In the esoteric world of watchmaking, Devon Works watches represent a very small segment within an already niche area of the watch-collector market. Why? Its unique timepieces are not powered by a quartz or mechanical movement; instead they are powered by electronic motors that receive energy from a rechargeable battery, similar to how a smartwatch works, but not the same.
In anticipation of the upcoming Star Wars sequel, The Force Awakens, which premieres December 18th, 2015, Devon Works will produce a limited edition Star Wars watch. Like the brand’s previous timepieces, the watch is large-sized, with the high-tech styling of its predecessors, and is animated by the same type of electronically powered movement.
At 66.3-mm length by 22.1-mm thickness by 61.2-mm width, the 316L stainless steel case – which has been aptly treated with a true black DLC coating —makes its presence known. Instead of a sapphire crystal, the watch has a scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens with so-called “bulletproof durability.
The movement features four interwoven 2-micron thin nylon time belts, driven by four micro-step motors that are controlled by a temperature-compensated crystal and onboard microprocessor.
This unique system moves the four intersecting belts across the dial to display hours, minutes and seconds – with accuracy to half a second per day. And while the watch is not as accurate as most quartz watches, it is as accurate, if not more accurate, than the most precise mechanical timepieces.
Powering this high-tech timekeeper is a lithium-polymer rechargeable cell that is rated for two weeks on one charge, and is recharged wirelessly through an inductive charging tower.
The movement has multiple optical recognition cells and lubricant-free ruby bearings, along with 313 electrical contacts for a total of 350 components.
Each piece is numbered 1-500, which is engraved on the caseback along with the Star Wars motif.
In designing the Star Wars Devon timepiece, Scott Devon says, “We knew immediately that we had to incorporate Darth Vader into the design. He is not just one of the most iconic Star Wars characters, but he also represents an impressive display of man interfacing with machine.” Devon adds that he worked with his in-house designer, Marko Petrovic to develop the watch. “Marko had already seen the Star Wars movies a hundred times before I even brought the concept of the watch to him. He had the design done within in a week.”
This is an officially licensed Star Wars product, so naturally the design takes elements from the movie. The wings of the TIE Fighter, the starship of the Imperial fleet, have been designed as part of the architecture of the case and also included as part of the display stand. The main screws that connect the case and lugs are reinterpreted as aircraft turbine intakes, finished with pointed silver screws that emulate the ones on Darth Vader’s helmet. Additionally, the crown is finished with the Galactic Empire logo.
Small details such as the belt system pay homage to Star Wars and have been created in red and green to reflect the details on Darth Vader’s center console. A central hexagonal disk with TIE Fighter inscriptions further adds to the theme. No detail was left out: even the strap is specially made in a ribbed leather that replicates Darth Vader’s gloves.
“Being a huge fan of Star Wars, it was not so hard for me to put my mind into it and come up with a watch that captures the movies’ essence,” says Petrovic. “It was a real treat to watch all the episodes again, but this time from a different perspective. Blending of the emblems of Star Wars with Devon to create an iconic watch just flowed naturally.”
Only 500 Star Wars by Devon watches will be built over a two-year time period. A pair of TIE Fighter-shaped cuff links are included with each purchase. The watch is presented in a specially built box inspired by Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, and will sell through authorized Devon retailers in America and on Amazon beginning in October for $28,500.
For a hands-on review of a previous Devon watch, the Devon Tread 2, click here.
source: watchtime.com By
The Fat Cat Collective 