy ‘simple’, ‘honest’ and ‘borderless’, the watch store‘s, crevices, cracks, holes and pipes are all exposed and beautified. over a span of 75m2, the two floors take the customer on a quest to find what he desires where the interior rawness is coupled with contemporary yet industrial touches.


the existing rawness is highlighted with a contemporary industrial feel

 

 

industrial elegance shines through kenta nagai’s watch store

 

 

the white strips of  lights, the pebbles, stainless-steel display cases, built-in sitting booths and the walnut under-lit floor integrate profoundly the different layers in materiality with sophisticated, minimal touches. while the concrete shell hides the electrical and mechanical services, the dividing plasterboard panels showcase a seamless aesthetic. in a room filled with juxtaposition, a sense of elegance shines through. 


the concrete shell hides all the electrical and mechanical services


designer kenta nagai chooses to keep the pipes, cracks and crevices all exposed


modern touches highlight what feels like an archeological site

kenta-nagai-askwatch-designboom-fullwidth

the existing building’s fragmented architecture balances perfectly the high-end japanese watches


the watches are displayed like trophies on the illuminated shelves

 

 

project info:

 

name: askwatch store

interior designer: kenta nagai

area: 75,15m2

photographer: kenta hasegawa / @kenta hasegawa

location: shinjyuku , tokyo

year: 2021 

 

The post past meets present in kenta nagai’s industrially elegant watch store in tokyo appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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