Tag Archives: watch

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition is more than a smartwatch

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Red Bull Racing and TAG Heuer share a long-term association that has, in different ways, paid tribute to motorsports fans and horology buffs sharing a common passion for speed and time. This congenial relationship between the two stalwarts – in their own domains – started back in 2016 with the Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition timepiece. Since then, the two have been parties to multiple drivers’ championships and podium finishes, amid other accolades.

Continuing the partnership, to record more success outside of the track, TAG Heuer and reigning F1 champions Oracle Red Bull Racing have collaborated again for the new and impressive TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition. The smartwatch is, on all accords, similar to most feature-packed smartwatches on the block, besides being a dedicated timepiece for fans.

Designer: TAG Heuer

An amalgamation of TAG Heuer’s watchmaking genius and the speed-first world of motorsports, the Connected Calibre E4 45MM is equal parts a TAG-connected smartwatch and part a driver’s assistant on the wrist. Expressively then, the smartwatch is accentuated with a suite of modern features that the Oracle Red Bull Racing team may want for its fans and the drivers engaged in high-octane drives on the circuits.

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition, as the name has it, features a 45mm DLC grade-2 titanium case. The darker watch case is accompanied by a touch of tradition with the strap in red and blue colors of Red Bull Racing. The dial also has the color theme going and is perhaps the most intriguing part of the timepiece.

The 1.39-inch OLED display featuring 454×454 pixels (326ppi) resolution allows the user to toggle between dial faces, layouts, and other components like images of the Team, race countdown, and post-race updates to gel with their requirements. For instance, the watch allows one to choose between four faces: the primary one being the Seasons. In this setting, the watch dial showcases flags along the bezel, highlighting the country flag where Oracle Red Bull Racing would be competing next.

Next face is the Asphalt, which brings textured, race track-inspired backgrounds to the dial. Another includes an official watch dial inspired by the 2024 Red Bull Racing Car. Two interesting aspects of the watch are its dedicated app, which controls the timepiece and offers the F1 journey of the automaker’s cars, and the watch face evolving to display the finishing positions of the Red Bull Racing drivers. The battery-powered TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition can run 24 hours on a single charge, comes with a PPG sensor on the caseback, and is water resistant up to 50 metres. It is available starting this month for a retail price of $1,950.

The post TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45MM x Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition is more than a smartwatch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Beyond the Watch Head: The Importance of Straps in Your Timepiece Experience

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Choosing between metal and soft material straps significantly impacts comfort and style when selecting a watch—metals like stainless steel and titanium offer durability and a premium feel. Titanium, in particular, is favored for its lightweight properties, making it comfortable for prolonged wear without the heaviness that often accompanies metal watches.

Metal straps often come with adjustable links that ensure a perfect fit, providing security and balance on the wrist. However, the weight of metal can sometimes be a drawback. For larger watch heads, this can potentially cause discomfort over extended periods.

In contrast, soft material straps provide greater comfort and breathability. Leather straps are classic and versatile, suitable for formal and casual settings. They mold to the wrist over time, providing a personalized fit. Rubber straps are perfect for sporty and active lifestyles, offering flexibility and resistance to water and sweat.

Canvas straps combine durability with a rugged aesthetic, ideal for casual wear. These materials significantly reduce the overall weight of the watch, enhancing wearability and comfort, particularly in warmer climates or during physical activities.

Buying a Watch: The Whole Package

When buying a watch, it’s essential to consider the whole package rather than just falling “head over heels” for the watch head alone. The watch’s fit, feel, and overall weight are crucial in the wearing experience. If a lightweight watch is a priority but you prefer metal, opting for a bracelet made of lightweight materials like titanium is a wise choice. Titanium offers the durability of metal without the associated weight, making it comfortable for extended wear.

Exploring options with leather, rubber, or canvas straps can provide the desired comfort without the added weight. Leather straps are known for their timeless appeal and versatility, molding to the wrist for a custom fit over time. Rubber straps are ideal for those with an active lifestyle, offering flexibility and resistance to environmental factors such as water and sweat.

Canvas straps are durable and rugged, perfect for casual wear and outdoor activities. Considering the strap’s overall weight and material, one can ensure a balanced and comfortable wearing experience.

Strap and Buckle Options: Tang vs. Deployment

The choice of strap and buckle can significantly impact the user experience. Tang buckles, traditional and straightforward, offer reliability and ease of adjustment. They are commonly found on leather and fabric straps and are known for their simplicity and effectiveness. Tang buckles are easy to use and allow quick adjustments, making them a practical choice for everyday wear. However, they might not distribute the weight of the watch evenly, which can cause discomfort over extended periods.

Deployment buckles, on the other hand, add a touch of sophistication and ensure the watch stays securely on the wrist. These buckles are often found on metal and high-end leather straps, providing a more refined appearance and making the watch easier to put on and take off. Deployment buckles help distribute the weight of the watch more evenly across the wrist, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points. The clasp mechanism allows for a secure fit and easy adjustment, making it a preferred choice for those looking for both style and functionality.

Analysis of the Omega Swatch MoonSwatch Strap

Reflecting on our recent review of the Omega Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earth Lava on Yanko Design, it’s essential to compare the included Velcro strap with the official Omega deployment buckle and canvas strap. While the Velcro strap thematically fits with the MoonSwatch series, it may not offer the same comfort level as a traditional leather or fabric strap. The Velcro can feel stiff and less breathable, which might be an issue in warmer climates or during physical activity.

In contrast, the official Omega deployment buckle and canvas strap provide enhanced comfort and a secure fit. The deployment buckle makes the watch feel more integrated, keeping it in place while maintaining a lightweight profile. The canvas strap is comfortable and lightweight, offering a perfect blend of durability and flexibility.

The deployment buckle and the high-quality strap combine to ensure the watch stays balanced and does not shift on the wrist, providing a superior wearing experience.

Personal Note and Conclusion

I love how the integrated strap and deployment buckle makes the watch feel. They keep the whole watch balanced, stay in place, and are lightweight. The comfort and stability provided by this combination elevate the overall wearing experience.

However, it’s essential to consider the price, as the buckle and strap alone cost more than the Swatch itself. You can change the strap and buckle if you own more than one Omega Swatch or even a proper Omega Speedmaster. Now that’s maximizing your purchase, plus you’ve found the strap you love.

Despite the cost—over $500 for the buckle and strap alone—this investment can be justified if you own multiple Omega Swatch models or even a proper Omega Speedmaster. The ability to interchange straps and buckles maximizes your purchase and allows personalization. The official deployment buckle and canvas strap provide enhanced comfort and a secure fit, making the watch feel balanced and stable on the wrist.

I hope you found this information useful in this Wristwatch Wednesday edition, and I look forward to hearing from you.

The post Beyond the Watch Head: The Importance of Straps in Your Timepiece Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Beyond the Watch Head: The Importance of Straps in Your Timepiece Experience

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Choosing between metal and soft material straps significantly impacts comfort and style when selecting a watch—metals like stainless steel and titanium offer durability and a premium feel. Titanium, in particular, is favored for its lightweight properties, making it comfortable for prolonged wear without the heaviness that often accompanies metal watches.

Metal straps often come with adjustable links that ensure a perfect fit, providing security and balance on the wrist. However, the weight of metal can sometimes be a drawback. For larger watch heads, this can potentially cause discomfort over extended periods.

In contrast, soft material straps provide greater comfort and breathability. Leather straps are classic and versatile, suitable for formal and casual settings. They mold to the wrist over time, providing a personalized fit. Rubber straps are perfect for sporty and active lifestyles, offering flexibility and resistance to water and sweat.

Canvas straps combine durability with a rugged aesthetic, ideal for casual wear. These materials significantly reduce the overall weight of the watch, enhancing wearability and comfort, particularly in warmer climates or during physical activities.

Buying a Watch: The Whole Package

When buying a watch, it’s essential to consider the whole package rather than just falling “head over heels” for the watch head alone. The watch’s fit, feel, and overall weight are crucial in the wearing experience. If a lightweight watch is a priority but you prefer metal, opting for a bracelet made of lightweight materials like titanium is a wise choice. Titanium offers the durability of metal without the associated weight, making it comfortable for extended wear.

Exploring options with leather, rubber, or canvas straps can provide the desired comfort without the added weight. Leather straps are known for their timeless appeal and versatility, molding to the wrist for a custom fit over time. Rubber straps are ideal for those with an active lifestyle, offering flexibility and resistance to environmental factors such as water and sweat.

Canvas straps are durable and rugged, perfect for casual wear and outdoor activities. Considering the strap’s overall weight and material, one can ensure a balanced and comfortable wearing experience.

Strap and Buckle Options: Tang vs. Deployment

The choice of strap and buckle can significantly impact the user experience. Tang buckles, traditional and straightforward, offer reliability and ease of adjustment. They are commonly found on leather and fabric straps and are known for their simplicity and effectiveness. Tang buckles are easy to use and allow quick adjustments, making them a practical choice for everyday wear. However, they might not distribute the weight of the watch evenly, which can cause discomfort over extended periods.

Deployment buckles, on the other hand, add a touch of sophistication and ensure the watch stays securely on the wrist. These buckles are often found on metal and high-end leather straps, providing a more refined appearance and making the watch easier to put on and take off. Deployment buckles help distribute the weight of the watch more evenly across the wrist, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points. The clasp mechanism allows for a secure fit and easy adjustment, making it a preferred choice for those looking for both style and functionality.

Analysis of the Omega Swatch MoonSwatch Strap

Reflecting on our recent review of the Omega Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earth Lava on Yanko Design, it’s essential to compare the included Velcro strap with the official Omega deployment buckle and canvas strap. While the Velcro strap thematically fits with the MoonSwatch series, it may not offer the same comfort level as a traditional leather or fabric strap. The Velcro can feel stiff and less breathable, which might be an issue in warmer climates or during physical activity.

In contrast, the official Omega deployment buckle and canvas strap provide enhanced comfort and a secure fit. The deployment buckle makes the watch feel more integrated, keeping it in place while maintaining a lightweight profile. The canvas strap is comfortable and lightweight, offering a perfect blend of durability and flexibility.

The deployment buckle and the high-quality strap combine to ensure the watch stays balanced and does not shift on the wrist, providing a superior wearing experience.

Personal Note and Conclusion

I love how the integrated strap and deployment buckle makes the watch feel. They keep the whole watch balanced, stay in place, and are lightweight. The comfort and stability provided by this combination elevate the overall wearing experience.

However, it’s essential to consider the price, as the buckle and strap alone cost more than the Swatch itself. You can change the strap and buckle if you own more than one Omega Swatch or even a proper Omega Speedmaster. Now that’s maximizing your purchase, plus you’ve found the strap you love.

Despite the cost—over $500 for the buckle and strap alone—this investment can be justified if you own multiple Omega Swatch models or even a proper Omega Speedmaster. The ability to interchange straps and buckles maximizes your purchase and allows personalization. The official deployment buckle and canvas strap provide enhanced comfort and a secure fit, making the watch feel balanced and stable on the wrist.

I hope you found this information useful in this Wristwatch Wednesday edition, and I look forward to hearing from you.

The post Beyond the Watch Head: The Importance of Straps in Your Timepiece Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Step into the Year of the Dragon with Ciga Design tourbillon watch that exudes dark appearance and true strength

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For those born in the year of the Dragon, 2024 is the year for you. While you sit back and wait for the wheels of fortune to roll in your favor, Ciga Design’s new limited-edition tourbillon watch instigates you to get up and unleash your inner dragon and let it roar with strength.

The $3,299 Ciga Design Tourbillon Chinese Zodiac The Year Of Dragon Limited Edition watch, as the name suggests, is designed to celebrate the year of the dragon in the Chinese calendar. Only 365 examples of the watch will be ever made in the avant-garde black dial that exudes true strength from mere appearance.

Designer: Ciga Design

The watch is arguably an instant attention grabber, but it’s the golden dragon over the tourbillon movement and the shiny natural diamonds on the hands that captivate you beyond the super black look and feel. The Tourbillon Chinese Zodiac The Year Of Dragon watch has a nice square case with circular corners and is made from agate, while its minimalist dial design uplifts its luxury and sophistication statement.

The dark color scheme of the dial carries on to the three-dimensional, rounded crown and its accompanying leather strap, which is made from Nile crocodile leather and mimics the texture of dragon scales for that detailed design. The dark black theme for the watch is essentially chosen so as to maintain the focus on the hands and the golden dragon tourbillon, even though the Ciga Design logo stands out prominently on the watch.

Undoubtedly then the dial is the most fascinating aspect. It comprises black-themed hands that strike distinct allure with seven natural diamonds on them. The hour hand has three diamonds, the minute hand has four. When they align, the two hands create a glowing beam of light that sparks inspiration, Ciga notes. When the eyes are overwhelmed by the diamond sheen, spare a thought for the custom-built golden dragon-shaped tourbillon bridge, just below, which enhances the watch’s artistic expression manifold.

The mechanical tourbillon movement is a caliber CD-06 that gives the watch a documented 40-hour power reserve. The Ciga Design Tourbillon Chinese Zodiac The Year Of Dragon Limited Edition watch is water resistant to 30 meters. It has a silver caseback featuring calligraphic engraving of the Chinese Huai Su sign and adding to the contrast in design of the dark-themed casing. The caseback can be engraved with a blessing or message you like for utmost personalization. It comes packed in a special gift pack that narrates the history of the Dragon and celebrates artistic brilliance just like the watch itself.

The post Step into the Year of the Dragon with Ciga Design tourbillon watch that exudes dark appearance and true strength first appeared on Yanko Design.

G-SHOCK G5600BG-1 is made from recycled resin sourced from waste in the production of Casio watches

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Casio G-SHOCK watches have set a new precedent in durability, functionality, and material design. It is a preferred choice among people who indulge in extreme activities or work in rugged environments, owing to its ability to withstand extreme conditions and live through all the beating. The G-SHOCK wristwatches are unbelievably tough and the brand’s continuous efforts to keep the standard and reliability unchanged have only worked in its favor.

Now in time for Earth Day on April 22 and to make environmentally conscious individuals a fan of its incredible robustness, Casio has released G-SHOCK G5600BG-1 made from recycled resin. The limited-edition watch, made essentially to mark April 12, the birthday of G-Shock, comes with a bezel and band made using recycled resin waste.

Designer: G-SHOCK

Resin has been the go-to material for G-SHOCK watch straps for years now. It has been majorly used because of its properties to withstand shock, and for being lightweight, water resistant, yet looks modern and stylish. Being overly used, resin is generally left over in the production lines, which now by recycling it for watch material, Casio is giving a new lease of life to the otherwise waste material.

The recycled strap material, available in a combination of black, red and yellow colors is made by kneading red and yellow waste resin from classic G-SHOCK in a matte black base to create a unique colorful pattern. This new repurposed resin is used for the construction of the bezel and strap of the G-SHOCK G5600BG-1. The new watch is available in a multicolored pattern and color tone, which Casio informs, may change in every individual watch due to the characteristics of mixed material color of resin.

Furthering the eco-conscious behavior, beyond reducing the environmental impact of resin waste – which would otherwise be discarded – the G5600BG-1 comes with Casio’s Tough Solar technology to keep it charged with the use of sunlight. The watch is G-SHOCK quality robustness is shock-resistant and 200-meter water resistant.

Featuring a case measuring 46.7 × 43.2 × 12.7 mm, the G5600BG-1 weighs only 47g. It comes with 5 world time and 31 time zones, LED backlight, auto calendar (to the year 2099), alarms, stopwatch and other G-SHOCK basics. Casio adds more environmental-friendliness to the $150 G-SHOCK G5600BG-1 with its packaging, which is again made from recycled materials.

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Bulgari leads the battle for the thinnest mechanical watch with Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC

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With the release of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, the battle for the thinnest watch has reached the slimmest size. Taking on watchmakers like Richard Mille and Piaget in the run for the crown, the new Bulgari is a more capable and slimmer rendition of the Octo Finissimo Ultra, the company’s previous slender watch which once held the coveted title of being the skinniest wristwatch.

Watch enthusiasts, especially Bulgari lovers, would remember the Octo Finissimo Ultra from 2022, which then was the thinnest mechanical watch on the planet measuring only 1.8mm at the thickest point. The watch was finished in a 40mm sandblasted titanium case with an integrated bracelet customized to complement the record-breaking watch’s form factor.

Designer: Bulgari

Despite the slimness to offer, the record-setting Octo Finissimo Ultra had that glory shortened by Richard Millie’s Ferrari collaboration timepiece that took watchmaking to a new slimmer form factor. The RM UP-01 Ferrari manual winding ultra flat – as the collab was named – became the new record-setter with slimness measuring .05mm thinner than the Bulgari’s watch.

Richard Millie’s offering lived on as the world’s thinnest watch since. It’s finally overthrown by the new Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which puts Bulgari back on the top of the record list. The new Bulgari, to that accord, is the world’s slimmest mechanical watch with only 1.70mm thickness. The new milestone in watchmaking comes along with independent Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) certification assuring precision and accuracy in time telling. Thanks to the certification, Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC also becomes the thinnest COSC-certified watch, adding another feature to its cap of utmost sleekness.

In addition to the minimum slimness, Bulgari’s new watch has notable features which start with its sandblasted titanium case and tungsten carbide caseback. Paired with a matching strap, the world’s thinnest watch will be strictly limited to just 20 examples with each priced at $529,000. Given the 1.70mm thickness we’re taking about, it’s a given that winding the watch wouldn’t be easy. Understandably then, Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC be provided with a case for its automatic setting and winding.

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Bovet Récital 28 Prowess 1 world-timer stays accurate even when countries move to Daylight Saving Time

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Bovet fan or not, you cannot help but be awe-struck by the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s complications, craftsmanship, and artistry in collector-worthy timepieces that are over the top for consumers like you and me. That means, even if it is beyond the depth of our pockets, the exceptional work ranging from the ridiculously priced Récital 22 Grand Récital to the new Bovet watch dubbed Récital 28 Prowess 1 is worth appreciating.

The latest addition to the company portfolio, Récital 28 Prowess 1 is the first universal time watch that can adjust to the changes in Daylight Saving Time (DST). While presenting itself as a timepiece that should never let you lose time no matter where you are in the world, it is a significant leap from traditional world timers and features an inventive perpetual calendar, flying tourbillon, and an in-house movement with up to 10 days of power reserve.

Designer: Bovet

Before delving into the details about the abovementioned features, let’s go through how the watch is constructed and what you get. The Récital 28 Prowess 1 comes in a new 46.3 mm Writing Desk case created by Bovet itself in choice of 18K Red Gold, 950 Platinum, and Grade 5 Titanium. Irrespective of the material, the intricately detailed watch features hand-finished and hand-engraved bridges.

The sizeable case allows the dial to make room for a lot of complications starting with the patented double-sided flying tourbillon on the top at 12 o’clock. The highlight is in the center where the 24 cities are displayed on rollers that are controlled through the crown. Each of these cylinders have four positions for UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time). With the push of the crown, the four different time zones can be adjusted independently.

Given the intricate complication, the Récital 28 Prowess 1 worn on a black alligator leather strap, is extremely exclusive with production limited to only eight pieces a year (in each case material). Of course, owning the watch starting at CHF 650,000 (titanium edition) is a rarity, but if you have one, you can in addition to the flying tourbillon and the DST world-timer, also flaunt the built-in perpetual calendar. With the date and leap year indicator, the perpetual calendar – inner workings visible through the exhibition caseback – is mounted on rollers that roll back automatically like a slot machine at midnight, at the end of the month and at the culmination of the year.

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ADPT Series 1 Dual-Time Watch comes with a compass, making it a worthy outdoor companion

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There are a few accessories manufacturers that have scaled to become watchmakers. Defining the odds ADPT, creator of America-made nylon watch strap, has scaled up from there to the EDC gear for outdoors and now to a complete watch manufacturer. ADPT aka All Day Purpose and Terrain has collaborated with BOLDR Supply Co. to develop the Series 1 Dual Time watch that is the first timepiece with the ADPT name on the dial, while the partner’s name is engraved along the caseback rim to complete the branding on this sport and tool watch.

Wristwatches that are designed for an active lifestyle without really limiting the context to just one specific sport have an intriguing potential. Case in point the All Day, Purpose and Terrain Series 1 watch that is powered by the Seiko NH34 automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600vph and has a power reserve of up to 41 hours.

Designer: ADPT

The movement is not the biggest USP, it however lies in the layered dial where on a grid base you can find an independent 24-hour hand that can track the second time zone, and when needed in the wilderness, can be used as a compass to point North. Complementing the dial with a trio of colorful hands, aluminum inserts bisected to show day and night on a 24-hour scale, standard minute track, and points for use as a compass, is a 120-click unidirectional bezel of the watch.

ADPT Series 1 Dual-Time watch is crafted from titanium and measures 38mm in diameter. It has a slim, 13.8mm profile featuring a screw-down crown on the bottom half (at the 4 o’clock position). Under the flat sapphire crystal protecting the dial you can find the ADPT logo and water resistance marked at the 3 o’clock position. Further down at the 6 o’clock location is the date window that complements the dial color as well.

The watch boasts an interesting 200 meters of water resistance, which is possible with a solid screw-down titanium caseback. With all its appealing allure and material choice, the ADPT Series 1 Dual Time watch is made available in Aqua Berry and Mossy Shale colorways for $499 each. Certainly, in a competitive price point for its features, the Series 1 from ADPT comes paired to a US-made nylon strap ensuring all-day comfort for the user in various environments.

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This Special Limited-Edition Pocket Watch is centenary recreation of the first Citizen pocket watch

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Citizen, as the name suggests, is one watchmaker who has perfected the art of making timepieces people “love and use for a long time.” This journey started somewhat with the first product, a pocket watch titled Citizen, from where the company perhaps acquired its name. One hundred years have passed since 1924, when this pocket watch was made; now to commemorate the feat, the Japanese watch manufacturer has recreated its first pocket watch.

The 100th anniversary edition of the first Citizen pocket watch dubbed the Special Limited-Edition Pocket Watch could scale back the time for these tactile timepieces that were once a staple but lost popularity as wristwatches took over as the timepiece of choice. Staying true to the original in more ways than one, the recreated, modern timepiece makes subtle changes on the dial.

Designer: Citizen

Given that the new pocket watch revisits the era gone by, it also tabs on some modern-day horology nuances to make this special edition model a prominent bridge between the past and present. To that accord, the Special Limited-Edition Pocket Watch features a 43.5mm titanium case with sapphire glass on the front and back. The watch measures 13.4mm at the thickest point and to remain true to the original counterpart, has Arabic numerals, blue hands, and the small seconds at 6 o’clock as in the OG.

It’s essentially the white electroformed dial that spurs the change. Finished with clear coating and polishing, the dial has a unique pattern that Citizen notes is an “evocation of the build-up of snow during a snowfall that suggests the accumulation of time gone by.”

The timekeeping on the new Special Limited-Edition Pocket Watch is ensured by a hand-wound movement with a free-sprung balance wheel adding a touch of modernity. The movement provides a 55-hour power reserve and a noted accuracy of -3/+5 seconds/day. An ideal 21st-century pocket watch, Citizen centenary recreation is paired with an indigo charcoal colored silk braided cord that matches the hands on the dial. The watch strictly limited to 100 examples will retail with limited-edition number engraving and inspection certificate for $9,000 apiece.

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Photoacoustic Imaging Watch photographs blood vessels to monitor heart rate, SpO2 in real time

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In a new and essential medical advancement, a team of researchers at the Southern University of Science and Technology in China has devised a wearable watch that can non-invasively monitor a wearer’s blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation by clicking photos of the blood vessels in the skin. For this, the high-tech watch uses photoacoustic imaging and checks the user’s heart health in real time without much hassle.

Photoacoustic imaging machines generally use light and sound waves to see and hear inside the body and capture high-resolution imagery of blood vessels to estimate oxygen saturation, skin conditions, and even cancer.  Presently, these machines are bulky and require the user to visit the hospital. With the help of the Photoacoustic Imaging Watch, Chinese researchers have been able to miniaturize the tech to monitor how the wearer’s heart is working in real time, anywhere.

Designer: Southern University of Science and Technology

The watch, developed by SUST captures images of the blood vessels using tiny laser beams in the skin in high resolution. The watch is the imaging device and it is attached to a backpack that houses the entire hardware. With the watch on the wrist and backpack on the shoulder, the user should be able to check blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels even while moving around freely.

The backpack containing the hardware – laser and power supply – weighs about seven kilograms. The lightweight backpack can be carried around with ease while it allows the laser to focus and capture images of the tiniest of blood vessels in the skin around a 3 mm field of view. The new imaging system is currently in testing under various conditions, and it has been seen as a successful, convenient, and mobile alternative.

This “miniaturized wearable imaging system” can be used in “community health centers for preliminary disease diagnosis” or for “long-term monitoring of parameters related to blood circulation.”  Also, the system can be handy in “early detection of skin diseases.” The researchers are trying to make an even smaller laser beam to make the wearable photoacoustic imaging system more portable, maybe even small enough to eliminate the backpack from the design.

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