A new watch, which uses linear LED lights instead of rotating hands to tell the time, is now available to be reserved. The watch that Montreal-based firm Division Furtive calls "James Bond-worthy" senses movement and actually only tells the time when you look at it.
After 18 months of development, Type 46 by Division Furtive is ready. In contrast to traditional watch mechanics, Type 46 (and its cheaper predecessor Type 40) features two horizontal light systems which indicate the hour and the minutes. The watch has no buttons, but instead is set using an application on your smartphone that sends light signals to the watch when it's placed on your phone screen. Using these light patterns, the watch sets itself.
Secondary functions like the date can be found by tapping the watch face. A leather band holds the watch, which is made of epoxy-filled plastic structure (Type 46 has a metal casing.) Only 1,000 units of Type 40 will be available and it comes with a one year warranty.
Type 40's release is tentatively scheduled for November 9th to coincide with the North American release of James Bond: Skyfall. Type 46 is currently available for $3,600 (with a six month manufacturing lead time). No word on Type 40's expected selling price.
What's Driving This Trend
- Linear LED Watch Technology
- The use of linear LED lights instead of rotating hands in watches presents opportunities to innovate in new watch technologies.
- Smartphone-controlled Watches
- The use of a smartphone app to control and set the watch opens up a new avenue for wearable technology development.
- Minimalist Timepieces
- The development of watches that focus on functional design, such as those with no buttons, offer potential for new designs and features for minimalist timepieces.
Who This Affects Most
- Watchmaking
- The watch industry can incorporate new linear LED technology and smartphone control to create innovative timepieces for consumers.
- Wearable Technology
- The use of smartphone control in watches demonstrates potential for integrating wearable technology in daily life activities.
- Fashion and Accessories
- The shift towards a minimalist design and innovative technology creates opportunities to develop unique fashion and accessory products with functional features such as the Type 46 watch.
