When you look at it, you get the feeling you’re gazing at an audio device or something similar. The face, visible through the warm gray glass, has a nostalgic warmth even within its modernity. The large, barely-noticeable curve on the side profile of the case, which avoids a bulky look, and the coarse sand-blast specification on the case top together succeed in preventing the digital-leaning design from appearing cold.
As a style befitting the new technology of a radio-controlled watch, and as a style targeting young people, this direction was likely chosen. Although it is a watch, it is not designed in a typical watch-like manner, and perhaps because of that, even though it was released 18 years ago, it still doesn’t look outdated. It teaches us the importance of always maintaining a broad perspective, looking at various products from a design viewpoint, and surveying the world of watch design from above—not just within the watch world.
Born from the search for a marriage between the designer’s individuality and the worldview aimed for by the ALTERNA series, this is a style that intentionally deviates from the ordinary. That is the true charm of this watch.
A case like a TV screen using smoked glass. Black printing is applied to the outer edge of the glass, making it look like a frameless structure.
The cylinder-curved glass protrudes in a rounded way.
All printing on the dial, the back of the glass, and the hands is done in white, which turns ivory when viewed through the colored glass.
The unique, angular font creates a retro atmosphere. The function indicators also feature playful, distinctive graphics.
The leather strap is uniquely crafted, showing a clear attention to detail.
It seems this model looks best when not angled on more than two axes. If its appeal is that it doesn’t look like a typical watch, that makes sense.
The use of colored glass and a rather strong sand-blast finish on the case are new forms of expression. You could say it’s a style that challenges the viewer’s concept of what a watch is.