New Zodiac Sea Dragon Automatic Watches - Flawless Vintage Reissue
Published: August 18,
2014 | 14:58
Limited Vintage Reissue
New Zodiac Sea Dragon Swiss Automatic
We love vintage! It's the root of Watchismo's existence. It's so rare to find a vintage reissue that isn't just 'inspired' by the past, but rather dedicated to replicating it. And we've seen some pretty convincing vintage reissues by other brands - but Zodiac hit the nail on the head with this new Sea Dragon Automatic collection. It's perfect and carries all the undefinable distinctions a vintage watch possesses - whether it's an unusual color combination, unique brushing of steel or a sculptural flair to the case that watchmakers just don't execute these days...
Summed up, this watch has it all and there are very few to go around...
Admired as one of the most legendary collections in the ZODIAC portfolio, the Sea Dragon represents the heroic spirit of the brand’s beginning. This fresh interpretation of the original features a classic retro case of proportion and simplicity, with colored dial options and a Swiss Made automatic movement. Available with either a genuine leather strap, Sea Dragon stands as the spirit of ZODIAC’s past and the ambassador for its future.
Meet The XERISCOPE Watch from XERIC Watches on Kickstarter
Published: November 19,
2013 | 14:01
XERISCOPE: The Orbiting Mechanical Automatic Watch by XERIC
XERIC Watches: Stop strangers in their tracks with an unusual mechanical time machine beating on your wrist. Meet the XERISCOPE. Xeriscope Campaign on Kickstarter
For years, my brother and I combed the globe to bring the world’s most interesting watches to our customers at Watchismo.com. Our work identified a glaring gap in the watch market – the need for a very cool & affordable mechanical watch – at a time when we were eager to act on our longstanding dream to create something that had not been done by anyone else. Together with our team, we designed the first collection of XERIC timepieces. Take a look and you’ll see why XERISCOPE watches by XERIC will stop strangers in their tracks for a glance at your wrist:
The Fully-exposed, mechanical movement that is the display: Enjoy viewing the machine on BOTH sides of the watch and reading the time via the movement itself.
Unique double-sided minute hand lives nearby, alongside a second timezone display and a power reserve meter that lets you know it’s time to keep moving.
Five colorways in a timeless-yet-modern design to suit any style and proudly pass along to the next generation.
A limited edition of 100 individually numbered watches per style for the early backers of our Kickstarter campaign.
Automatically recharges itself with the motion of your daily life: No batteries needed. Ever.
How did we finally make Mechanical an affordable reality? We are a slim company, and don’t have a lot of red tape and added costs. Yet we do have a great deal of experience with watches that informed the design of a piece that would look as exceptional today as it will in a hundred years. Finally, we found a way to produce our creation at an artisanal scale… and we hope to keep it that way because our customers care to have the most unusual watch in the room.
We value Kickstarter as a way to reach those who share our dream of making Mechanical affordable now to the visionary and stylish people who care about them.
Know anyone who plans to leave their smart watch to their kids? Neither do we. Let’s not plan for obsolescence. Let’s be a part of something that was perfect to begin with, and only gets better with time. Join us by making XERISCOPE watches a timeless reality.
ABOUT WATCHISMO
Watchismo.com is carefully curated watch collection by brothers Mitch & Andrew Greenblatt, modern horological enthusiasts with a passion for unique timepieces. Purveyors of wrist-borne time machines since 1999, Watchismo is a singular source for unusual modern watches from around the world.
Mitch and Andrew founded XERIC Watches to bring complex, mechanical timepieces like the XERISCOPE collection to a broad cross-section of watch enthusiasts who dream of an affordable Mechanical. Together, the brothers have carefully curated the exceptional collection at Watchismo, which since 1999 has been a singular source for unique modern watches from around the world. XERIC Watches represents a natural progression of the business: from Curators to Creators of designs that reflect their experience, knowledge and passion for the truly unusual.
THE GENESIS of XERIC
2009: While living in Switzerland four years ago, Mitch began doodling rough concepts for very unusual watch designs and discussing an action plan with Andrew. The brothers agreed that the watch market was riddled with extravagant watches but held a gaping hole that they could attempt to fill, if only there were a way to make an excellent mechanical watch for an accessible price.
2010: They began connecting with watchmakers in Switzerland while attending the annual Baselworld watch expo. Mitch moved home to Brooklyn, NY, and then to the San Francisco Bay area, so that the brothers at last could work side by side.
2011-2012: With feedback from their discussions with manufacturers, Mitch and Andy refined their designs and decided to name their creations after Xeric Court, the street they grew up on. Their field research continued to highlight the enthusiasm for mechanical watches among a stylish, tech-appreciative crowd that was priced out of the typical high-end Mechanicals. All they needed to complete the XERIC team was a visionary, in-house watch designer with extensive experience in every aspect of the production gauntlet.
2013: The brothers hired Danny to help finalize the XERISCOPE design and navigate the production process, knowing he’s succeeded with similar projects for other watchmakers. The team knew they had the right movement for the XERSISCOPE and a design that would celebrate every detail of mechanical timekeeping: the watch case would need to be open on both sides and the hour hand would be a direct extension of the mechanism. Andrew, Mitch and Danny developed five distinct colorways, packaging elements and a fulfillment timeline, applying their years of experience as watch authorities, designers, distributors and retailers.
The team identified a manufacturing partner with 30 years in the watch industry, with whom they created and tweaked several waves of prototypes before finalizing the fully-viable XERISCOPE prototype. Upon full funding, production will immediately begin for 100 first-edition pieces in each of the five colorways.
All they needed to bring the XERSISCOPE to life was involvement from fellow enthusiasts for timeless thinking, in order to attract those with the same appetite for an affordable Mechanical. The team then cultivated a plan to connect with relevant audiences via Kickstarter, where original thinking is directly rewarded by those who share a dream.
XERIC Watches embody the art of timekeeping by fusing mechanical function with timeless form in a singular machine. Designed in California, XERIC watches are produced on an artisanal scale, making high-end mechanical features accessible to a broad cross-section of horological enthusiasts.
BRINGING THE XERISCOPE TO LIFE
For a company that has had worldwide retail fulfillment experience since 1999, meeting customer needs for a new product was no mind-blowing task; however, the XERISCOPE product line represents a new realm for an established business already catering to the desires of a global customer base.
Both internal and external factors are balanced by having a manufacturer with 30+ years of watch-specific manufacturing experience and a brand presence by an established authority in vintage and contemporary milestones in the world of watchmaking.
All next steps in production depend on expressed interest by consumers in the presence of an affordable Mechanical timepiece. The same manufacturers who meticulously developed the prototype through the finalization process stand ready to produce this series within two months, given notice to activate production procedures once funding goals are met.
Each Limited Edition XERISCOPE watch takes its place in individually numbered series featuring a surgical grade stainless steel case; a fully-exposed, orbiting 12-hour mechanical movement with dual timezone display; retrograde power reserve meter; and case-back window for observing the oscillating rotor. No batteries required -- ever -- as XERIC watches generate power by the daily action of your wrist.
Mitch Greenblatt’s career path as a visual artist spans the film, television, music and advertising industries. After receiving his first watch (ever!) in 1998, Mitch began collecting and selling unusual vintage watches via Watchismo.com, with special attention to mid-century modern design. Just a few years later, he established himself as an influential watch blogger and authority on the subject of modern horology, and to this day maintains friendships spanning the horological universe. Mitch brings his deep knowledge of historical watches and innate sense of style to XERIC Watches, where he guides overall creative direction.
Andrew Greenblatt is a born entrepreneur, with a lifelong track record of success growing seedling businesses to bountiful fruition. His experience launching a profitable personal computing company at the dawn of the PC industry is a testament to his instinct for finding a viable niche and for taking the right risks at the right time. In 2008, Andrew merged retail forces with his brother Mitch to focus on truly special contemporary watches, following his heart to drive insanely deep beyond avocation into a full-fledged vocation. Andrew is in touch with the customer base and keeps a creative and critical eye on retail market objectives for XERIC. A passionate watch collector himself, Andrew knows how to translate an abstract concept to a concrete reality.
Daniel Hunsaker joined the XERIC team earlier this year to help make the XERISCOPE dream a reality. Danny is a watch world “insider” whose career has focused squarely on designing watches and managing product development from concept-to-market. Far from “square” though, Danny applies his sharp eye for detail and boundless creativity to create unique XERISCOPE designs and usher them through the production process. Danny brings an acute awareness of design implications for other aspects of the development trajectory.
Xeric Watches: The Xeriscope Orbiting Mechanical Automatic Watch
Published: November 06,
2013 | 14:53
Meet the XERISCOPE
Watchismo's first-ever creation is a jaw-dropping mechanical watch
Only 100 individually numbered XERISCOPE watches per style
Watchismo has finally taken the leap from Curators to Creators by launching our own watch brand XERIC, starting with the unveiling of theXERISCOPE Orbiting Mechanical Watch on Kickstarter.
For 15 years, we've scoured the globe to find the most interesting watches. It is clear that the world needs an unusual & affordable mechanical watch… So we've decided to make one.
Take a look and you’ll see why XERISCOPE watches by XERIC will stop strangers in their tracks for a glance at your wrist:
Fully-exposed, mechanical movement is the display
Limited edition of 100 individually numbered watches per style
Innovative time display with a unique double sided minute hand
Automatically recharges itself with the motion of your daily life: No batteries needed - Ever
This is your chance to join us in bringing to life the dream of a unique affordable mechanical watch. Buck the trend of soon-to-be obsolete gadget watches and be the most interesting person in the room. By backing our Kickstarter campaign, you can be one of the select few to own a first edition XERIC timepiece.
We value Kickstarter as a way to reach those who share our dream of making Mechanical affordable now to the visionary and stylish people who care about them.
Know anyone who plans to leave their smart watch to their kids? Neither do we. Let’s not plan for obsolescence. Let’s be a part of something that was perfect to begin with, and only gets better with time. Join us by making XERISCOPE watches a timeless reality.
If people don't stop you in the street to get a closer look at the XERISCOPE, we're not doing our job!
A very rare mechanical function, the hour hand on the XERISCOPE Automatic is also the watch movement - fully exposed from the dial of the watch.
A beating mechanical heart, the mainspring of the watch pumps life into this complex time machine.
Seeing the action of the living machine on your wrist gives a thrill no electronic gadget can.
Another rarity in timekeeping, the XERISCOPE's double-sided minute hand with two-tier arc of digits. Our watch deconstructs typical watch functionality yet remains very legible.
Wearing and winding this timepiece generates energy seen in this power reserve meter. Much like the gas tank of your car.
The rotor (oscillating mass) that generates the power supply to the movement, seen from the porthole caseback viewing crystal.
Far from home? No problem, the second time zone can be set to any other location on the planet.
Each XERISCOPE is numbered from the limited edition of 100 pieces. 1 of 100, 2 of 100, etc. A great opportunity to be a part of a very exclusive group of watch collectors...
Our genesis, the first sketches of various design elements and technical functions of the XERISCOPE.
We suffered every detail when developing the design in preperation for prototyping.
Technical drawing of the case and crown and other key components of the watch
Wireframes of the dial layout and logo placements on dial, crown, caseback and strap.
The prototype of our watch box is better than expected, it's esentially a sarcophagus for our XERISCOPE!
Here are the deals...
Our first 25 backers of each colorway get a $150-$200 savings from the expected retail prices! The final 74 of each get $100-$150 off. Don't miss out on this limited opportunity...
There's nothing quite like a mechanical watch. The many parts of a machine all working in unison completely viewable from the front is a rare sight these days...
Finally, a complicated mechanical watch that's also affordable!
A design perfected with focus on style and legibility. The XERISCOPE is classic, yet very modern.
ABOUT WATCHISMO
Watchismo.com is carefully curated watch collection by brothers Mitch & Andrew Greenblatt, modern horological enthusiasts with a passion for unique timepieces. Purveyors of wrist-borne time machines since 1999, Watchismo is a singular source for unusual modern watches from around the world.
Mitch and Andrew founded XERIC Watches to bring complex, mechanical timepieces like the XERISCOPE collection to a broad cross-section of watch enthusiasts who dream of an affordable Mechanical. Together, the brothers have carefully curated the exceptional collection at Watchismo, which since 1999 has been a singular source for unique modern watches from around the world. XERIC Watches represents a natural progression of the business: from Curators to Creators of designs that reflect their experience, knowledge and passion for the truly unusual.
THE GENESIS OF XERIC
2009: While living in Switzerland four years ago, Mitch began doodling rough concepts for very unusual watch designs and discussing an action plan with Andrew. The brothers agreed that the watch market was riddled with extravagant watches but held a gaping hole that they could attempt to fill, if only there were a way to make an excellent mechanical watch for an accessible price.
2010: They began connecting with watchmakers in Switzerland while attending the annual Baselworld watch expo. Mitch moved home to Brooklyn, NY, and then to the San Francisco Bay area, so that the brothers at last could work side by side.
2011-2012: With feedback from their discussions with manufacturers, Mitch and Andy refined their designs and decided to name their creations after Xeric Court, the street they grew up on. Their field research continued to highlight the enthusiasm for mechanical watches among a stylish, tech-appreciative crowd that was priced out of the typical high-end Mechanicals. All they needed to complete the XERIC team was a visionary, in-house watch designer with extensive experience in every aspect of the production gauntlet.
2013: The brothers hired Danny to help finalize the XERISCOPE design and navigate the production process, knowing he’s succeeded with similar projects for other watchmakers. The team knew they had the right movement for the XERSISCOPE and a design that would celebrate every detail of mechanical timekeeping: the watch case would need to be open on both sides and the hour hand would be a direct extension of the mechanism. Andrew, Mitch and Danny developed five distinct colorways, packaging elements and a fulfillment timeline, applying their years of experience as watch authorities, designers, distributors and retailers.
The team identified a manufacturing partner with 30 years in the watch industry, with whom they created and tweaked several waves of prototypes before finalizing the fully-viable XERISCOPE prototype. Upon full funding, production will immediately begin for 100 first-edition pieces in each of the five colorways.
All they needed to bring the XERSISCOPE to life was involvement from fellow enthusiasts for timeless thinking, in order to attract those with the same appetite for an affordable Mechanical. The team then cultivated a plan to connect with relevant audiences via Kickstarter, where original thinking is directly rewarded by those who share a dream. XERIC Watches embody the art of timekeeping by fusing mechanical function with timeless form in a singular machine. Designed in California, XERIC watches are produced on an artisanal scale, making high-end mechanical features accessible to a broad cross-section of horological enthusiasts.
BRINGING THE XERISCOPE TO LIFE
For a company that has had worldwide retail fulfillment experience since 1999, meeting customer needs for a new product was no mind-blowing task; however, the XERISCOPE product line represents a new realm for an established business already catering to the desires of a global customer base.
Both internal and external factors are balanced by having a manufacturer with 30+ years of watch-specific manufacturing experience and a brand presence by an established authority in vintage and contemporary milestones in the world of watchmaking.
All next steps in production depend on expressed interest by consumers in the presence of an affordable Mechanical timepiece. The same manufacturers who meticulously developed the prototype through the finalization process stand ready to produce this series within two months, given notice to activate production procedures once funding goals are met.
Each Limited Edition XERISCOPE watch takes its place in individually numbered series featuring a surgical grade stainless steel case; a fully-exposed, orbiting 12-hour mechanical movement with dual timezone display; retrograde power reserve meter; and case-back window for observing the oscillating rotor. No batteries required -- ever -- as XERIC watches generate power by the daily action of your wrist.
Mitch Greenblatt’s career path as a visual artist spans the film, television, music and advertising industries. After receiving his first watch (ever!) in 1998, Mitch began collecting and selling unusual vintage watches via Watchismo.com, with special attention to mid-century modern design. Just a few years later, he established himself as an influential watch blogger and authority on the subject of modern horology, and to this day maintains friendships spanning the horological universe. Mitch brings his deep knowledge of historical watches and innate sense of style to XERIC Watches, where he guides overall creative direction.
Andrew Greenblatt is a born entrepreneur, with a lifelong track record of success growing seedling businesses to bountiful fruition. His experience launching a profitable personal computing company at the dawn of the PC industry is a testament to his instinct for finding a viable niche and for taking the right risks at the right time. In 2008, Andrew merged retail forces with his brother Mitch to focus on truly special contemporary watches, following his heart to drive insanely deep beyond avocation to bloom vocation. Andrew is in touch with the customer base and keeps a creative and critical eye on retail market objectives for XERIC. A passionate watch collector himself, Andrew knows how to translate an abstract concept to a concrete reality.
Daniel Hunsaker joined the XERIC team earlier this year to help make the XERISCOPE dream a reality. Danny is a watch world “insider” whose career has focused squarely on designing watches and managing product development from concept-to-market. Far from “square” though, Danny applies his sharp eye for detail and boundless creativity to create unique XERISCOPE designs and usher them through the production process. Danny brings an acute awareness of design implications for other aspects of the development trajectory.
VENTURA SPARC MGS - World's First True Mechanical Automatic Digital Watch at Watchismo
Published: April 20,
2012 | 19:36
After years of research and development, the world's first mechanical automatic digital watch is a reality!
Ventura SPARC MGS
No batteries included, no batteries required
Ventura invented the Automatic Digital Watch in 2000. The movements of the wrist activate a rotary mass which relays the momentum to a micro-generator; the electric energy gained in the process continuously feeds an optoelectronic time-module. The Micro-Generator-System of the new SPARC MGS was developed to achieve maximum performance. Placing the MGS side-by-side next to the time-device enabled a larger and heavier oscillating mass. This array also permits the viewing of the mechanism from the top, giving the SPARC MGS its characteristic appearance. The miniature power-station sustains a state-of-the-art micro-processor and a 250-segments 12-digit liquid-crystal display. The latest operating system EasySkroll v.2.0 allows later upgrades, another first in wristwatches. The multiple functions of the SPARC MGS are intuitively operated by a single scroller.
Watch is supplied in "V-Winder" automatic winding wood box
Specifications:
Pat. pending. dimensions: 60.00 mm x w 38.00 mm Powered by MGS®-11 (Micro Generator System), no battery. Heavy duty Tungsten oscillating mass Digital Model Mvt. VEN_10 with EasySkroll® operating system v2.0. Energy management with sleep mode and movement detector. LED back light. T1/date, T2/date, alarm for T1+T2 100 Year perpetual calendar, chronograph, count down, user-selectable 12 or 24h time 3 date formats, Durinox® (tempered steel) black case 2 sapphire crystals water resistant 3 bar (30m/100ft)
1. MGS®-11 - The owner’s wrist movements cause an oscillating mass to turn approximately 4’000 times per day on average. 2. Gear Train - The oscillating force is transferred to a precision gear with an attached Barillet 3. Barillet - The Gear Train tensions the spring of a Barillet about 17’000 times per day; each time the spring is fully tensioned, it releases its force to a micro-generator 4. Micro-Generator - The Micro-Generator transforms mechanical momentum into electric energy and sends a spark (SPARC®) to an accumulator 5. Accumulator - The accumulator stores the electric energy and powers the Cal. VEN_10 movement 6. Cal. VEN_10 - Ventura’s exclusive caliber with its EasySkroll® operating and scrolling system is entirely operated by the wrist-movements of its owner
Automatic Digital Wristwatch, case and bracelet, two sapphire crystals, water resistant 3 bar, with exclusive deluxe wooden gift casket in piano-lacquer finish. with v-winder included
2nd gen Micro-Generating-System (MGS), EasySkroll® v.2.0 OS, VEN_10 digital module, LC display backlight by LED
Time1 + date1, time2 + date2, alarm, chronograph, countdown, 100 years perpetual calendar with day (5 languages), date, month, year, 12/24h format, 3 date-formats
MGS® power management, manual power off, automatic sleep mode (LC display "off", functions "on"), motion-sensor to monitor watch movements, automatic backlight control to prevent over-use
Power reserve: ~ 45 days , > 5 years (manual switch-off mode) H (6 ~ 12h) 56.30 mm x W (9 ~ 3h) 38.00 mm x T 8.90 / 12.20 mm Weight: ca. 200 gr.
IT'S ABOUT TIME - WATCHES ARE BACK! Watchismo featured in San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times and Oakland Tribune
Published: April 13,
2012 | 21:43
Watchismo had the privilege of being featured in the San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times and Oakland Tribune this weekend as part of the Sunday Styles section called "It's About Time - Watches Are Back!" -written by Jessica Yadegaran.
See the entire article and photo slideshow here-- > LINK
American timepiece manufacturer DEVON has earned a reputation for turning out dazzling designs that challenge industry conventions and create buzz all around the world. Their debut watch, the Tread 1 recently made its way to the finals of the highly respected GRAND PRIX D'HORLOGERIE DE GENEVE in the category of Best Design and Concept Watch - a feat never before achieved by an American watch brand. Since then people the world over have been wondering what might be coming next from this independent and bold newcomer, and now their wait is over. Today at the Baselworld Exposition, the world's largest watch show, DEVON has unveiled its follow-up timepiece, the Tread 2.
"Our products are designed, developed, engineered and manufactured in Southern California with American aerospace engineers and suppliers who are not constrained by tradition or status-quo but are accustomed to pushing the boundaries of what's been done before," said Scott Devon, the company's founder.
Tread 2 continues to use of the Tread 1's patented movement technology employing an innovative system of fiberglass-reinforced nylon Time Belts. The belts are only 2/1000th's of an inch thick and are a technology appropriated directly out of the cockpits of airliners like the Boeing 747 where they indicated vital measurements such as air speed and fluid levels. the belts are mounted on a central chassis and driven by two extremely compact microstep motors. These motors and all other watch functions are controlled by a microcontroller, essentially an extremely compact computer inside the heart of the watch. Loaded with DEVON's proprietary software, this computer manages all of the timepiece's functions and ensure precision time-keeping, the preliminary testing of which indicates an unusually accurate tolerance of only one half-second per day.
To make the watch practical DEVON has designed the movement to be what it calls a "hybrid" - combining a highly mechanical masterpiece of moving parts with a system that stores extra energy in a lithium-polymer battery pack rather than a mainspring. This innovation allow the Tread 2 to be offered at a relatively affordable starting price of around $10k while also offering a very generous power reserve estimated at up to fourteen days no single charge. As with the Tread 1, when a recharge is necessary, simply placing the watch onto its charging cradle will wirelessly charge the battery through the use of electromagnetic induction in only a few hours.
Other innovations seen on the Tread 2 include a one-of-a-kind clamp system used to secure the bezel to the case, the crown's unmistakably unique articulating arm and jeweled bearings in the movement's pulley system that ensure free and easy movement with no lubrication necessary.
• Lithium polymer rechargeable battery lasts up to 2 weeks
• Inductive wireless charging system
About Devon Works, LLC
Led by founder Scott Devon and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Devon Works, LLC is a design lab dedicated to creating innovative luxury products that exemplify the American spirit. Devon Works began with the design of the exclusive Devon GTX supercar and continued with the revolutionary Tread 1 timepiece.
The Devon Works Tread 2, As Explained By Chief Engineer Jeff Stephenson
Published: March 15,
2012 | 13:56
The follow-up to the successful Tread One, the new Tread Two was just introduced at Baselworld 2012. Here is a video of the incredible machine as explained by Devon Works chief engineer Jeff Stephenson. -video and copy thanks to HODINKEE
California company Devon Works is following up on their popular Devon Tread 1 watch with a second generation, the Tread 2, this year at Baselworld. Both issues have been addressed with the Tread 2 without compromising any of the original charm. While in Basel last week, we sat down with Devon engineer Jeff Stephenson for an explanation of some of the new features.
The first thing you'll notice about the Tread 2 are its far more manageable dimensions. Further helping in the practicality department is the new crown system which uses an articulating arm to access many of the watches features. The arm adds a nice visual touch to the new case design as well, which is constructed of multiple pieces varying in texture. Another big change is the removal of the seconds belt. However, this does remove the most animated element of the watch; but if you're missing that bit you can put the minutes belt into a seconds mode.
The Tread 2 also has the capacity to enter "chronograph" mode, which zeros the minute belt and sets the hour at 12. From there you can time events as you would any chronograph. Watch above as Jeff explains.
It's important to note here that the Tread 2 is not yet in final form. Some of the functions are still being hammered out, as are a variety of possible color combinations. Look for a final Tread 2 to hit the market later this year, and we're told pricing will be around $10,000 - $7,000 less than the Tread 1.
The DEVON Tread 1 was nominated for the GRAND PRIX D’HORLOGERIE DE GENÈVE in 2010 for Best Design and Concept Watch among a field of very storied and esteemed brands, the first time an American watch company had ever been included in the competition.Now DEVON is building upon the success of the Tread 1 with another groundbreaking design called Tread 2.The Tread 2 will deliver DEVON’s patent-pending Time Belt technology in a package that’s more sophisticated than the avante-garde Tread 1.
“As with the Tread 1, the DEVON Tread 2 will continue to be developed within the United States Aerospace industry's network of suppliers and engineers.We’ve become known for pushing the envelope of acceptability, and The Tread 2 incorporates many innovative features that have never before been seen in the world of haute horlogerie,” said Scott Devon, the company’s founder.
A few of the most obvious innovations are a one-of-a-kind clamp system that is used to secure the bezel to the case, the four distinctive lugs which help to define the shape of the watch as well as the crown’s unmistakably unique articulating arm. All of these features give the Tread 2 a unique depth of character.
The movement, similar to the Tread 1, relies heavily on aerospace technology.For instance, the glass-reinforced Nylon Time Belts used to display the current time were adapted directly from aircraft instrumentation. The belt assemblies remain mounted on a central chassis, which allows for the perfect clearance of the moving parts while creating the illusion that the parts are floating within the case. Two extremely compact micro-step motors drive the movement of the hour and minute belts with efficiency, exacting power, and steadfast accuracy. The lubricant-free pulley system moves freely thanks to the integration of jeweled bearings.
A temperature-compensating and calibrated quartz crystal provides an extremely accurate time-keeping signal to the onboard microprocessor that controls the movement’s two micro-step motors. Power for this “Visual Symphony” is provided by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. When a recharge is necessary, simply placing the watch onto its charging cradle will wirelessly charge the battery through the use of electromagnetic induction.
DEVON will be debuting the watch at March’s Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show in private showings to retailers and press.Production will begin shortly thereafter and deliveries are scheduled to commence in June, 2012.
Sneak Peek to Baselworld 2012 - HYT H1 - the first timepiece ever to combine mechanical and liquid engineering.
Published: January 10,
2012 | 15:11
What are we getting excited to see at the 2012 Baselworld Watch Fair in Switzerland? Topping our growing list is the HYT H1 Hydro-Mechanical watch from Vincent Perriard & co. (former CEO of Concord - and his obvious product predecessor, the C1). Prices are rumored to begin at $45,000 (for Titanium casing) which is considerably more attainable than other concept watches of this ilk.
Pistons in the movement move the bellows. As one expands the other one compresses which moves the green Fluorescein liquid. Fluorescein even has applications in forensics to detect latent blood stains but this is likely a first and only use in horology!
We'll be showcasing live shots in early March 2012, stay tuned to The Watchismo Times!
Technical specs from HYT:
Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, exclusive HYT calibre, 28,800 vph, 4 Hz, 35 jewels, bridges hand-chamfered and adorned with Côtes de Genève, rhodiumed bellows, 65-hour power reserve
Case: Titanium; diameter: 48.8 mm, thickness: 17.9 mm brushed, bead-blasted and satin-brushed finish, rubber-clad screw-lock crown, titanium crown guard, screw-locked added lugs, metal dome at 06:00
Crystal: Cambered sapphire crystal with glareproofed interior, screw-down sapphire back
Dial: Unstructured, silver-toned opaline, fluid hours, luminescent hands and hour-markers regulator at 12:00, small seconds wheel at 09:30, power-reserve indicator at 02:30
Strap: Hand-sewn leather-lined canvas, pin buckle
Other versions: Black DLC-coated titanium case, 5N 18K red gold case
Stepan Sarpaneva Watches to introduce 'Northern Stars' at 2011 Baselworld
Published: March 22,
2011 | 19:43
Finnish Watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva keeps outdoing himself! Check out the first glimpses of the 'Northern Stars' collection, a limited (only 10!) edition of watches including his (now iconic) trademark dimensional moonphase display. I asked Stepan to describe this bold new concept, "It is about the Northern Stars, what I see during the coldest moments of the (Finnish) winter when looking at the sky."
Helsinki in Winter (shot from Sarpaneva watchmaking shop)
A few of the very first models produced
As always, featuring truly unique winding masses
Diamond coated blue steel with transparent moons and stars in which to see the hints of the movement.
Diamond Coated Black Steel Northern Star
For more information about purchasing a Sarpaneva Northern Star watch, visit the Sarpaneva website www.sarpanevawatches.com - or if you are attending Baselworld like us, be sure to stop by Stepan's booth (Booth C01 in Hall 5.1 together with Kari Voutilainen, Grönefeld, Romain Gauthier, Kees Engelbart, Urban Jurgensen) and see these Moon-men in person before anyone else in the world!
And on another note, check out this just released short film for the Sarpaneva 'Moonshine' collection! Very cool...
Vannen Series 2 Watches - New Limited Edition Styles from Artists Bigfoot, Blaine Fontana, Thomas Han, Brian Ewing and Travis Lampe
Published: June 10,
2010 | 22:03
Created on the premise that this genre of wearable art would never get made otherwise, founder David Stowe and an amazing lineup of artists have come together to bring Vannen to life. Their impressive Series Two collection of limited edition Vannen Watches features designs by Bigfoot, Blaine Fontana, Thomas Han, Brian Ewing and Travis Lampe.
Vannen captures the electrifying worlds of art, fashion, and pop culture and infuses them into every limited edition timepiece they produce. Featuring exceptional, highly collectible, limited edition, quality driven timepieces at affordable prices. Constructing wearable art that is both functional and accessible - but still exclusive - Vannen gives the public a new way to showcase their taste in art, fashion and style without breaking the bank.
Originally from New Jersey, young Bigfoot fled to California to be closer to the big trees. Disassociated from art school and human society, in 1994 he started writing "Bigfoot" in the streets of San Francisco with relentless fury. Often working with house paint and wooden panels, his work depicts the conflict between the respect for nature held by the artist's cast of Bigfoot characters and the destructive agenda of mankind. Despite the artists reclusive nature, Bigfoot has managed to stay active in society with art shows in America and Japan and by also designing skateboard graphics, toys, limited edition art prints, footwear and apparel... which most recently included collaborations with The North Face and Hurley International. His eponymous character and his love of heavy metal - and especially the masked rock group KISS - play a major role in his studio work as well as his highly recognized street art.
Packaging and watch
Bigfoot at work and samples of his artwork (below)
Travis Lampe grew up in a small town in rural Kansas. His older brother and his friends never let him play “Dungeons & Dragons,” not even as a dwarf, so he was forced to search for another creative outlet. After briefly considering vandalism, he discovered the strangeness of old-timey cartoons. In fact, he became enamored by them and began making elbow-less characters of his own. His toys and paintings tend toward an ironic take on sadness and angst, probably as a result of never getting to play “Dungeons & Dragons.” He has a level-one dwarf character ready to go in case his brother changes his mind. Travis currently lives and works in Chicago and shows all over the U.S. and internationally.
About the Artist: Thomas Han was born in 1979 in Taiwan, and he spent his formative years in San Francisco. He now resides in Los Angeles where he finds himself an oddball embraced by the evolving art scene. Han is known for his colorful, character-driven silk screens and paintings. He takes all the destruction and hedonism in today's world and channels it into his art. These highly original works are the culmination of a process he calls "Tradigital." Han believes his work can comfort people from the growing vices facing society. He is a walking, talking contradiction, yet he is also a hopeless believer. On the surface, his work appears cute, but seething just underneath are serious subjects like pain and addiction. Thomas' message of want, desire, addiction, and the curious world of exaggerated pop and color are all wrapped up into well-perfected imperfections of candy-coated pieces.
About the Artist: Born in the Pacific Northwest, Blaine Fontana began his interest in art at a young age. He was always encouraged to use his imagination throughout his art education. While attending and earning a BFA in Communication Art/Design from OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, he worked at becoming a graphic designer and art director for a cutting edge design firm, a fashion/lifestyle magazine, and a young men's apparel company. As Fontana began to focus on his fine arts career, he has designed, exhibited, and licensed his work with a variety of galleries and companies such as KFC intl., LeBasse Projects Gallery, SCION, Upper Playground, NIKE, Kidrobot and others. Between managing his design studio with creative partner and wife, Eugenie Jolivett, Fontana's time is still spent working on his "Urban Contemporary" paintings for galleries and private commissions.
Sooner or later in life, someone's going to curse you. The only way to avoid such ugliness is to take control of your destiny and, essentially, curse yourself. Teamed up with New York-based poster artist and designer Brian Ewing to bring you the Black Curse watch. Brian's mark is visible all over the black, red and gold palette. Snakes, skulls and skeleton keys--all familiar graphics from his arsenal--cover the band, faceplate and packaging with curses.
This Black Curse watch is limited to 50 pieces worldwide and comes with extras! - a signed and numbered 8"x10" giclee print (on acid free velvet cotton rag with archival inks) designed specifically for this release and available nowhere else. You can see the print below...
watch packaging
Artist Brian Ewing and art samples (below)
Individually inspected, assembled and packaged by hand in Los Angeles, every watch is treated like a true piece of art. Designed by some of the world's most exciting multidisciplinary artists, Vannen creates wearable art that appeals to forward-thinking, style-savvy individuals while honoring the distinctive vision of our team of cutting edge artists. Every Vannen watch is a collaboration, from the design and packaging to the bonuses that have become a cornerstone of the Vannen experience. There is no single Vannen aesthetic. You just know a Vannen watch when you see one.
Based loosely around the Swedish word for friend, Vannen Watches takes a pro-artist stance and strives to build a global community of friends united by art. When you collect Vannen, you can feel good about your purchase. Your investment is felt directly by the artists, and you become part of the cycle of friends supporting friends. Each collection of watches bolsters the art scene by bringing awareness to emerging artists and inviting the world to experience something new.
Vannen is for the artists, the shops, the galleries, the collectors...and most importantly you.
