Tag Archives: Timepieces

ALTO’s ART 01 is a Gallery of Time on Your Wrist Where Art Meets Precision

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In the ticking heart of the watchmaking universe, a bold new contender named ALTO—short for ‘Art and Limited Time Objects’—strides forward, intent on redefining the very essence of timekeeping. Thibaud Guittard, the visionary behind this audacious enterprise, brings a resume that reads like a passionate love letter to horology. His creation, the ART 01, is beautiful timepiece that’s a defiant manifesto of artistic and mechanical rebellion. With this spectacular debut, Guittard is doing more than just dipping his toes into the waters of watch design. Consider him diving in headfirst, ready to disrupt the calm surface with waves of beauty and unprecedented style, where we’ve seen others play it safe. This launch marks ALTO’s commitment to blending of art with the precision of timekeeping in ways previously unimagined.

Designer: ALTO + Thibaud Guittard

Picture this: The ART 01 is a watch that tells a story, one of art, ambition, and audacity. With its angular, octagonal embrace, it whispers tales of Greek temples and brutalist skyscrapers, daring its wearer to dream differently about the seconds slipping by. In my eyes, art meeting precision on the wrist is a visual feast for the heart and soul with every glance. It’s an invitation to explore a masterpiece of movement and a revolution in the reading of time.

Speaking of movement, the ART 01 features a mechanical marvel, expertly crafted by Nussbaumer and the esteemed Cercle des Horlogers in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This innovative movement redefines tradition with its automatic micro-rotor caliber, which powers the watch through a counterclockwise motion—an audacious deviation from the usual clockwise routine. This unique twist isn’t just a display of exceptional craftsmanship but also a bold break from the conventional, inviting admiration through the watch’s transparent sapphire back. Here, the unique and elegant architecture of the A01 movement is fully visible, turning the act of checking the time into an experience of aesthetic appreciation.

ALTO ART 01: Movement

The ART 01’s titanium case blends durability with elegance. It feels as if ancient sculptors and modern architects collaborated to mold its shape. Inside, the unconventional A01 movement features a micro-rotor that uniquely spins against the norm. Observing its secondhand moving counter to the usual tick-tock is like listening to a punk rock anthem amid classical music—it turns every tick into a statement of artistry.

Drawing inspiration from Greek sculptures and architecture, the dial is an art piece set against a matte black lacquered brass backdrop. The slatted openings allow for a captivating interplay between light and shadow, paying homage to light, a key artistic inspiration for the timepiece. Each glance at the wrist becomes a personal ticket to an ever-present performance where time, the star, plays its role with both elegance and edge.

The ART 01 timepiece will be produced as a limited edition, with only 25 numbered examples available. Each watch is priced at 18,450 CHF (approximately $20,286 USD).

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The Octo Finissimo Sketch is a Masterpiece of Elegance Celebrating 140 Years

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As Bulgari commemorates its 140th anniversary, it introduces two distinguished Octo Finissimo Automatique BVL 138 Sketch editions that celebrate the brand’s legacy and propel it into the future with groundbreaking design concepts. These editions—each in rose gold and stainless steel—illustrate a sophisticated fusion of material excellence and design innovation.

Designer: Bulgari + Buonamassa Stigliani

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic BVL 138 Sketch in rose gold

The rose gold model, reference 104165, features a luxurious 40mm case that is impressively thin at only 5.5mm, thanks to the ultra-slim profile of the BVL 138 movement. This case offers both a sapphire case back and front, revealing the inner workings of the automatic BVL 138 caliber. This movement is just 2.23mm thick, with a diameter of 36.6mm, and equipped with 36 jewels. It includes a platinum micro-rotor, a small seconds feature positioned at 7:30, and a 60-hour power reserve. The artistic gold dial beneath a lacquered finish enhances both its depth and visual impact, and the dial itself presents technical illustrations that mimic a skeletonized view, lending a sophisticated illusion of depth. This model’s rose gold bracelet, complete with a folding clasp, mirrors the case, reinforcing the watch’s elegance.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic BVL 138 Sketch in rose gold

Conversely, the stainless steel model, reference 104163, offers a sleek, contemporary option. It shares the same 40mm size and a thin 5.5mm profile with a sapphire case back and front, showcasing the precision of the automatic BVL 138 caliber. The dial, finished in silver lacquer, acts as a shimmering canvas that reflects the mechanical beauty it encases. The stainless steel bracelet, secured by a durable folding clasp, enhances its modern appeal. Like its rose gold counterpart, it boasts a 60-hour power reserve and robust 100-meter water resistance, ensuring reliability and functionality.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch

The dials of both models highlight Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s creative expertise. Each stroke and sketch brings the technical elements of the watch to life with spontaneity and artistic precision. These elements bridge traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistry, highlighted by the trompe l’oeil effect that gives each dial a three-dimensional look despite its flat surface.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch

In addition to the two remarkable editions, Bulgari introduces a third variant limited to 140 pieces: the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch (Ref. 104192). This model is molded in stainless steel, features a chronograph and GMT function, and incorporates the same innovative sketch-style dial. It showcases a 30-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a second-time zone display at 3 o’clock, making it a standout piece for global travelers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT BVL 318 Sketch

This approach illustrates Bulgari’s innovative spirit and aligns with its heritage. It uses color schemes that enhance each model’s distinctiveness—the rose gold’s warm tones enhance its refined elegance, and the cooler tones in the stainless steel accentuate a more urban, modern aesthetic. Each design choice ensures that the dials are integral to the watch’s identity, reflecting a blend of avant-garde design and traditional watchmaking.

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3-Minute Cup Noodles Timer Is Powered by the Noodles’ Weight

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Because trying to count to 180 myself requires patience I don’t have, KARAKURI constructed a 3D printed 3-minute Cup Noodles timer that is powered by the weight of the meal, slowly lowering the cup to the table’s surface over the course of three minutes. That’s ingenious. Me? I usually lose track of counting after a minute and eat my noodles extra al dente.

The video includes the original 3D computer design from which it was made, as well as all the 3D printed pieces being carefully assembled. Careful assembly – that’s important, especially when you’re dealing with such small, fragile pieces. You can’t just smack everything with a hammer and expect it to work. Or at least that’s what my watchmaking mentor told me after several unsuccessful repair attempts.

I haven’t been eating nearly as many Cup Noodles as I used to because I’m trying to watch my sodium intake, but I basically lived on them in college. And after college. Really, right up until my doctor said I needed to watch my sodium intake a few weeks ago.

The Moving Mechanics Unveils Time Machine SOLARIS: A Kinetic Ode to the Fourth Dimension

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According to Einstein’s theories, understanding one’s position in the universe requires acknowledging not only the three spatial dimensions—length, width, and height—but also the fourth dimension: time. Time, in this context, isn’t merely a linear progression but an intricate dance with the cosmos. It’s an element that influences our perception of reality and, in the words of Albert Einstein, demands consideration in both space and time.

In the pursuit of transcending the mundane ticking of standard clocks, The Moving Mechanics Company introduces a new marvel to its collection of time machines. November 2023 marks the unveiling of the Time Machine SOLARIS, a creation that transcends the boundaries of conventional time-telling and introduces a poetic element to the passage of hours.

Designer: Florian Schlumpf

The brainchild of Florian Schlumpf, The Moving Mechanics Company weaves a whimsical and mechanical language into its kinetic masterpieces. Schlumpf, drawing inspiration from sculpture, mechanical engineering, and his passion for cycling, first captured the world’s attention in 2014 with the release of the TM1 at BaselWorld. Since then, the company’s creations have continued to provoke contemplation on humanity’s intricate relationship with time.

Named after the Latin word for sun, the TM Solaris pays homage to the powerful celestial body that guides our days. This timepiece stands out with its elaborate layers of golden wheels and orbiting components, resembling the structure of a planetary system. Crafted from aluminum and adorned with an anodized black and gold finish, the SOLARIS adds a touch of opulence and visual intricacy to any interior space.

At the core of the TM Solaris’s mesmerizing display are 36 wheels that work together to create a symphony of motion. These wheels, meticulously engineered, bring to life an intricate system of patterned gear teeth and spokes, propelling the timepiece over its midnight foundation. Three distinct metal rings elegantly denote the progression of seconds, minutes, and hours, turning time into a visual and auditory experience.

The TM Solaris stands as a sophisticated timekeeping work of art, measuring 700 x 700 x 110 mm. This timepiece, weighing 9kg, can either stand independently or be wall-mounted, offering versatility in its display. The clockwork operates on a 12V synchronous micromotor, driving the 36 wheels that power the intricate movements. The material composition of black and gold anodized aluminum further enhances the aesthetic appeal of this captivating time machine.

As The Moving Mechanics Company continues to redefine the boundaries of time-telling, the TM Solaris stands as a testament to the marriage of art and engineering, inviting observers to transcend the conventional and contemplate the fourth dimension in all its poetic glory.

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This striking mechanical watch is a fusion of modern design and ancient Egyptian mysticism

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Some things seem to inspire awe and marvel just by their very nature, probably because of their sophisticated appearances or their otherworldly concepts. This list of things ranges from the mundane to the mystical, from the intricate machinery behind mechanical watches on one end to myths and legends of ancient cultures on the other. In most cases, these two opposite ends of the spectrum don’t exactly mix, except perhaps in some fictional setting. But when they do mix, they create a visual experience like no other, generating a unique aesthetic that enhances the sense of mystery and wonder behind ancient symbols and civilizations, just like this one-of-a-kind timepiece that feels like it’s calling forth the power of the gods to expose the mystery behind time, turning each tick and movement into a magical moment.

Designer: Jason Jiang

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $269 (26% off). Hurry, only 3 left!

If you’re in any way familiar with fictional stories involving treasure hunters who try to unlock ancient mysteries, you might have imagined or even seen how those long-forgotten sites would sometimes have mechanisms that seemed far too advanced for their ancient cultures. It’s this combination of mechanical marvels and ancient mysteries that has always captured the fancy of people for ages. It doesn’t matter if they’re historically inaccurate, it’s the power of story-telling that inspires and elevates the mind, almost like gazing at another plane of existence.

Triangle Seconds Hand – It resembles the Eye of Horus, an emblem of protection, luck and rejuvenation drawn from ancient Egyptian mythology.

It’s this kind of potent imagery that the Eye of Horus watch from the CIGA Design X Series tries to harness, blending Egyptian mythology and modern craftsmanship into a mesmerizing timepiece. The Eye of Horus has always enjoyed a special place in ancient Egypt and contemporary symbolism, representing power, luck, and rejuvenation, among other things. Embedded inside a triangle that also serves as the seconds hand, this powerful symbol becomes the visual and spiritual center of the watch, creating an air of mystery and spirituality, regardless of your beliefs.

Majestic Obsidian Crown – A unique and powerful symbol of transformation and healing properties.

Luminescent Glow – Makes the hands and indices glow mystic green bringing the Eye of Horus to life in the dark, and the diamond cuts on the dial offer a reflective shine from all angles in the light.

The watch’s back-to-front transparent design accentuates the timepiece’s otherworldly character, giving a 360-degree view of all the intricate machinery for everyone to see. The X-shaped skeleton perfectly complements the Eye of Horus, providing not only structural stability but also a path to guide the eyes towards the center of the watch where the mystical Eye sits. The black case, strap, and obsidian crown seemingly fade into the background, making the sophisticated machinery and design really pop out. Luminous green elements in the hands, scales, and the Eye give off an eerie glow that not only emphasizes the otherworldly character of the watch but also makes it effortless to tell the time in the dark.

Precision Crafted Automatic Movement

Of course, the Eye of Horus watch isn’t just a work of art, it’s also a reliable timekeeper as well with a movement frequency of 21,600 times per hour. The automatic mechanical movement offers long-lasting precision, thanks to CIGA Design’s first-ever custom-created Caliber CD 01 Movement that deviates for as low as 15 seconds every 24 hours and boasts a reserve power of approximately 40 hours. As a member of the X series, it incorporates a self-finding movement that recharges automatically as you wear it. Even with this kind of precision, the Eye of Hours barely makes a sound, but hold it close to your ear and listen closely to hear the mechanical song it creates deep within.

All those intricate components are housed inside a bioceramic frame, a material famed for its lightweight durability, and topped by a heat-hardened mineral glass that can easily withstand scratches and accidental bumps and drops. The skin-friendly silicone strap brings unparalleled comfort and durability, combining practicality and style in perfect harmony. And with a 3 ATM water resistance, the Eye of Horus can stand the passage of time and the wear and tear of daily life, achieving near-immortality like the Egyptian deity it is named after.

The watch’s exquisite mechanics are available in three color options of Black, Silver, and Rose Gold, letting you chose the style that best suits your tastes. With a body that’s only 47.3 x 48.0 12.1 mm small (without the crown) and weighing only 67.4g (with the 20mm strap), it feels as if it’s simply gently resting on your wrist. Timeless both in function and form, the CIGA Design X Series Eye of Horus watch lets you tell your hero’s story through a stunning timepiece that harnesses the power of myths and design.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $269 (26% off). Hurry, only 3 left!

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This ultra-minimalist watch teaches you the importance of time by not telling the time

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Some objects are defined by the function they provide. A phone wouldn’t be a phone if you can’t communicate using it, and a watch or a clock makes no sense if it doesn’t tell the time. While these products provide important functionality, but they can also be detrimental to one’s mental health when they become sources of distraction and stress. It might sound odd how a watch can actually be harmful, but our obsession with time and busyness ironically makes us less appreciative of this critical finite resource. This simple yet attractive timepiece tries to rewire your brain by making you feel time rather than see it, teaching you to be mindful of the present moment rather than fretting over every second or minute that passes by.

Designer: Mads Hindhede Svanegaard

Click Here to Buy Now: $182 $222 (18% off). Hurry, only 37/150 left! Raised over $90,000.

People today are obsessed with time, running from one schedule to the next, yet ironically seem to lose time anyway. More often than not, the problem isn’t just about time management but actually being aware and mindful of your time, particularly the present time. As if regular watches weren’t enough to make you always conscious of the time, smartwatches bring even more ways to distract you or feed into your time obsession. The STUND timepiece is a counter-movement to this time-focused productivity trend, reminding us that it isn’t about being on time but about being in time, and it does that by removing everything that tells you the current time.

Sends out a smooth vibrating pulse.

It makes you feel the constant flow of time and aware of the present moment.

Select 1 of 4 time cycles you want to experience.

Calling the STUND a watch might be a bit of a misnomer in that sense, but it still keeps track of time in a completely different way. At fixed intervals of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on your preference, STUND will send gentle pulses to your wrist, calling your attention back to the present. When repeated enough times, you start to develop your “mindfulness muscles” so that you become more aware of where you’ve been spending the last minutes or hours, whether it’s mindlessly scrolling on your phone or actually getting important things done.

You might think it odd to wear a timepiece that doesn’t tell the time, but the STUND is fortunately something you’d be proud to put on your wrist. Machined from a single block of high-grade 316 stainless steel, the timepiece is designed to not only last the test of time (no pun intended) but to also lead and amplify the vibrations from the chassis to your wrist, creating a comfortable nudge when it comes time to immerse yourself in the present moment again. The leather straps, be they genuine or vegan, perfectly complement the hand-polished mirror finish of the “watch,” making the STUND a stunning example of Danish craftsmanship.

Whether you’re drowning from the busyness of life or feel like you’re always losing track of time, you’ll need a better strategy to not only survive but also reclaim your life. You don’t really need volumes of self-help books or expensive subscriptions to meditation services when all you need is to remember to stand in the present, fully mindful and aware of this one particular point in time. The STUND timepiece brings a simple yet effective tool to develop that mindfulness muscle, while also putting an elegant and stylish accessory on your wrist so you won’t miss your stress-inducing watch at all.

Click Here to Buy Now: $182 $222 (18% off). Hurry, only 37/150 left! Raised over $90,000.

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