Tag Archives: timepiece

Seiko’s New Panda Chronograph gives your wrist a playful personality without sacrificing function

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There are plenty of watches that get called “panda” because of their black-and-white dials. Seiko decided to take that nickname a little more literally, creating the Power Design Project Panda Chronograph. The timepiece is a playful mechanical-looking chronograph that actually puts a panda’s face on the dial, which is quite fun, to be honest.

The idea first appeared as a concept at Seiko’s Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition in 2024. Designer Kiyotaka Sakai wondered what a chronograph would look like if the word “panda” wasn’t just a collector’s nickname. The production versions – HHK001P and HHK002P – stay remarkably close to that original thought. The watch is designed to make you smile, but it still has the proportions, finishing and functionality of a proper Seiko chronograph.

Designer: Seiko

The first thing you notice is the face, where black subdials naturally become the panda’s eye patches, while a small nose and curved mouth sit below them. The two chronograph pushers rise above the case like ears, giving the watch an expression that is surprisingly easy to read. It sounds like a gimmick on paper, but the proportions make it work.

Seiko has carried the theme into details that are easier to miss. The dial has a radial texture intended to resemble panda fur, while the hour and minute hands take inspiration from bamboo leaves. The tachymeter scale around the edge gets a suitably playful name: “SASAMETER,” from sasa, the Japanese word for bamboo. It remains a functional tachymeter, with Seiko noting that it could theoretically measure a panda running at around 30 km/h.

The 43mm stainless-steel case is 14.6mm thick and uses hidden lugs, which help keep its footprint from feeling quite as large as those numbers suggest. The recessed crown sits between the ear-like pushers, while the caseback continues the joke with a rounded profile and a small three-dimensional tail.

Underneath, there is no complicated mechanical movement trying to compete with the design. Seiko uses its quartz Caliber 8T61, which provides hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds and a 60-minute counter with 1/5-second measurement. It is rated to an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month and offers 30-meter water resistance.

The watch comes on a cowhide leather strap with suede-like sections. This is a cute attempt to bring the panda theme into something you actually feel when wearing it. Out of the two versions, the HHK001P is the familiar black-and-white panda, limited to 3,000 pieces. The HHK002P swaps the usual colors for pink and gray, inspired by the appearance of newborn pandas, which are born with pink skin before developing their characteristic black-and-white fur. That version is limited to 2,000 pieces. Both watches are priced at $540 and are scheduled for release in November 2026.

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H. Moser’s Off-Grid watch limited to just 1,000 examples has minimalist smart features under the surface

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Last year, around the same time, H. Moser & Cie introduced the Streamliner Alpine Mechanics Edition for the Spanish GP, a watch designed around the mechanics working in the paddock. Now the Swiss watchmaker is revisiting the idea with a standalone timepiece that takes the concept in a more unconventional direction.

Meet the Streamliner Off-Grid, a digital-analog hybrid descended from the Alpine Mechanics Edition and built around the design language of Moser’s mechanical Streamliner collection. Its cushion-shaped case measures 42.6mm across and 14.4mm thick, with a skeletonized dial revealing circuitry beneath the traditional-looking watch face. This is an unusual combination, but one that makes the technology feel like an integral part of the design.

Designer: H. Moser & Cie

The upper portion of the dial retains Moser’s familiar minimalist treatment. A small domed analog display sits at 12 o’clock, finished in the brand’s characteristic fumé style and available in either red or Blackor. Globolight ceramic indices and hands provide the time, while the rest of the dial exposes the electronics underneath. Moser has deliberately stopped short of turning the Off-Grid into another wearable. There is no heart-rate sensor, fitness tracking, or stream of notifications. Instead, the digital display handles functions more traditionally associated with serious watchmaking, including a perpetual calendar, GMT, split-seconds chronograph, timer, vibrating alarm, moon phase, and sunrise/sunset information.

The watch can connect to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth and a companion app, although most of its functions can be configured directly from the watch. A large pusher at 9 o’clock is the most distinctive control. Called the Off-Grid selector, it replaces the F1 mode selector used on the Alpine Mechanics Edition. Pressing it brings up a country selector and a small built-in dictionary containing 10 useful words or phrases translated into 21 languages. It is a surprisingly simple idea for a watch that otherwise looks deeply technical, giving the digital side a practical travel function without requiring the wearer to reach for a phone.

Powering everything is the Calibre D10, developed with Swiss technology company Sequent. The digital movement comprises 186 components and operates at 32,768 vibrations per second, with a stated accuracy of ±0.3 seconds per day. Battery life depends heavily on how the watch is used. According to Moser, there are more than 12 months in timekeeping mode, while extensive use of the digital functions reduces that considerably. The battery is recharged wirelessly through the sapphire caseback, and the watch is water-resistant to 120 meters.

There are two versions of the Off-Grid: blue PVD-treated steel with a Blackor fumé dial and white integrated rubber strap, or black PVD-treated steel with a red fumé dial and black strap. Both are limited to 1,000 pieces. Priced at CHF 3,900 (approximately $4,800), the Off-Grid is Moser’s most accessible entry point by a significant margin. That is enticing since it still retains the Streamliner’s fumé dial treatment and integrated rubber strap. For now, the F1-inspired watch is only available for purchase by existing Moser customers till 23 September. After that, anyone will be able to buy this one until October 5, provided they can last the limited edition stock.

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Casio upgrades the classic F-91W watch with smart functions, and it’s already sold out in Japan

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Without a doubt, the Casio F-91W is a legendary timepiece that is still available to buy for $20. While the digital watch has retained its nostalgic charm all these years, it is indeed a little left behind when it comes to smart functionality. Casio is set to change that now with the F-B100W timepiece, which adapts the modern functions expected in a smart timekeeper. The classic 1980s digital watch in the rectangular silhouette, upgraded with the goodness of step counting – I’ll take that any day!

On the outside, this Casio timepiece looks like the trusted F-91W, but inside it has more to offer, making it a sweet deal. For now, the watch is available in Japan for ¥8,800 (around $55), and it’s not surprising it has already been sold out, at least for now. That’s almost double the price tag of the original, which is still up for $22, but you’ll also have to factor in the generational leap in smart features this new model touts.

Designer: Casio

Most of the F-B100W’s functions are fairly straightforward, and the specifications are also very close to the original, measuring 41.9 × 38.1 × 8.8 mm and weighing 26 grams. The timepiece retains features including an amber LED backlight with adjustable glow, water resistance, an hourly time signal, and five daily alarm options. For improved comfort during long hours, the bio-based plastic strap now has improved ventilation slits. Major changes come in the form of a watch battery (as opposed to a rechargeable cell), which lasts for almost two years.

What’s making this Casio timepiece a big buzz already is the inclusion of Bluetooth, which automatically syncs time or toggles the alarms or dual time display. In the mix is the phone finder feature, which can be a really useful addition without all the unwanted nuances. What I’m most excited about is the addition of the step counter and lap split time function, which can be directly synced to your phone with the companion app. You can set goals, record up to 200 laps, and monitor the progress on the watch screen as well. For times when you get too engrossed in work, the F-B100W also sends an inactivity alert via a beep and on-screen prompt. Of course, that is an optional feature that can be turned off as well.

It doesn’t have any other smartwatch features like a heart rate monitor, sleep diagnosis, or even BP monitoring, but that’s the point. The retro-modern Casio watch has all the timekeeping functions, and the most essential smart features without making the wearer too finicky about the vitals. F-B100W comes in three color variants: 1AJF, 1BJF, and 3AJF, which have a black case with a positive LCD and retro blue, red, and yellow dial accents, and all black with a negative display and gray text, respectively.

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The new Timex Retroware Digital Watch Just Rekindled My Childhood Memory

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When I was growing up in the 1990s, there was a Timex I would kill for. If you remember the Timex Men’s Ironman Triathlon, you’d know what I mean. Not only was it the first to introduce the Indiglo backlight, but it was also the dominant sports watch, slayed with its rugged resin case. I owned one briefly before my brother, who had more muscle than me back then, coerced it out of my wrist to his advantage one day.

I had, in the last three decades, almost forgotten about it, but the moment the new Timex Retroware Digital showed up on my screen this morning, some memories were definitely rekindled. Thriving on the old digital sports watch charm of the ‘90s, the Retroware Digital is nowhere close to the Ironman for me, but it has its own retro vibe, which will find takers. Me… maybe, maybe not!

Designer: Timex

Taking nothing away from the new Timex sports watch, let me walk you through what’s changed in approach for the company and how this one, with retro looks, has a way forward to chime with Gen Z. It starts right at the bold and oversized display featuring huge, curved numerals that occupy the larger part of the dial. And this display we are talking about is not small by any means. It’s set in a 46 mm lightweight resin case. The size gives the watch a strong wrist presence, while the curved numerals remain arguably easy to read.

The Retroware Digital watch has a large case, but it’s not very thick, even for not-so-big wrists. It measures only 11 mm high and the 46 mm case ensures the distance from lug-to-lug is a large 50 mm. So, you definitely have a great Timex you’re dealing with. That said, it’s packed with features you’d appreciate whether you’re an ‘80s kid or a young athlete setting pace on a 400-meter track.

The watch is equipped with a chronograph and has a timer to make sure you’re never late for practice. The retro charm on the dial is rekindled by the Indiglo backlight. For the unaware, INDIGLO (how it’s stylized) was developed by Timex in 1992 for the, yes, Ironman Triathlon. It is an electroluminescent blue-green night light onboard that allows a wearer to tell the time in low light conditions with the push of a button.

The large display of the Timex Retroware perpetually ticks with the power of a quartz digital movement inside, which is driven by a CR2025 battery under the hood. The watch is 50-meter water-resistant, so you can definitely take it for a light swim in the pool or to shower later. Don’t go deep diving with it or try and set the stopwatch underwater. If you’re interested, Timex offers the Retroware Digital watch in two colors, blue and green-gray, with matching resin straps for $149.

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This NASA-inspired Kojima Watch lets you wear Ludens’ futuristic vision on your wrist

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NASA-inspired timepieces have always been hot property for astronomy fanatics and watch collectors alike. The minimalist Nova Watch, geeky  NASA Artemis Watch 2.0, and the ultra-exclusive Amida watches prove it, all right. Now, Anicorn Watches has unveiled another space-themed creation that channels the spirit of interstellar exploration through its collaboration with Kojima Productions.

According to Anicorn, the timepiece captures the essence of Hideo Kojima’s iconic Ludens character. Conceived by the legendary artist Yoji Shinkawa, Ludens is imagined as an astronaut venturing into the digital universe, symbolizing the studio’s philosophy of exploring the unknown through creativity. Described by the watchmaker as a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, the Space Ludens transforms that futuristic vision into a collectible mechanical watch.

Designer: Anicorn Watches

The NASA “worm” logo serves as one of the defining visual elements, reinforcing the idea of “bringing fun into the unknown universe.” Housed in a 42 mm 316L stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the watch embraces an industrial aesthetic inspired by the Ludens EVA Creative Suit. Four exposed screws on the bezel echo the suit’s structural details, while the monochrome dial is accented with subtle futuristic graphics that stay true to Kojima Productions’ signature visual language. Super-LumiNova-coated hands and hour markers ensure the watch remains easy to read after dark without compromising its clean appearance.

Powering the Space Ludens is the dependable Miyota 8215 automatic movement with 21 jewels and a beat rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. A transparent exhibition caseback reveals the movement in action, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of the mechanics behind the design. The watch also offers 50-meter water resistance, making it practical enough for everyday wear despite its collector-focused appeal.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The timepiece comes paired with a durable black FKM rubber strap that complements the rugged case while providing a secure fit for daily use. Each watch is individually numbered and presented in custom collector packaging that celebrates the collaboration between Anicorn and Kojima Productions.

For enthusiasts seeking an even more exclusive offering, Anicorn also introduced the Space Ludens with Ludens Mask VIP edition limited to just 100 units. In addition to the watch, the premium set includes a detailed Ludens mask display piece presented in a collector-grade package, turning the release into a display-worthy tribute to one of gaming’s most recognizable creative icons. Priced at $1,540, the rare edition is without doubt “EVA Creative Suit on the wrist” for enthusiasts to own.

 

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Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad gives iconic square watch a helipad dial with a spinning helicopter

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A watchmaker who cannot have enough of aviation inspiration has launched a recognizable silhouette with a display that never stands still. Meet BR-03 Helipad, the latest Bell & Ross Flight Instrument timepiece that replaces the traditional hands on the dial with a helicopter hovering over a helipad. The only thing missing is the “whomp-whomp.”

Yes, that’s for real! For some it may be a surprise. But for the Bell & Ross community, it’s another iteration of the interesting BR-03 Horizon, which itself pushed aviation-inspired horology to the next level. Designed again to make you green in envy, the Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad “is especially extraordinary,” the company says. While it wears a very reminiscent set of features including an identical square-shaped case and those four screws on the four corners, the BR-03 Helipad is a different league altogether.

Designer: Bell & Ross

A horological interpretation that pays homage to the oft-overlooked part of aviation, the helicopter, the BR-03 Helipad is way beyond the aircraft cockpit dashboard instruments that most of the watch displays in the brand’s Flight Instrument series are inspired by. While each model in the series released before this has faithfully translated the aesthetic codes of the flight cockpit, this one puts an entire functional helicopter motif on a helipad-esque dial.

The new BR-03 Helipad, powered by an automatic BR-CAL.327 movement with a 54-hour power reserve, does follow the same DNA of the Flight Instrument series, but adds a new dimension to it, which is equally immersive and distinctive. To that accord, the Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad is a limited-edition pilot’s watch priced at $4,800. Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, the watch features a 41 mm case made from micro-blasted black ceramic, which keeps the timepiece lightweight and makes it durable.

The case is only 10.6 mm thick, packing a distinct dial under its sapphire crystal complete with an antireflective coating. The dial, as mentioned earlier, is styled after a helipad with a white “H” marker in the center. A helicopter can be seen hovering over the helipad, which sits inside a rotating disc with the hours marked on a yellow circle inside the chapter ring. The minutes are indicated by the rotating helicopter fuselage, while the spinning blades denote the seconds.

The hour markers and the yellow helipad outline coated with Super-LumiNova, for clear night visibility, mimic the nighttime landing scene on the dial. The BR-03 Helipad is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and comes with two interchangeable straps. One is a yellow rubber strap that matches the visual aesthetics of the watch, while the other is made from black synthetic fabric. The black ceramic caseback is pretty modest, it’s only etched with the details of the watch.

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C2H4 x G-Shock turns the iconic GA-2100 into retro-futuristic space age timepiece

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G-Shock is reminiscent of watches that keep you ahead of their time. This time, the collaboration between the Casio brand and Los Angeles-based streetwear label C2H2, however, takes you back. This is possible with the new retro-futuristic analog-digital watch inspired by the Space Age aesthetic. Based on the G-Shock GA-2100 (a timepiece that has already been through a rainbow of colorways), the C2H4 × G-Shock is a translucent resin model featuring a brushed silver dial with metallic silver detailing.

The collaboration model that appeared straight out of the 1960s was launched on the C2H4 website this past week, on July 17. The G-Shock is reasonably priced at $245; it features a dial that you would want to appreciate, even if you don’t want to own it. The dial matches the translucent resin casing with a brushed finish. But it is the metallic silver plating enhanced by vapor deposition here that makes this iteration of the C2H4 x G-Shock stand out.

Designer: C2H4

The basic idea of the C2H4 × G-Shock Vol. 2, which is the second model of the collaboration between the two brands, is pretty much similar to the previous model. Only that the retro-futuristic watch is now more metallic and angular. The metallic silver and blue watch is vintage-inspired and visually, a model pulled out of science fiction, thanks to its smoky translucent resin that’s apart from the blacked-out treatment in the previous offering.

Since the new C2H4 × G-Shock is based on the familiar design of the GA-2100, the new G-Shock GA-2100C2H426-8A arrives with the tagline “the future of design lies in the past.” The watch retains its inspiration’s shock resistance and is water resistant to 200m. The watch hands and hour markers are also provided with a refined metallic appearance with vapor deposition to match the watch details.

Like its base model, the collaboration model comes with 31-timezone world time, a 1/100-second stopwatch, five daily alarms, and a countdown timer. The watch features a double LED Super Illuminator and comes with a full auto-calendar. It can keep track of the date accurately through the year 2099. The translucent resin bezel and a matching strap reflect the usual CasiOak silhouette, with the metallic dial mimicking the Space Age aesthetic.

The watch is not a marvel on the front alone. Flipping it over reveals a caseback engraved with the Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport, which is one of the finest architectural examples of the Space Age design style. This retro-futuristic C2H4 × G-Shock comes in equally impressive packaging to entice collectors. A metallic silver and blue case has been designed to hold the watch. The case is shaped like a time capsule, which splits in half to reveal the G-Shock in its translucent appearance inside.

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This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius

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Something is intriguing about novelty clocks that refreshes the age-old timekeeping approach. The unique mechanism at the heart of these timepieces makes them desirable, especially for those who value time above all else. YouTuber soiboi soft from Germany loves working with pneumatic principles, creating some really interesting things never seen before.

This time around, the ingenious inventor has crafted an air-powered desk clock that works on the same principles of compressing air to control the display membrane. While that might sound a little too technical for some, the idea is to change the appearance on the surface of the flexible clock membrane to display the current time. That is simply cool, and who wouldn’t want to have this desk clock grace their geeky setup?

Designer: soiboi soft

Building the four-digit display of the Air Powered Segment Clock begins by crafting the custom parts using 3D printing. The next task is to carefully connect the vacuum lines to the complex mechanism so that it can pull the flexible membrane to create the dent representing the luminous bars, just like a digital clock. Even when the signal is turned off from the backend, the shape holds still until the next command to turn it off is initiated. As soon as the command to release the vacuum pressure is initiated, the membrane returns to its flat position.

The combination of these seven memory cells (as he calls them) forms a single digit representation. Based on the digit to be displayed, the memory cells are in an on or off position, thereby displaying the whole digit. This whole display array is a combination of four such digits, and based on the microcontroller programming and the complex software input, they magically suck-in to create the digit on the membrane. Dots in the middle appear every time a number is changed to represent the seconds, minutes, and hours.

The basic architecture of the Air Powered Segment Clock is similar to how a RAM functions, storing values in specific locations courtesy of the data and address lines.  When the hardware and software trickery to display the time come into unison, the DIY desk clock comes alive. Going a step further, the DIYer adds a stopwatch function to the clock, because why not? Frankly, this is one of the best DIY creations I’ve seen in a long time. I bet every one of you out there is wishing this project turns into a buyable novelty clock someday. Imagine adding this to your workstation, gaming setup, or simply sporting on the living room shelf!

The post This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius

Posted on by

Something is intriguing about novelty clocks that refreshes the age-old timekeeping approach. The unique mechanism at the heart of these timepieces makes them desirable, especially for those who value time above all else. YouTuber soiboi soft from Germany loves working with pneumatic principles, creating some really interesting things never seen before.

This time around, the ingenious inventor has crafted an air-powered desk clock that works on the same principles of compressing air to control the display membrane. While that might sound a little too technical for some, the idea is to change the appearance on the surface of the flexible clock membrane to display the current time. That is simply cool, and who wouldn’t want to have this desk clock grace their geeky setup?

Designer: soiboi soft

Building the four-digit display of the Air Powered Segment Clock begins by crafting the custom parts using 3D printing. The next task is to carefully connect the vacuum lines to the complex mechanism so that it can pull the flexible membrane to create the dent representing the luminous bars, just like a digital clock. Even when the signal is turned off from the backend, the shape holds still until the next command to turn it off is initiated. As soon as the command to release the vacuum pressure is initiated, the membrane returns to its flat position.

The combination of these seven memory cells (as he calls them) forms a single digit representation. Based on the digit to be displayed, the memory cells are in an on or off position, thereby displaying the whole digit. This whole display array is a combination of four such digits, and based on the microcontroller programming and the complex software input, they magically suck-in to create the digit on the membrane. Dots in the middle appear every time a number is changed to represent the seconds, minutes, and hours.

The basic architecture of the Air Powered Segment Clock is similar to how a RAM functions, storing values in specific locations courtesy of the data and address lines.  When the hardware and software trickery to display the time come into unison, the DIY desk clock comes alive. Going a step further, the DIYer adds a stopwatch function to the clock, because why not? Frankly, this is one of the best DIY creations I’ve seen in a long time. I bet every one of you out there is wishing this project turns into a buyable novelty clock someday. Imagine adding this to your workstation, gaming setup, or simply sporting on the living room shelf!

The post This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

adidas Originals’ Two Ring watch shrinks digital timekeeping into a minimalist retro-modern timepiece

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Smartphones have shrunk to the size of a wrist, and now smartwatches are beginning to appear on the fingers. Some of the better names in the industry have already tried ring watches. Casio did so with the Ring Watch CRW-001-1JR, and Timex collaborated with Beams on the Beams Boy x Timex Original Camper Ring Watch. Now it’s adidas Originals, which is expanding its athletic heritage to the jewelry and fashion industry with the new Digital Two Ring.

The timepiece is created under the Timex license, so in many ways, this miniature watch sits at the intersection of both brands’ identities. That partnership isn’t new, as Timex has long produced adidas timepieces, translating the sportswear giant’s aesthetic into accessible watches that balance function and street-ready styling.

Designer: adidas

What defines the Digital Two Ring is its intentional minimalism, which is to be worn on the ring. The interface strips away everything non-essential, focusing entirely on a highly legible digital display, punctuated only by the iconic Trefoil logo. There are no extra graphics or complications: just time, presented clearly. This clarity is amplified by the display layout, which is deliberately large and easy to read despite the compact form.

The design itself leans into a bold, industrial aesthetic. Built around a 20mm stainless steel case, the ring emphasizes a clean yet edgy metal texture that feels both contemporary and slightly retro. Despite its miniature proportions, it carries a surprising visual weight, giving it a strong sense of individuality. The absence of decorative elements further enhances its understated, almost architectural presence.

Functionally, the watch keeps things straightforward. It runs on a digital quartz movement and offers 3 ATM water resistance, enough for daily wear and light exposure, reinforcing its role as a practical yet style-forward accessory. The construction includes a stainless steel expansion band, designed to flex like a spring. This allows it to fit multiple fingers comfortably, starting from approximately size 11, while maintaining a secure, stress-free fit.

The Digital Two Ring arrives on April 17 in two metallic finishes that further position it as jewelry as much as a timepiece. The gold variant leans into statement styling, adding a subtle sense of luxury that pairs easily with other accessories. The silver version, on the other hand, offers a calmer, more understated tone, making it versatile enough for everyday wear across different outfits and occasions. The ring watch is expected to retail around the $125, placing it firmly in the accessible fashion accessory category rather than the high-end watch segment.

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