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Watches we love from Watches and Wonders 2024

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Step into the world of horological innovation and artistry with a carefully curated selection of timepieces unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024. These exquisite watches exemplify the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design, each one pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in haute horlogerie. From the groundbreaking slimness of the BULGARI Octo Finissimo to the intricate skeletonized dial of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton, each watch tells a unique story of innovation and elegance. Join us as we explore the finest offerings from renowned brands, where every tick of the clock is a showcase of the mastery of watchmaking.

BULGARI Octo Finissimo ULTRA COSC

BULGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC at a mere 1.70mm thickness

As the curtain rose on Watches and Wonders 2024, the stage was set for BULGARI’s Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC to again steal the spotlight. This timepiece is a masterpiece of engineering and design, showcasing human innovation and pushing the limits of watchmaking. At a mere 1.70mm thickness, it commands attention as the world’s thinnest watch, a feat achieved through BULGARI’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. The seamless integration of the case back and movement base plate showcases BULGARI’s technical skill and creates a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that is as captivating as it is groundbreaking. With its monochromatic grey finish and lightweight titanium components, the Octo Finissimo exudes a modern elegance that is sure to turn heads and set pulses racing at Watches and Wonders 2024.

BULGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC features integration of the case back and movement base plate

Designer: BULGARI

  • Key Notable Features: An epic 1.7mm thinness was achieved by merging the case back and movement base plate.
  • Design Elements: Monochromatic grey finish with horizontal side knobs for winding and time setting.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon 150th Anniversary

The Piaget Altiplano is a symbol of innovation and refinement in watchmaking history. As the world’s thinnest concept tourbillon, it represents the pinnacle of Piaget’s expertise in blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. The Altiplano is a wearable art that sets new standards in watch design by seamlessly fusing the case and movement into a single unit. Its blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case exudes a sense of strength and sophistication that will captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike. As the curtains rise on Watches and Wonders 2024, the Piaget Altiplano takes center stage, inviting attendees to embark on a journey of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon: world’s thinnest concept tourbillon timepiece.

Designer: Piaget

  • Key Notable Features: Ultra-thin 2mm profile achieved by merging the case and movement.
  • Design Elements: Blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case for a striking and robust look.

H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton

Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton

Prepare to be mesmerized as H. Moser & Cie. unveils its latest masterpiece at Watches and Wonders 2024: the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton. A harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, this remarkable timepiece redefines the boundaries of watchmaking artistry. The fully skeletonized dial offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the watch, while the cushion-shaped silhouette and integrated bracelet add a touch of modernity and sophistication. With each passing moment, the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton invites onlookers to immerse themselves in the beauty of its design and the precision of its craftsmanship, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience at Watches and Wonders 2024.

Designer: H. Moser & Cie.

  • Key Notable Features: Fully skeletonized dial showcasing the intricate mechanics of the watch.
  • Design Elements: Cushion-shaped silhouette with an integrated bracelet.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Limited Edition SLGH021

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Limited Edition SLGH021

Grand Seiko unveiled its Evolution 9 Collection, a celebration of innovation, precision, and timeless elegance. The introduction of a new green textural dial design adds a fresh twist to the brand’s iconic aesthetic, while the use of ever-brilliant steel for the case and bracelet ensures durability and longevity. With its striking contrast and meticulous attention to detail, the Evolution 9 Collection represents the spirit of Grand Seiko, inviting wearers to undertake a journey of discovery and exploration. As attendees gather to witness its debut at Watches and Wonders 2024, the Evolution 9 Collection promises to captivate hearts and minds alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of haute horlogerie.

SLGH021 is powered by the Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours 9SA5 caliber

Designer: Seiko

  • Key Notable Features: New green textural dial design.
  • Design Elements: Ever-brilliant steel is used for the case and bracelet.

DB Kind of Grande Complication

De Bethune introduces its latest creation: the DB Kind of Grande Complication, a pinnacle of design and craftsmanship. This timepiece embodies over two decades of innovation, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence. Its reversible double-sided case and innovative rotation system seamlessly integrate a range of complications while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The contemporary side features Calibre DB2529, highlighted by a high-frequency tourbillon and elegant seconds hand. On the traditional side, a perpetual calendar and three-dimensional moon-phase display adorn the opaline silver dial, creating a captivating visual experience. Despite the technical challenges, De Bethune’s artisans have crafted a masterpiece that transcends time, marrying traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create a true icon.

Reversible double-sided case

Calibre DB2529, highlighted by a high-frequency tourbillon

Designer: De Bethune

  • Key Notable Features: Array of complications including perpetual calendar, moon phase, and leap year indicator.
  • Design Elements: Beautifully designed case housing the complex movement.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Lady Arpels Brise d’Été watch

Enter a world where timekeeping transcends mere function and becomes a celebration of human creativity and ingenuity. Van Cleef & Arpels, revered for their exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, unveils a collection of timepieces that transcend the ordinary; they are veritable works of art. Each piece exemplifies the maison’s unwavering dedication to excellence, with master artisans meticulously crafting every detail to perfection. From the graceful sweep of the delicate hands to the intricate motifs adorning its surface, every element narrates a tale of dedication and passion. Time transcends mere measurement in the world of horological mastery. It’s about encapsulating moments and emotions, transforming each glance at the wrist into an enriching journey of discovery and wonder. With Van Cleef & Arpels, time harmonizes into a symphony of style and sophistication, where every passing second is a masterpiece awaiting appreciation.

Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté watch

Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté watch

Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels

  • Key Notable Features: Exquisite craftsmanship that transforms every timepiece into a work of art.
  • Design Elements: Each dial is a unique canvas, revealing a story as beautiful as time.

Hautlence Retrovision ’47

Take a step back in time with Hautlence Retrovision ’47, a timepiece that seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation. Inspired by the golden age of horology, this classic design pays homage to an era of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Underneath its vintage exterior, Hautlence combines modern technology and precision engineering to push boundaries and break conventions. From its meticulously crafted case to its intricate movement, every aspect of the Retrovision ’47 is designed to captivate and inspire. With Hautlence Retrovision ’47, every moment becomes an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of both the old and the new, reminding us that true innovation is timeless.

Designer: Hautlence

  • Key Notable Features: Retro aesthetic married with modern watchmaking technology.
  • Design Elements: Classic design that pays homage to the golden age of horology.

Cartier Reflection de Cartier watch

Indulge in a timeless grace and refinement world with the Reflection de Cartier. It’s a reflection of Cartier’s rich heritage and legacy of luxury. Every detail of the watch, from its elegant design to its meticulously crafted dial, reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Each element is carefully considered and meticulously executed, resulting in a watch that is as much a piece of jewelry as it is a functional accessory. With its delicate hands and refined detailing, the Reflection de Cartier exudes an air of refinement and sophistication that is unmistakably Cartier. It extends beyond being just a watch, symbolizing timeless style and elegance while reflecting the wearer’s discerning taste and appreciation for life’s finer things. With Cartier Reflection de Cartier, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in luxury and refinement, making it a timeless addition to any collection.

Designer: Cartier

  • Key Notable Features: Elegant silhouette and refined detailing that encapsulates Cartier’s design ethos.
  • Design Elements: Meticulously crafted dial and delicate hands that echo Cartier’s dedication to elegance.

Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

MP-11 POWER RESERVE 14 DAYS WATER BLUE SAPPHIRE

Make a bold statement with the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire, a timepiece that demands attention and commands respect. With its vibrant blue sapphire case and transparent design, it’s a watch that stands out from the crowd. Performance and precision engineering go beyond just bold looks. From its intricate movement to its robust construction, every aspect of the Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire is designed to impress. It’s a watch for the modern individual who appreciates style and substance and understands that true luxury is more than skin deep. With Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire, every moment becomes an opportunity to showcase your individuality and taste for the extraordinary, making it a must-have accessory for anyone who dares to stand out from the crowd.

MP-11 POWER RESERVE 14 DAYS WATER BLUE SAPPHIRE

SCULPTURAL 7-BARREL MOVEMENT WITH 2-WEEK POWER RESERVE

Designer: Hublot

  • Key Notable Features: Vibrant blue sapphire case that provides a striking aesthetic encasing a movement with a 2-week power reserve.
  • Design Elements: Transparent case that showcases the intricate movement within.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126710GRNR

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126710GRNR

Rolex introduces the GMT-Master II with a distinct 24-hour graduated two-color Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic. One variant adorns an Oyster bracelet, while the other features the beloved Jubilee bracelet, a preference for GMT enthusiasts. Emphasizing the watch’s identity, the black lacquer dial proudly showcases ‘GMT-Master II’ in green, mirroring the iconic 24-hour hand. Powered by calibre 3285, this timepiece seamlessly displays date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format alongside hours, minutes, and seconds. Rolex’s pioneering use of high-technology ceramic in the bidirectional rotatable bezel ensures enduring scratch resistance and vivid color intensity. These exceptional watches are presented in a 40 mm Oyster case, waterproof to 100 meters, with the Triplock winding crown providing triple waterproofness. Whether on the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, both options offer the Oysterlock folding safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link for effortless adjustment, exemplifying Rolex’s commitment to functionality and elegance.

GMT-Master II with 24-hour graduated two-color Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic on Jubilee bracelet.

Designer: Rolex

  • Key Notable Features: Precision engineering for reliability, dual-zone GMT, and water-resistant construction for durability.
  • Design Elements: Updated black-and-gray bezel for contemporary appeal with a timeless design that pays tribute to Rolex’s rich history of crafting precision timepieces.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangente 38 Colours

Germany’s Nomos Glashütte made its debut as an exhibiting brand at Watches & Wonders Geneva, the world’s largest luxury watch fair. The brand’s 2024 collection emphasizes color, specifically 31 different shades. This collection, called the “Nomos Tangente 38 Date—175 Years Watchmaking Glashütte” series, offers a limited edition of 175 pieces for each model. Among the various options, one for each day of the month, according to Nomos, are models like the “Sportbunt.” This model sports a light red main dial in the ’70s style, a dark red subdial, cream numerals, and turquoise and yellow outer rings. Other notable models include the “Chili,” featuring a hot-pink and magenta-shaded dial on a gray textile strap, and the “Poporange,” with vibrant and burnt orange elements. The “Schlossgrun” combines forest green and gray, while the “Pompadour” showcases light pastels of pink and beige. Lastly, the “Tiefseegrau” (or “deep sea gray”) pairs a dark anthracite with cream and dusty pink details. Each model is housed in a 37.5mm stainless steel case and features an exhibition case back engraved with the watch’s limited-edition number.

Designer: NOMOS

  • Key Notable Features: Vibrant dial that adds a splash of color to the minimalist design.
  • Design Elements: Minimalist design that allows the bold colors to take center stage.

As Watches and Wonders 2024 concluded, we reflect on the extraordinary timepieces that blew us away. From unveiling groundbreaking innovations to celebrating timeless elegance, each moment has been filled with wonder and excitement. But as we bid farewell to this year’s event, we look forward to the promise of what lies ahead. Join us next year as we return to Watches and Wonders for more coverage of the latest developments in haute horlogerie. Until then, may your time be filled with beauty, inspiration, and the joy of discovery.

The post Watches we love from Watches and Wonders 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

A driver’s delight – the Amida Digitrend makes resounding comeback after 50 years

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Inspired by the future of sports cars, the original Amida Digitrend was way ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1976. It was well accepted as a driver’s timepiece, but did not make a significant move in the watchmaking world then. Yet, as the legends would, after almost five decades, the watch is making a time-relevant revival in the limited “Take Off Edition.”

Conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of Amida Digitrend’s original model, the Take Off Edition is an amalgamation of heritage and nostalgia. Marking some clever, modern, consumer-centric watchmaking nuances, like the mechanical movement, all steel case, and sapphire crystal prism for display, the watch is a result of the dramatic commitment of a team of enthusiasts including watch designer Matthieu Allègre.

Designer: Amida

The reimagined, modernized version of the new Digitrend functions on the same principle as the OG. It may have the manually wound mechanical movement replaced with an automatic movement i.e. a Soprod’s Newton caliber offering 44 hours of power reserve, but it retains the unique time-telling mechanism that allows a diver to see the time without having to lift the hand from the steering wheel.

For this, the watch has the usual horizontal, dual hour and minute discs, which using the sapphire crystal prism for the display show them vertically; the prism even helps magnify the vertically presented digital numerals for better legibility. This atypical display of the Amida Digitrend is a result of its unusual case shape inspired by classic sports cars and modern architecture. To that accord, the car-body-like case of the Digitrend is made from a block of 316 L stainless steel. It is sleeker – measuring 39mm across – than the original yet maintains a retro-futuristic vibe to it.

The steel casing is overly opaque revealing nothing more than the dashboard-style time display and a winding crown on the side. On the left side of the display are the jumping hours and the trailing minutes are visible in the right corner, with Amida Digitrend typography taking up the center space. The caseback is visually interesting with a serial number for the Take Off Edition, a rocket art, and a see-through window showing the new movement in its entirety. The new Amida Digitrend watch, is set to be available for preorder starting May 28 (delivery to begin in October). It comes paired with either a charcoal Alcantara strap or an orange-colored calfskin strap with a stainless steel buckle.

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Meet USP – A Sponge Furniture Collection You Can Grown And Expand In Your Own Home

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At Milan Design Week, we got to witness a range of intriguing flat-pack furniture by researchers from the Swiss design school ÉCAL. The interesting collection needs to be immersed in water to reach its final finished form. Dubbed Under Pressure Solutions or UPS, the furniture is crafted from thin and compressed sheets of cellulose sponge, which enables the products to be packed into flat parcels. In fact, some of the objects are compact enough to be pushed through a letterbox, facilitating more efficient shipping.

Designer: ÉCAL

Once you receive the products you need to soak them in the bath or shower, which allows them to blow up to around 10 times their original size in a few seconds. You then wrung out the sponge, and leave it to dry, hardening it, and forming a sturdy, durable, and self-supporting form of furniture that can support the weight of a person. The furniture collection is way better than conventional plastic foam when it comes to durability.

“Cellulose is a part of nature so, like a tree, it can be flexible and strong at the same time,” said ÉCAL researcher and industrial designer Christophe Guberan. The sponge is extracted from wood offcuts, and it is equipped with strength due to the same cellulose fibers that is utilized by a tree to reinforce its trunk and branches.

To create the sponge, the cellulose was derived from woodcuts. The cellulose was then chemically dissolved and regenerated to create sheets utilizing the same process that produces viscose and other cellulose textiles. Glauber’s salt is then added into those concoction, providing the sponge with its pores, and strengthening the cellulose’s ability to absorb water. This material is sold as standardized sheets that are then compressed and dehydrated to support smooth and easy transportation.

By adding small amounts of water, the various furniture pieces can become flexible once again, and they can be repaired by smoothing out any dents. And once the lifecycle of the furniture has been completed, it can be recycled or composted in the backyard.

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Meet the All-Purpose Jeans that are Reinventing Denim After Nearly 200 Years

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They say Denim was invented in the 17th century, and popularized across parts of Europe and North America in the centuries after that. The material, which was derived while trying to produce a heavy-duty fabric, was perfect for workers in mines, factories, quarries, and gold diggers during the California Gold Rush in the late 19th century. It was durable, tough, comfortable, breathable, and frankly, looked good in both clean or slightly ripped-up styles. In 1873, Levi Strauss obtained a US patent for putting rivets in denim jeans, helping enhance their longevity, and practically turn the garment from a worker essential into a fashion staple. However, denim hasn’t seen much of a change since then. Sure, there have been minor improvements to the manufacturing like the integration of stretchable yarns that give denim a 4-way stretch, but jeans today are still fundamentally no different from the ones made post 1873… and S Jordan Berman and Peter McDougald Juhl want to change that. You see, jeans were originally designed for laborers, but are now worn by practically everyone, and that’s a bit of a problem. Berman and Juhl’s redesigned jeans, dubbed the Standard Issue Denim 001, are actually designed for everyday life – with a fit that’s perfect for work, leisure, and even sport, and a fabric that’s durable, stretchable, and breathable. Life’s changed a lot since 1873… it’s time our jeans changed too.

Designers: S Jordan Berman and Peter McDougald Juhl

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $130 ($30 off). Hurry, deal ends in less than 24-hours!

The Standard Issue Denim 001 isn’t like your regular pair of jeans – it’s designed simultaneously to be worn with semi-formals, casuals, or even as functional-wear while camping and hiking. The jeans boast a perfect fit made possible without needing a belt, and have a unique 4-way stretch fabric that helps you do everything short of actual parkour (or maybe you could), without sacrificing durability.

Inspired by the needs of urban athletes and adventurers, these pants are crafted from our proprietary workwear-weight HSTech Denim fabric and are designed for maximum comfort and flexibility, without
compromising style.

HSTech Denim has a 13% stretch factor on its diagonal, in line with the stretchiest, most flexible men’s denim available.

The secret lies in the fabric. Wares for All Reasons utilizes a proprietary HS Tech stretch denim that combines durability with exceptional flexibility using a combination of 98% cotton and 2% stretchable materials. This allows for a full range of motion without sacrificing the classic denim look. Whether you’re lunging at the gym or negotiating a deal at the office, these jeans are designed to move with you. But functionality isn’t the only focus – The Standard Issue Denim 001 comes in a classic, clean silhouette, free from excessive embellishments. This timeless design ensures the jeans will remain a staple in your wardrobe for every season for years to come.

Standard Issue Denim 001 jeans are crafted with globally sourced, top – grade materials.

The jeans boast some clever detailing too, like the split waist construction that allows the waistline to stretch and contract based on your body, giving you a snug fit without a belt. High-step knee darts give you a wide range of motion, allowing you to bend your knees without feeling the fabric stretching too much or pressing against your skin. Zippered pockets at the back give your wallet secure storage, and a slim 5-pocket design also gives you ample storage for your belongings and EDC without that baggy appearance that most cargo pants with multiple pockets have. A high-vis reflective ankle strap lets you be spotted in low light, and a webbing loop in the rear lets you secure your keys or a carabiner to your pants in a way that you really can’t with regular denims unless you attach them to a belt loop.

The Standard Issue Denim 001 comes in 8 sizes with one classic color option (and more on the way). Each pair of Standard Issue Denim 001s is vegan, manufactured ethically, and with a circular product life-cycle. The jeans are made to be durable and last for thousands of washes and tens of thousands of wears (this might just be the last pair of jeans you’ll want to buy), and if and when the jeans finally wear out, they can be returned to their manufacturers who will either repair them for you or offer a 10% discount on your next pair of jeans.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $130 ($30 off). Hurry, deal ends in less than 24-hours!

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The World’s First Portable Espresso Maker with its own Water Heater lets you Brew Coffee literally anywhere

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Dubbed the OutIn Nano, this little flask-shaped beauty is your key to a golden cup of coffee literally anywhere. Use it indoors, outdoors, or even in the sky – the OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Maker lets you pull a shot of espresso anywhere, letting you relish your coffee whenever you want. Even equipped with its own water heater, the Nano will warm up your water as it brews the coffee, which means you really don’t need anything apart from an empty cup and a caffeine craving.

Designer: OutIn

The OutIn Nano is perhaps the only portable espresso maker that will heat your water for you. Sure, other portable espresso makers boast a compact design, but every single one of them needs you to add your own hot water. That really isn’t a concern for the OutIn Nano, which has its own heating coil that ensures you get a perfect espresso shot even if all you have is tap water or mineral water around. The vertical flask-shaped design lets you add water to the top, and either a Nespresso or Keurig pod at the bottom, or a small puck filled with your own coffee grounds. A single-button interface gets your coffee brewing, and a built-in pump extracts your espresso right into the OutIn Nano’s cap, which serves as a nifty cup.

A 7500mAh battery powers the OutIn Nano, heating up water in just 200 seconds. Alternatively, you could just add hot water the way you would with any other portable espresso maker and that should speed up the process. The battery life also significantly differs between cold and hot water, with the OutIn Nano brewing 5 cups of coffee if you add cold water and rely on the built-in water heater feature, or a stunning 200 cups of coffee on a full battery if you use pre-heated water.

The resulting coffee is deliciously authentic, with a rich crema created by heating/brewing at 92°C/198°F and passing the water through the coffee grounds at an impressive 20 bars of pressure. The entire cycle takes just 4 minutes from start to finish (if you use the water heater), giving you your espresso. The OutIn Nano holds as much as 80ml of water, which is more than enough for a double-shot, allowing you to either drink your coffee neat or turn it into an Americano or a latte by adding water or milk.

Weighing just 700 grams, the OutIn Nano was practically built for the outdoors. It comes in 5 colors, charges via USB (even working with your car charger), and ships in a soft-shell case that includes the entire coffee-making kit. Heck, the Nano even won both the Red Dot and iF Design Award last year for its impressively compact design.

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Fan-made PlayStation 5 ‘Mini’ is 70% smaller than Sony’s Original PS5 and fits in backpacks

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Even tinier than the PS5 Slim that launched in October last year, this fan-made gaming rig is small enough to slide into a backpack, has a glowing PS logo on the front, docks and charges two DualShock controllers on either side, and has a thermal performance that almost matches up to the regular PS5. Designed by YouTuber NFC, this ‘PlayStation Mini’ relies on a reimagined architecture and an external disc drive that helps cut space by nearly 70%, giving you a final console that’s merely 30% the size of its original self. No Ozempic was involved…

Designer: Not From Concentrate

When rumors of the PS5 Slim began making rounds on the internet, YouTuber NFC (short for Not From Concentrate) hoped that Sony would radically shrink the console and make the disc drive external instead of detachable. Instead, we got a marginally smaller console that had a disc drive that could only be used by snapping it onto the side of the vertical console. Not that anything’s wrong with the PS5 Slim, we think it’s an iteratively improved console, but NFC definitely found himself wanting more. The journey he embarked on is one that not all of us can take – it involved deep designing, engineering, and using CNC machines and 3D printers to build everything from new outer housings to inner thermal architectures, and even adding a logo and backlight to make it something so professional it looked like it came out of Sony’s own headquarters.

The resulting PS5 Mini is probably a one-off unit that NFC built for the YouTube video (you can watch the entire thing above), but it’s a sheer work of art and engineering. Anyone can rip circuitry off from the existing PS5 and cram it into a new plastic body… but only a few of them can do such a great job that the resulting PS5 Mini has a performance that rivals its bigger sibling. In fact, the tinier console is nearly 3.3 liters in volume, making it significantly smaller than the 10.5-liter PS5. It’s so small it fits into most backpacks and is no larger than a thick book.

The PS5 Mini comes with a construction featuring metal, plastic, and even carbon fiber parts. It has a completely new heat sink, a new chassis, outer body with massive grills on the side for air flow, a new fan, and even backlit plastic components that glow blue when the machine’s on. It also features not one but two DualShock controller docks that also charge your controllers when put in place, doing something that even the OG PlayStation couldn’t.

The new build features up to 20 redesigned components that were either made in NFC’s studio workshop on his CNC machine or 3D printer, or ordered from a fabrication website. The size of the new PS5 Mini was determined by the motherboard, which was a compact rectangular little component that served as the starting point for the console’s design. NFC uses a Black-Ridge CPU Cooler heat sink, and even a new fan and fan controller because the original PS5’s fan is a massive component that played a major role in what made the original console so big. NFC explains that Sony prioritized console ‘quietness’ with the old design, owing to the large fan size (larger fans move more air at slower speeds, creating less noise). The power supply was replaced with a smaller 250W GaN one, the front was capped off with carbon fiber that contrasted the white outer body beautifully, and NFC used the original PS5’s status LEDs to light up a new PS logo that now adorned the front.

The stand charges the controllers even when it’s switched off.

An external disc drive made sense, allowing the PS5 to be web-based when needed, and disc-based when plugged in.

Surprisingly, even the thermals match up to the original, with idle temperatures being a mere 1°C hotter, and gaming temperatures hitting a marginal but impressive 4°C hotter than the original. The way NFC did this is by literally wiring temperature probes into the different parts of the console to get a holistic reading of the console’s temperature at all times. The new fan works in theory, but NFC does point out that making everything smaller means having a marginally noisier fan. Luckily, this could easily be taken care of by placing the console near some speakers, that would wash out the fan’s sound.

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The Kelp Chair 2.0 Is Made Using Seaweed Instead Of Recycled Plastic

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Sustainable furniture is taking the design industry by storm, they’re a step towards making our homes and our daily lives more eco-friendly and sustainable. They’re an attempt to cast aside toxic materials, and instead, add furniture designs to our home that won’t rot away on Earth for years once we’re done with them. And one such intriguing and thoughtfully designed sustainable furniture design I recently came across is the Kelp Chair by Interesting Times Gang.

Designer: Interesting Times Gang

Designed by the Swedish design studio Interesting Times Gang, the Kelp Chair has a new and improved version. The new 3D-printed version of the Kelp chair is built from seaweed instead of recycled plastic! The original Kelp chair was designed in 2022 by Interesting Times Gang and it was made using recycled fishing nets and wood pulp. The chair was named because of the unique lines of its form, which were heavily inspired by ocean vegetation.

Since the chair was originally released, the studio wanted to recreate a new version made with its namesake algae! By using kelp, they were using an organism that has significant value in the steady conversion to bio-based materials. “Macroalgae play a vital role in capturing carbon and produce at least 50 percent of Earth’s oxygen,” said Interesting Times Gang. “Scaling up the cultivation and utilization of kelp has a pivotal role when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change.”

The Kelp Chair is constructed from a kind of kelp called the Nordic sugar kelp. The Nordic sugar kelp is a brown seaweed that grows in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. This seaweed is then converted into a bioplastic, and then 3D printed. The Sugar Kelp cair also includes a cushion which is made from a material from an identical source. The unique upholstery is crafted from Keel Labs’ seaweed-based Kelsun fiber, while the foam filler is made from a kelp biofoam which is produced by the Norwegian start-up Agoprene. This innovative chair is supposed to be biodegradable till the end of its life cycle.

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Samsung AI-powered wearable assistant helps visually impaired navigate better with real-time audio descriptions

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Navigation and understanding of the environment is an everyday challenge for the visually impaired. This limitation hinders their independence and of course, cripples their mobility. Walking aids and certain technology-assisted solutions do provide necessary navigation details with obstacle detection, but a personal assistant that talks to them like their own is still missing.

With the advent of generative AI, a designer duo has taken the leverage to create an AI-powered wearable device called InSight that intends to grant visual independence to the blind or anyone else who can leverage the benefit. The product was conceived for the Samsung Re:Create Challenge, which is a global competition that requires participants to perceive and conceptualize products that would repurpose ‘Samsung devices or their materials’ and promote sustainability.

Designers: Merve Nur Sökmen, Ayberk Kole

The basic idea of InSight is to seamlessly integrate with the user’s lifestyle while making available to them an accessible and connective, audio navigation experience in real-time. Designed to integrate all the features of existing Samsung consumer electronics, and to be constructed from recycled Samsung devices and materials, InSight helps reduce electronic waste, while performing the underlying function of a personal navigation assistant for the visually impaired.

With an onboard battery and an intuitive touch control, the pint-sized InSight can run navigation commands on the go. With its interesting clip-on design, one can wear it on their clothes and receive real-time audio descriptions of the visual environment in real-time, so navigation is better and more inclusive. To add more substance to the assistant’s capabilities, the user can talk back to the device, which then with its built-in AI can help with the possible information. A likely use case for students and travelers.

By helping perceive the surroundings in real-time and relaying comprehensive information to the user with audio descriptions, InSight can have a drastic impact in many lives that are dependent on others for mobility as of now. To make the device really helpful – beyond the AI integration – designers have worked its aesthetics around Samsung’s design language. The InSight connects seamlessly with smartphone and headphones of the user and provides onboard touch controls for personalized settings. And when it begins to run out of power plug it into a USB-C cable and juice it for another outing of independence!

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10 Best Office Chairs You Need To Add To Your Working Space ASAP

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Something we often tend to do is ignore the importance of a great office chair. When in reality we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office or a corporate one. Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic, and aesthetic as well. And we’ve curated a collection of chair designs that meet all these criteria! From a task chair that is made using 70% recycled materials to a fortune cookie-inspired wooden work pod – these innovative chair designs are not only a boon to your back, and help you maintain a healthy posture, but are also super comfy to sink into, and will perfectly match the interiors of your modern office. Enjoy.

1. Coffin Chair

This intriguing-looking office chair is shaped like a coffin, and it perfectly encapsulates the emotions you may feel regarding your dead-end corporate job. This innovative and unique chair is created for those who are fed up with their jobs, but cant really leave, and need to process their emotions in a healthy manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

The conceptual chair design perfectly encapsulates all the dreaded emotions employees usually experience throughout their workday. It captures the sense of boredom, and mundaneness one experiences as they sit through a pointless meeting that could have very easily been an email.

What we like

  • The chair is inspired by Rene Magritte’s painting titled The Balcony (1950)
  • It perfectly represents the emotions of having a dead-end job

What we dislike

  • There’s no cozy cushioning to get comfy in, it could be uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time

2. Typo Chair

Called the Typo Chair, this minimal yet powerful office chair by AMDL Circle for the furniture brand Mara deserves a spot in your office. What sets this rather ordinary-looking chair apart is its playfully bent form, which serves as a unique and uncommon element.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ergonomic office chair features a light timber base and backrest, and it has a gentle curve in its form. This shape sets the chair apart from typical chair designs, and it functions as the ‘focal point’ of the entire design.

What we like

  • The colored metal structure contrasts the subtle wood creating a vibrant silhouette
  • Features an intentional detail that adds personality to an otherwise basic chair

What we dislike

  • There seems to be no option for customization

3. Vitra ACX

The Vitra ACX is designed as a collaboration between Vitra and Antonio Citterio. It is an excellent fit for your corporate or home office, and it is designed to have a “long service life with the smallest possible carbon footprint”.

Why is it noteworthy?

This chair is deemed to be ACX’s most sustainable task chair available, and it has a 100% recyclable construction, which is truly commendable. The chair is made using a limited number of components, and this ensures that maintenance is quite easy and efficient.

What we like

  • Made up of 100% recyclable materials
  • Features a mechanism that automatically adjusts to different kinds of users

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are a bit dull and unassuming

4. Sphere Office Chair

Dubbed the Sphere office chair, this good-looking and well-designed chair by the Japanese furniture brand Okamura is built using recycled fishing nets that were saved from the ocean. The unique chair features a “3D physical fit shell” with a kinematic structure that adapts to the contours of your body.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since the chair features a unique kinematic structure, it quite accurately adjusts to the user’s body, creating a comfy shell where users can sit for long periods of time, without feeling any kind of discomfort or fatigue.

What we like

  • Easily adapts to the contours of the user’s body, serving as a comfy space to sit in

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the chair are quite similar to other office chairs on the market

5. Catifa Carta

Meet the Catifa Carta – a beautiful minimalist sustainable chair that is made from dozens of sheets of paper. The chair isn’t literally made from paper, as that would be too soft, it is made from PaperShell – a unique material that transforms paper which comes from wood into a wood-like material.

Why is it noteworthy?

This excellent wood-like material provides rigidity, stability, and beauty. It utilizes wood-by products like chips and sawdust, and waste wood too like fallen branches in forests to form a new paper-like material that can replace wood, plastic, or fiber composites.

What we like

  • The natural imperfections of the PaperShell give each chair a unique characteristic

What we dislike

  • Not sure how effective the ergonomics of the chair are for sitting for longer durations of time

6. Liberty Ocean Chair

Designed by Humanscale, the Liberty Ocean Chair is as its name signifies built using one kilogram of abandoned fishing nets found in the ocean. This unique chair is quite a sustainable option since it utilizes recycled fishing nets. It aims to provide a solution to the issue of ocean plastic!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Liberty Ocean chair range claims to be “first task chairs made from recycled fishing nets”, and is a valiant effort on Humanscale’s behalf to tackle the evergrowing and consistent issue of ocean plastic.

What we like

  • Ergonomic and minimal form
  • First task chair to be crafted from recycled fishing nets

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the chair are quite similar to other office chairs on the market

7. NEWTRAL MagicH

Meet the NEWTRAL MagicH – this is an ergonomic and intelligent chair design that features an auto-following backrest, as well as an auto-following and adjusting headrest. This chair is a great fit for those who spend long hours in their office, and find it difficult to take breaks and move around.

Why is it noteworthy?

The spring-loaded components of the chair contract when you’re reclining or sitting, and they offer support to your back and neck if you lean forward. The chair offers ample support to your body, no matter which position you’re sitting in. This chair provides the ultimate working experience.

What we like

  • The chair offers support to your body and prevents any injuries

What we dislike

  • The armrests, while highly adjustable, are not removable

8. The 5° Chair

Dubbed the 5° Chair, this unique office chair can rotate at 36-degree angles. It can learn back and forth, and even tilt side to side! This chair was created by the Seoul-based design firm 250 Design, and it is an excellent and ergonomically designed chair for your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The seat plate of the chair hugs your hips and provides support from the bottom. The chair even features added cushion for more comfort. The legs have been reinforced with angled wave springs allowing them to tilt in any direction, creating a chair that can easily adjust to your body’s movement.

What we like

  • The chair adjusts and works according to your body’s natural movement
  • The chair features stationery mobility

What we dislike

  • Doesnt include wheels, so the chair isn’t a portable design

9. Fortune Chair

Meet the Fortune Chair! It is a unique chair which is an interesting mix between a chair, pod, and a bean bag. The chair also looks like a fortune cookie, which explains its unique but pretty adorable name. The chair is inspired by a fortune cookie!

Why is it noteworthy?

Just like you crack a fortune cookie, the Fortune Chair captures the same experience and sentiment of cracking open a fortune cookie. The experience may be old-school, but it is still a fun and amusing thing to come across. The designers wanted to represent those same sentiments in this chair!

What we like

  • Features a fortune cookie-inspired wooden outer wall, which serves as a covering frame that surrounds the user
  • Functions as a comfy and cozy private space

What we dislike

  • The chair has a unique aesthetic that may not complement the aesthetic of modern contemporary offices

10. uuma

Dubbed uuma, this portable chair and table combo is truly a unique one! It is made from fiberglass, and it offers a little unit with some impressive portability and durability. The chair functions as a customizable furniture unit, which is made up of 4 modular parts.

Why is it noteworthy?

uuma functions as a comfortable seat that can be raised or lowered on demand, and you can clip it to open to unveil a height-adjustable table, which is quite efficient to use as well. uuma lets you work wherever you like and whenever you like.

What we like

  • uuma can be utilized in multiple settings both outdoors and indoors
  • Has a highly portable and durable design

What we dislike

  • The design may not be very ergonomic or comfortable to work on for long hours

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Palais de Tokyo artisanal objects are open-ended art and functional pieces

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When it comes to furniture and accessories, most people probably look for things that are functional rather than just decorative. Of course it would be nice if it can be both but for those that are more concerned about budget and usage, then the former is more important. But there are also products that serve more as decoration or art pieces that also has a secondary function as an actual piece of furniture or accessory that you can use.

Designer: Aequo Design

The OBJ Collection from the Palais de Tokyo is one of those that are derivative products that look more like art pieces that belong in an actual museum. They were commissioned to present the essence of the modern and contemporary art museum into miniature artwork that can still serve some function if the user so wishes to use them. But their purpose or function are actually “open-ended” so it’s up to the user to use them whichever way they want, therefore making them part of the creative process.

For example, the travertine stairs sees several blocks put together as “stairs” so you can use them as a candle holder, bookends, or whatever else you can use it for. The Zinc container, which is made from actual zinc pipes, can serve as a flower vase, pen holder, or even just as a design for your desk if you’re into the aluminum aesthetic. There are other things in the collection like concrete columns, powder coated rod, and a stainless steel pin, which you can use whichever way you want.

The design company says that there are two levels of reading the objects in the OBJ Collection. The first is to your “memory of the place”, which probably means how you interacted with the artwork in the Palais de Tokyo. The second level is where the function of the object comes in. It would be interesting how they will actually be used by people who buy these artisanal pieces.

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