Tag Archives: Timepieces

Animated LED Super Mario Bros. Clock: The Time is 1-Up

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Crafted by software engineer and Instructables user jnthas, this Super Mario Bros. animated LED clock features Mario jumping up to hit a question block to change the displayed time. How clever is that? Very clever – the answer is very clever. Far more clever than any clock I could ever come up with. Stupid raindial, what was I thinking?!

The clock consists of an ESP32 Dev Board, 64×64 RGB LED Matrix, some firmware, and a 5V power supply, all of which were purchased off AliExpress. You just slap all the parts together, and presto… nothing’s happening. Maybe you don’t just slap them all together as I had anticipated. There might be more steps.

If you want to build your own, you can follow jnthas’s Instructable, which is apparently well written and descriptive enough that multiple people have already replicated the project. Me not being one of them, just so we’re clear. Can somebody make one for me?

TAG Heuer Monaco brings back a beautifully sinister classic timepiece

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This is one Dark Lord that fans of watches and racing will be glad to see make a modern comeback.

Luxury watches are often designed to exude an air of sophistication and class. In contrast, Sports watches, especially those inspired by race cars, have a distinct character of power and speed, much like the vehicles they’re patterned after. Somewhere in the middle lies a few exceptional timepieces that have made history thanks to their unconventional design and stunning looks. The 1974 Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” is one such hot item, projecting an ominous and fierce visage back in the days when watches looked more luxurious and tame. To mark the end of the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, TAG Heuer is reviving the Dark Lord, bringing the iconic look to the modern age with a few embellishments that easily sets it apart from the last time it set foot in this mortal realm.

Designer: TAG Heuer

The Monaco “Dark Lord” and its square body was already head-turners back in the days, becoming associated forever with motor racing. Its mostly black motif and devilishly handsome looks were also outliers during that era, cementing its position as one of the brand’s most iconic designs. Nearly half a century later, TAG Heuer saw it fit to bring the Monaco back into fashion, but rather than a simple revival, the luxury marque gives the Dark Lord a more modern appearance that, somewhat ironically, also gives it a less menacing face.

In a way, this 2022 Monaco is darker and blacker than before, encased in a sandblasted matte black DLC-coated Grade 2 Titanium body. Unlike its predecessor, however, the finishing extends to the crown, which still bears the TAG Heuer insignia, as well as to the two wedge-shaped buttons that flank it. A matte black alligator leather strap and matching black DLC titanium folding clasps complete the watch’s brooding facade.

Contrasting with this dark but dashing theme and providing a pinch of comforting color, TAG Heuer opted to use 5N rose gold plated handsets that stand out against the pitch-black main dial surface. The faceted indices share the same material and, unlike the 1974 Monaco, radiate outward rather than pointing inward. Together with the square chronograph and small-seconds subdial, this creates a more welcoming face, almost like an icon of the sun, which seems diametrically opposed to the watch’s “Dark Lord” moniker.

Flipping the watch over reveals even more of these contrasting design elements. The sapphire display window on the caseback reveals what makes the watch tick, TAG Heuer’s Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic chronograph movement. Highlighting this mechanism is the 5N rose gold signature wheel, which contrasts with the rest of the movement’s more mundane finish. Despite that window, the watch retains its 100-meter water resistance.

The TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord” is a blast from the past, bringing back a moody yet striking design while adding a few elements of luxury more fitting a 2022 model. It doesn’t deviate significantly from the original in terms of broad strokes, but where it differs, TAG Heuer’s changes might invite a bit of discontent from long-time fans of the design. Thanks to the limitations of its period, the 1974 Monaco was available in very limited supply, but there doesn’t seem to be such restrictions with the new Dark Lord this time around. Presuming, of course, you have the funds to afford its unsurprisingly steep price.

The post TAG Heuer Monaco brings back a beautifully sinister classic timepiece first appeared on Yanko Design.

$120,000 Boba Fett Watch Costs One Serious Bounty

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Inspired by everyone’s first or second favorite bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe (depending on whether you prefer the Mandalorian or are a weirdo and favor Greedo), Kross Studio has created this $120,000 Boba Fett-themed watch. Boba’s Slave One starship is featured in the center of the tourbillon and slowly rotates, while the hour hand features a tiny replica of his Z-6 jetpack, and the minute hand is the jetpack’s rocket-firing missile.

The watch is a limited edition of only ten pieces, each of which took 220 parts and 90 hours to construct. For reference, that’s $545.45 per watch part or $1,333.33 per hour of construction. So it’s ridiculously expensive no matter how you look at it. But it does come with three interchangeable watch bands and a collector’s case made from the same mold as the model used in The Empire Strikes Back, which totally makes up for it.

Sure, there are a lot of different ways to spend $120,000. But is there any better way than on a luxury Boba Fett watch? I suppose that depends on who you ask. But if you ask me, there isn’t. Of course, I also spent last month’s rent on a LEGO Transformer, so I might not exactly be the voice of reason.

[via Nerdist]

Solgaard Shoreline watch has a powerful story behind its minimalist face

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Watches are often displayed as complicated objects, whether they’re the tech-laden smartwatches that are starting to become more common these days or the exquisitely beautiful mechanical watches that continue to enamor horologists and collectors. It’s against this backdrop that a few minimalist timepieces have popped up here and there as a sort of counter-movement to extravagances in design. Many of these minimalist watches stop at that, however, content with presenting a clean and beautiful product on the surface. Those, however, don’t change anything but their appearance, offering no lasting impact on the planet. That is the indifference that Solgaard is fighting against with a minimalist watch that is not only visually striking but is also helping save our oceans.

Designer: Solgaard

As far as appearances go, the Solgaard Shoreline is clearly not your run-of-the-mill watch. Eschewing the typical circle and square shapes of watches, this timepiece embraces more lines and angles with its hexagonal form. Only a single object juts out of the otherwise unbroken body of the watch, a ridged crown that shares the same hexagon shape as the watch’s body.

The entire watch shares the same ocean-themed color throughout, from the watch body to the strap to the crown. The watch face has a slightly lighter hue to make it a bit easier to see the watch’s hands. That said, instant visibility might be a problem because of that aspect. That’s where the choice of a hexagon comes in. It wasn’t made on a whim and is supposed to make it easier to tell the time at a glance because of the six corners and six sides that divide the surface into 12 hours. As long as you can discern where the hands are pointing in general, you’ll be able to tell the time with no difficulty.

What makes the Shoreline watch special is something that you can’t exactly see. The accessory looks like it’s made from plastic, and that isn’t far from the truth. Instead of regular plastic, however, the company uses a new material it calls Shore-Plast, which is made from recycled ocean-bound plastic collected from beaches and riverways. The strap, on the other hand, is made from naturally biodegradable silicone, so almost all parts of the watch are made from sustainable materials.

The Solgaard Shoreline isn’t all just looks and recycled materials, of course, and boasts of a premium Miyota three-hand quartz movement and waterproof for up to 165ft. The company is so confident about the quality of its watches, despite the stereotype around recycled materials, that it says that the Shoreline is guaranteed for ten years. The most important part about it, however, is how each watch is said to prevent as many as 229 plastic bottles from polluting the ocean, making the watch more than just a fashion statement but also a lifestyle choice, helping people do a small but important part in saving the environment while looking good at the same time.

The post Solgaard Shoreline watch has a powerful story behind its minimalist face first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bulova Computron D-CAVE watch mashes gaming and NFT in a classic LED timepiece

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Digital watches might be sundry and common these days, but they were quite revolutionary back in the 70s, especially during the LED craze. Although it definitely eschewed conventional digital watch designs, Bulova’s Computron was so beautifully quirky in its mix of luxury and technology that it became an icon of its time. We are at the cusp of another major shift in technologies and product designs, and Bulova wants to again be at the forefront of this “phygital” revolution with a special version of the Computron, now with a hand inside the Metaverse jar.

Designer: Bulova

The original Computron itself, as well as its more recent “Re-Edition,” is already a thing of beauty. Designed with an unconventional trapezoidal body, the watch’s unique shape allows wearers to see the time without having to twist their wrists. That is why it has earned the nickname “drivers’ watch” and has since then been unparalleled in that design.

Bulova is now bringing the Computron back with a twist that tries to appeal to a very different crowd. Inspired by gaming aesthetics, the Computron D-CAVE edition watch sports a black stainless steel case with black silicone straps and luminous green highlights that match the watch’s green LED time display. It’s a design that would call to mind gaming brands like Razer and Alienware, which is probably what Bulova and D-CAVE were aiming for.

More interesting, however, is the special edition of the watch that has a mineral crystal case top serving as a window into the watch’s internals. This special edition also comes with an NFT drop that will let buyers wear a digital version of the watch in the Decentraland Metaverse platform. This special edition is still marked as coming soon, but you can already buy the regular “Iconic Edition” for $450 or cryptocurrencies just to complete the circle.

Curiously, Bulova sees the Computron D-CAVE as an entry into a new way of living, putting down its stake in the Metaverse. It positions its first-ever “phygital” product as a representation of how the physical world will integrate with digital life. Bulova naturally also sees the Metaverse as an opportunity to express love for certain brands in the digital realm, like a certain watchmaker’s iconic classic timepiece turned gamer’s lifestyle product.

The post Bulova Computron D-CAVE watch mashes gaming and NFT in a classic LED timepiece first appeared on Yanko Design.

$1.5-Million Bugatti Chiron Watch Has a Tiny Functional W16 Engine Inside

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Meticulously crafted by jeweler and watchmaker Jacob & Co, the Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal watch costs $1.5-million and features a tiny replica of a Bugatti W16 engine inside, complete with 16 moving pistons. The watch took over a year to build and features a 51-jewel movement and 578 handmade and decorated pieces in total, almost all of which are visible through the translucent case. I can’t help but feel like it belongs in a museum.

What a thing of beauty. You really have to watch the video to fully appreciate just how finely crafted this thing is. Of course, for $1.5-million, it better be. Me? I wear a cheap $49 watch, but it does function as a TV remote as well. Which, I’ve since found out, is a great way to get kicked out of bars during football games.

How awesome would it feel to wear this watch? I bet it would feel amazing. Partially because the watch is so cool, but mostly because you’re so rich you can afford a $1.5 million watch to go with your $3 million sports car. That’s a life I can hardly imagine but daydream about twice a month when I’m spending my whole paycheck on lottery tickets.

[via TechEBlog]

Kross Studio’s Batman watch with massive central tourbillon is a striking tribute to the caped crusader

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Whether you’d like Death Star on the wrist or want a ticking batmobile on your desk, Kross Studio has a timepiece for your liking. You may have to give up your life’s savings (and maybe a kidney) to own one, but that’s a different story. As far as design and creativity in horology are concerned; this young watchmaker will leave a collector floored. If you don’t find that convincing, spare a thought for the studio’s new Batman Tourbillon watch!

Kross Studio is only a couple of years old but the boutique Swiss watchmaker has already made a mark for itself with its pop-culture-inspired timepieces. Extending its domain presence, Batman Tourbillon has been launched for a breath-taking price tag of $100,000. The flamboyant watch is designed in commemoration of the upcoming Warner Bros.’ The Batman movie, to hit the theatres early next month.

Designer: Kross Studio

This strictly limited (only 10 examples will be made) Batman Tourbillion features a 45mm black DLC-coated titanium case worthy of every caped crusader fan who has a hundred thousand dollars to spare for the souvenir. The watch continues with the brand’s signature central tourbillion and planetary hand design, which has been a regular in all its pop-culture-inspired watches in the past. The large central tourbillon is the highlight of the Batman watch but even more intriguing here is the Bat-Signal on a caged structure of this complication.

The timepiece may look pretty similar to the brand’s previous creations, but this one begs to differ a little in the presentation of the crown. The Batman watch does away with the traditional crown and replaces it with a pusher at 3 o’clock that sits flush with the case. The dial is graced with a darker theme, as expected. It features applied oval indices and raised outer chapter ring which adds to the watch’s distinctiveness. The dark gray dial is accentuated with red Arabic numerals and a triangular V-shaped indicator to depict the time.

Batman Tourbillion watch measures 20mm thick with the domed sapphire curving down to the display caseback. Inside resides the in-house KS 7001 hand-wound tourbillon movement that provides a power reserve of 120 hours. The watch is not really apt for the outdoorsy, so if you happen to wear it around the poolside beware, it’s only rated at 30 meters of water resistance. Other than the water resistance, the tourbillon is drop-dead gorgeous, but if you’re impressed only with immaculate packaging, Kross Studio has you covered in this department as well. The Batman Tourbillon watch is provided in a functional Bat-Signal spotlight box equipped with a 15-watt lamp. Deep-pocketed Batman superfans should be sold by now!

The post Kross Studio’s Batman watch with massive central tourbillon is a striking tribute to the caped crusader first appeared on Yanko Design.

TIE Fighter Kinetic Watch Winder: Use The Force, Luke

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Do you own a fancy watch that’s powered solely by the movement of your wrist as you wear it? But are you not always wearing it and need an automatic watch winder to keep it powered and accurate? Are you a huge Star Wars fan? And RICH? Enter the TIE Advanced x1 Watch Winder from Kross Studio, a watch winder in the form of Darth Vader’s fighter during the attack on the Death Star.

The black anodized aluminum watch winder, released after the Studio’s $150,000 Death Star Tourbillon watch, uses an infrared sensor to detect the presence of a watch and begin winding, with replaceable batteries powering the unit for up to two years. It costs $2,500, which is just a drop in the bucket for somebody who just spent $150,000 on a watch. Honestly, that watch should probably come with one of these winders free of charge.

Rich people, am I right? I still wear the same Casio calculator watch I’ve had since high school that I wasn’t allowed to wear during math tests. “You know, you won’t always have a calculator in your pocket to help you in the future,” I remember Mrs. McKay being completely wrong about just before the release of smartphones.

[via Werd]

Geek Builds Electronic Counter to Count to a Googol (1 Followed by a Hundred 0’s)

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Think a billion is a big number? Well by most comparisons it certainly is, but a googol (10¹⁰⁰) is so astronomically large that it contains 10⁹¹ number of billions. But did its ridiculously large size stop YouTuber Look Mum No Computer (aka Sam Battle) from building an electronic counter to try to count to it? It did not. Honestly, I can’t even wrap my head around the size of a number that large. Although to be fair my head isn’t very pliable, and my wife often argues it’s hard.

Sam tried to build the counter with “as much redundancy, durability, repairability, and upgradability as possible,” with the intention of keeping it running his entire life. Which, provided he lives a long healthy one, he estimates will end around when the 14th numeral from the bottom right has changed. For reference, the total number of grains of sand on earth is around the 22nd numeral, and Carl Sagan’s estimate for the total number of elementary particles in the universe is around the 80th. Oh cool, my brain just exploded.

The farthest left digit on the third row from the bottom will tick over once every 100-million years or so, and Sam admits that by the time the counter would ever reach a googol our sun will have long exhausted its supply of energy, his machine forgotten. Eventually, it will be discovered by Jawas, who will salvage the machine for parts to repair stolen droids or sell at their next swamp meet. And that, at least for me, is a very comforting feeling.

[via BoingBoing]

This 1989 Batmobile Desk Clock Costs $30,000

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Switzerland based design firm Kross Studio has teamed up with Warner Bros. to create this 1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio Desk Clock. Limited to 100 pieces, the desk clock costs a staggering $29,900. Even already knowing how much it cost I couldn’t stop myself from doing another spit-take as I typed that.

The timepiece, modeled after the Batmobile in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman movie, consists of 512 individual components, with 115 making up the Batmobile’s body and 397 in the clock’s movement. For reference, a traditional mechanical movement is typically only around 130 components. This is 267 more components! What do all those extra components do? Can it time travel? We may never know because we don’t have $29,900 to spend on a fancy Batmobile desk clock that may or may not be able to time travel.

When I last checked the purchase page there were only nine Batmobiles left. That means they’ve already sold 91 of them – $2,720,900 worth! Clearly, we’re in the wrong business. Now, let’s launch a Kickstarter for a $35,000 1989 Batwing wall clock.