I’m used to wearing a smartwatch the past few years but even before that, I wasn’t really much of an expensive watch person. Probably the most expensive one I owned was a Baby G, and that isn’t even considered a luxury watch. But I can appreciate the workmanship that goes into those high-end timepieces even though I probably would never own a pair (unless someone generously gives me one). And if it’s a very limited edition kind of watch, then you know that there is something special in its material or in its featured and that it will cost a ton.

The Ressence Type 9 S75 is a strikingly original limited-edition timepiece, created to mark the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, a leading UAE-based watch retailer. This watch is not only a celebration of horological innovation but also a beautiful tribute to the landscape and culture of the United Arab Emirates. At first glance, the Ressence Type 9 S75 stands out for its minimalist, seamless silhouette which is a hallmark of Ressence’s design philosophy. The 39mm Grade 5 titanium case is polished and sleek, weighing just 40 grams, making it one of the lightest luxury watches you’ll find. There’s no crown, which preserves its fluid lines; instead, the watch is wound and set via a two-direction rotating caseback mechanism, another signature Ressence feature.

Design: Ressence

What truly sets the Type 9 S75 apart is its dial. Ressence and Seddiqi have taken storytelling to a new level by integrating real sand from each of the seven Emirates directly into the dial. These sand grains are bonded to the rotating titanium discs, creating a tangible, earthy connection to the UAE’s desert heritage. The effect is both luxurious and deeply meaningful, giving you a physical piece of the region on your wrist. Beneath the sandy dial, the Ressence Type 9 S75 is powered by the reliable ETA 2892A2 automatic movement, combined with Ressence’s in-house ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) module. This patented system displays time in a unique way: the entire dial and its sub-dials rotate in a fluid, orbiting motion, offering an intuitive and captivating reading experience. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of 36 hours.

The hour indices and minute markers are engraved into the sand-textured dial and filled with green Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring good nighttime visibility. The watch is splash-resistant and protected by a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, enhancing its legibility and durability. Completing the desert-inspired design is a genuine camel leather strap in a light tan finish—a thoughtful touch that honors regional heritage. The strap is secured with a polished titanium ardillon buckle that matches the case.

If exclusivity is your passion, the Ressence Type 9 S75 delivers: only 20 pieces will be produced. Each watch is available through Ahmed Seddiqi boutiques, priced at $24,000 (excluding VAT). This ensures the it will remain a unique collector’s item, especially appealing to both watch aficionados and those who appreciate objects with a strong sense of place. It’s a wearable piece of art that encapsulates place, heritage, and modern horological mastery.

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In an era where smartwatches increasingly adopt sleek, minimalist aesthetics and glossy facades, designers are exploring alternative paths that celebrate character over conformity. The Retro‑Future Wrist Tech concept challenges conventional norms with a rugged, industrial silhouette and a deliberately pixelated font that evokes the vibe of early digital watches. This design reframes wearable tech with nostalgic cues and tactile authenticity, diverging sharply from the polished, edge‑to‑edge displays dominating today’s market.

At first glance, the design reminds me of the bold geometry and exposed hardware of Nothing’s devices. Its body appears engineered rather than art‑directed, embracing functional aesthetics. Think robust plastic bezel, visible fasteners, and a screen typeface that wouldn’t look out of place in an ’80s Casio. This aesthetic choice suggests purposeful restraint: each visual element serves a purpose, avoiding superfluous flourishes. The monochrome display and oversized pixel font deliver clarity and charm, reminiscent of Game Boy menus or retro computing interfaces.

Designer: Jacek Janiczak

Under the surface, the concept maintains the essential features modern users expect: notifications, activity tracking, and health monitoring. Yet the keystone here is emotional resonance offering tactile engagement, analog textures, and a visual language that feels more human than glassy. For individuals tired of interchangeable rectangular smartwatches, Jani­czak’s proposal presents a refreshing alternative that prioritizes design integrity over compliance with market homogeneity.

This design sits at the crossroads of two distinct movements. On one side is retro‑futurism, characterized by its reverence for past visions of tomorrow in structured forms, chunky materials, and typographic nods to the digital dawn. On the other side lies the influence of Nothing and similar tech hardware that foregrounds honesty in materials, utilitarian construction, and a defiant rejection of minimal blandness. Janiczak successfully merges these with a singular vision: a smartwatch that feels lived‑in, engineered, and surprisingly fresh amid silicon and glass.

The font choice reinforces the concept’s narrative. Instead of striving for sleek, anti‑aliased typefaces, the sharp, pixel‑perfect characters lay bare the illusion. This is new-age tech, yes… but tech with visible roots. The result feels sincere, playfully even, and disarmingly approachable. It’s easy to envisage a watchface that cycles through digital readouts, chunky icons, and perhaps even simple animations that mimic retro game sprites. Crucially, the concept’s physical framing honed by a thick bezel, screw accents, and robust strap attachments conveys endurance. It tells a story of being tapped, worn, and lived with, distancing itself from devices meant solely to be looked at.

Retro‑Future Wrist Tech may not be destined for mass production, but it asks important questions: What if smartwatches had personality? What if their look reflected craftsmanship instead of assembly‑line precision? Janiczak’s proposal doesn’t just add a new model to the wearable gallery, it offers a reminder of the power of thoughtful design, where form and narrative align to shape inanimate objects into meaningful, memorable experiences.

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Liquid Glass – the tech world’s abuzz with this new term from Apple’s design playbook following their reveal of the new slew of operating systems at WWDC 2025. What is liquid glass? Well, it’s a multi-tier strategy on Apple’s part to redefine interfaces, moving away from the minimalist elements to introduce gorgeously refractive glass-like modules instead. These glass elements interact with screen elements by bending light like real glass would. Think of holding a magnifying glass to a newspaper to watch the text around the edges warp while the center stays clear.

There’s speculation that this move towards glass-based interfaces was a conscious effort to further Apple’s spatial interface goals… but to be honest, we were in love with Liquid Glass back as early as 2021. What do I mean? Well, I’m talking about the NightWatch, an Apple Watch dock from 4 years ago that did exactly what Liquid Glass did, amplify the watch’s screen into a gorgeous liquid orb while your watch was charging!

Designer: NightWatch

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The NightWatch, as its name so succinctly implies, is a dock for your watch while it charges overnight. Shaped like a massive orb, this dock turns your watch’s night-time charging face into a massive, magnified alarm clock that’s easier to see. Moreover, the dock amplifies the watch’s audio too (through clever design details), transforming your Watch into a makeshift alarm clock that works remarkably well.

There’s no hidden components, no inner trickery – the entire NightWatch is a cleverly designed, solid piece of lucite that does three things remarkably well. First, it docks the Apple Watch and charger inside it, magnifying the watch screen so the numbers are clearly legible even from a couple of feet away. Secondly, channels located strategically under the Watch’s speaker units amplify the sound (sort of like how your voice is louder when you cup your hands around your mouth) so your alarm rings louder. Thirdly (and this might be the best feature yet), the lucite orb is touch-sensitive. Which means a mere tap on the surface causes your Watch screen to wake so you can see the time!

The dock may have been designed in 2021, but its design philosophies align with Apple’s Liquid Glass push brilliantly. Liquid Glass is all about mimicking real-world materials, bringing physicality to the digital world while still maintaining a pristine aesthetic that boosts focus and highlights important elements. That’s exactly what the NightWatch does too – it takes the Watch’s flat digital interface and brings real-world physicality to it through the refraction and magnification of the clear lucite. It also helps easily highlight important elements by enlarging your watch face for clearer timekeeping. The NightWatch is compatible with all Apple Watch series (as long as your watch doesn’t have a case on it).

Click Here to Buy Now

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The inspiration behind the MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is pretty evident if you are a car lover. I mean the speedometer-style display on the side of the case, which instantly reminds me of the futuristic car designs of the 1970s, is something that you don’t need to look back at to know where this one is coming from. MB&F has had a deep-rooted connection with cars that spans well beyond the love for horological machines. The amalgamation of the two worlds dear to the designer and his team was seen in 2012 when the HM5 was launched. HM8, which appeared in 2016, took on the baton. The HM8 Mark 2, released in 2023, is a nice blend that is now available in a limited-edition colorway, evoking a retro-futuristic aesthetic.

MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is, by virtue, a driver’s watch and an interesting hybrid of its two car-inspired predecessors. The watch has the bodywork of the HM5 and the size and the visible mechanics of the HMX, which ensure that the driver can read the time from the HM8 Mark 2 without having to lift the hand off the steering wheel. It’s not only the design that is car-inspired, in fact, the body is influenced as well. The HM8 Mark 2 is built from an independent water-resistant chassis on which the body panels are added, unlike the predecessors that stuck to monobloc construction.

Designer: MB&F

Beyond the inspiration

According to MB&F, “HM8 Mark 2 is the most technologically evolved supercar-inspired model to date.” The purple colorway is the fourth variant of the timepiece, which has an oddly shaped titanium chassis, while panels are painted with a mineral-based purple metallic pigment, similar to that you will find on high-end metallic car paint. Since it is a continuation of the same watch rolled out in 2023, it has identical specifications. The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 Purple has a long, 47mm case, which is 41.5 mm in width, and has a distinguishable crown at 12 o’clock. Measuring 19mm thick, this is not an ordinary timepiece; to actually adorn it in style, you might need a slightly bigger wrist and a pumped body.

Jokes apart, this is a horological marvel, as you’d expect from MB&F, every time it has a new iteration to roll out. The double bubble sapphire crystals on the goggle-like speedometer display, and all sapphire crystals on the back, top, and bottom are treated with anti-reflective coating. When viewed from the top, the watch gives a nice view of the moving 22k gold battle axe rotor on the dial, on the front 3-dimensional horological engine display time in two discs featuring jumping hours on the left and the trailing minutes in the right window. It is powered by an in-house Girard-Perregaux movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

The HM8 Mark 2 Purple featuring grade 5 titanium and CarbonMacrolon casing is now available and comes paired with a white rubber strap for a timeless look. The watch is limited to 33 pieces only. If you’re a serious collector, you should be looking at upward of $88,000 (CHF 68,000) to get one of these exclusive timepieces.

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Filip Brabec represents a new generation of watch collectors who approach horology through the lens of technology and design innovation. Working in the high-tech industry, his perspective on timepieces differs markedly from traditional collectors who gravitate toward vintage pieces and classical complications. Instead, Brabec finds himself drawn to contemporary watchmaking that pushes boundaries in materials science, modular design, and technical innovation.

His collection tells the story of a collector who values bold design choices, advanced materials, and the intersection of technology with luxury craftsmanship. From his first Hublot Big Bang Red Magic to his prized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in titanium, each piece reflects his appreciation for watches that make statements while delivering technical excellence.

We sat down with Brabec to discuss his collecting journey, his thoughts on luxury watch investment, and why he believes Hublot deserves more respect in the horological community.

Beyond Watches: The Complete Enthusiast

Yanko Design: How would you describe yourself to our readers on Yanko Design?

Filip Brabec: “I’m a car enthusiast, a watch enthusiast, a design enthusiast, and a tech enthusiast. I’ve always been drawn to technology and industrial products. At the core, it’s design and mechanics that truly fascinate me.”

Brabec’s interests extend well beyond horology into broader areas of design and engineering. “I also love fashion and style. I’m drawn to the aesthetic qualities, the sense of luxury, and the lifestyle that comes with it. All of these things come together for me.”

This multifaceted approach to collecting and appreciation helps explain his attraction to brands like Hublot that operate at the intersection of multiple disciplines. “They somehow come together for me in vehicles and in what I do. But they also come together for me in watches, because you have all these elements there. You have design, mechanical precision, esthetics, and materials. There’s so much depth, and it’s incredibly rich.”

The connection between his professional background in technology and his collecting preferences creates a coherent philosophy that values innovation, materials science, and functional design over pure tradition or heritage.

The Technology Behind the Bold Design

YD: What initially drew you to Hublot when most collectors focus on traditional Swiss brands?

FB “I like new and modern watches because I like technology. I work for a very high tech brand, and so my fascination with Hublot is really the tech, the bold design, and actually very clever use of materials.”

Brabec’s attraction to Hublot stems from the brand’s approach to modern watchmaking, which aligns with his professional background in technology. Unlike collectors who seek the heritage and tradition of established manufacturers, he gravitates toward innovation and contemporary design solutions.

“The motto of Hublot is the art of fusion,” Brabec explains. “It was started by Jean Claude Biver, who bought the brand in its very beginning. I had the pleasure of meeting Jean Claude and having a fairly extensive lunch with him, and so he told me about the brand, and I got to tour the brand.”

Jean Claude Biver, who served as CEO of Hublot from 2004 until his retirement in 2018, transformed the brand from a niche 1980s watchmaker into a global luxury powerhouse. Under his leadership, Hublot became known for its “Art of Fusion” philosophy, which involves combining unconventional materials in watch construction.

“Art of fusion actually means fusing different materials together,” Brabec notes. “For example, in the beginning, even before the modern era, they had gold with rubber, so gold watch with a rubber strap. And later on, of course, they got to mix different things.”

This material innovation extends beyond aesthetics into functional design. Hublot’s modular construction allows owners to customize their timepieces in ways that traditional watches cannot accommodate.

“What I also like about all of these is that they’re modular, so you can actually take this bezel, take it off and put a different bezel,” Brabec explains. “The beauty of it is that in its life as the watch gets serviced, you don’t have to replace the whole watch. You can just replace a certain piece of it. So the modularity was part of a clever idea around the design.”

The First Piece: Big Bang Red Magic

YD: Tell us about your first Hublot and what made it special.

FB: “My first Hublot was Big Bang Red Magic, and I absolutely thought it was the coolest watch ever. First of all, Hublot was kind of an inventor of an All Black Watch, and it was also part of a statement.”

The Big Bang Red Magic represents Hublot’s bold approach to color and materials in luxury watchmaking. The watch features a black ceramic case with red accents, including red markers and a red-tinted crystal, creating a striking visual contrast that exemplifies the brand’s willingness to challenge traditional watch aesthetics.

“What’s very funny about All Black Watch is that Jean Claude would say, you know, it’s funny. Average price of a new Hublot is about 20,000 euros. And he said people would buy them, but they couldn’t read what time it is, because it’s black on black,” Brabec recalls with amusement. “But that kind of is part of what speaks to this, which is it’s also a statement, and it’s also piece of jewelry, and it’s also this lifestyle thing.”

The Red Magic variant addresses the legibility issue while maintaining the bold aesthetic. “Red magic is basically a Black Watch, but it had red markers. It also had a red face. And then the coolest thing about it, it had stitching on the strap, on a black strap. But the coolest thing about it was red crystal glass over the top.”

This red sapphire crystal represents a significant technical achievement in watchmaking. Creating colored sapphire crystal requires precise control of trace elements during the crystal growth process, resulting in a material that maintains the hardness and scratch resistance of traditional sapphire while adding visual impact.

The Strap System Revolution

For Brabec, Hublot’s modular strap system isn’t just clever engineering. It’s the gateway to a more personal kind of watch ownership. “The other thing that I love is the whole release strap concept. It lets you swap in a lot of different straps, not just in terms of color but also material. You can go with rubber, leather, crocodile, or even fabric like cloth. Some come in beautifully stitched leather, for example. There’s a huge variety available.”

That variety isn’t just theoretical. Brabec owns more than ten straps for his Hublot tourbillon, each radically shifting the look and feel of the watch. “I love them because they’re all so different. It’s like having different watches.”

His collection ranges from refined leather finishes to playful, unconventional styles. “In Japan, very popular, and I really love those straps, are camo straps. So I have a blue camo, for example. I have a green camo. I also have a very bright green camo, which is different shades of green, and it’s creative and cool and fun.”

The quick-release mechanism turns a single case into a wardrobe of design expressions. Brabec explains how this supports his natural instinct for coordination. “The whole lifestyle aspect of it is also great, because you can change them often, and wear different colors together, and I’m big on color matching. That’s how my brain works. I’m not trying to make it a statement. It’s how I like things. And so it works for me esthetically.”

There’s also a comfort factor that traditional luxury brands often overlook. “It’s greatly wearable, partially because of the rubber straps. They’re super flexible and really easy to put on.” The adaptability of the system, both visually and physically, reflects a shift toward watches that integrate more naturally into a fast-changing, style-conscious lifestyle. For Brabec, that translates to enduring value. “That watch will forever be special. I doubt I would ever get rid of it.”

The practical benefits extend beyond aesthetics. “It’s greatly wearable, partially because of the rubber straps. They’re super flexible and really easy to put on,” Brabec notes. This focus on wearability represents a departure from traditional luxury watches that often prioritize appearance over comfort.

The Prized Possession: Limited Edition Tourbillon

YD: Your current favorite watch is quite special. Can you tell us about it?

FB: “The watch we looked at this morning is Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon. It was my first tourbillon, which is an amazing complication and one that only few are privileged to make. They made only 18 pieces. It was a limited edition developed for Japanese market.”

This limited edition Big Bang Tourbillon represents the pinnacle of Hublot’s technical capabilities. Limited to just 18 pieces for the Japanese market, it combines the brand’s signature bold aesthetics with one of watchmaking’s most prestigious complications.

“What’s cool about it, and what speaks to me so much is because it’s quintessential Hublot. It’s Big Bang. The case is Big Bang. It’s carbon, and the movement is suspended, so it’s a skeletonized watch. And with that tourbillon complication, and the fact that it’s an automatic watch, which many tourbillons aren’t, makes it a super attractive watch.”

The tourbillon, invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, was originally designed to counteract the effects of gravity on pocket watch movements. In modern wristwatches, it serves more as a demonstration of watchmaking prowess than a functional necessity. The addition of an automatic winding system to a tourbillon movement represents a significant technical challenge, as the delicate tourbillon cage must be balanced against the weight and motion of the automatic rotor.

“It’s also black on black with black markers. That was also unique about the edition,” Brabec continues. This monochromatic approach exemplifies Hublot’s distinctive design language while creating a sophisticated backdrop for the tourbillon complication to take center stage.

The watch’s carbon fiber construction further demonstrates Hublot’s material innovation. Carbon fiber offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and a distinctive visual texture that traditional watchmaking materials cannot match.

“Because I had a chance to visit the factory, I have seen their room, where only the top of the top masters get to work, because tourbillon is such a difficult complication to develop and to build,” Brabec explains. This insight into the manufacturing process has deepened his appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

The Crown Jewel: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

YD: You mentioned having a piece that you’ll truly never sell. Tell us about that watch.

FB: “The most amazing piece that I have is a limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. It’s made out of titanium, which means it’s very light for what it is. And the most fascinating thing is that it’s quite thin, and the movement is incredible in that it has so many manual functions.”

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in titanium represents the intersection of Audemars Piguet’s design heritage with modern materials science. Titanium offers approximately 45% less weight than stainless steel while maintaining superior strength and corrosion resistance. For a complex watch like a perpetual calendar, this weight reduction significantly improves wearability without compromising durability.

“I went to a master class with AP, and I got to work on metal, and so I got to see how difficult it is. And so you have a completely new level of appreciation for that amazing product,” Brabec explains. This hands-on experience with titanium machining has given him insight into the technical challenges involved in creating such timepieces.

Understanding Perpetual Calendar Complexity

The perpetual calendar complication represents one of the most sophisticated achievements in mechanical watchmaking. Unlike simple calendar watches that require manual adjustment, a perpetual calendar automatically accounts for the varying lengths of months and leap years.

“This is a mechanical watch that is tracking day, month, year, calendar, week as well as leap year. So 1, 2, 3, 4, leap year, as well as moon phase and all in one housing and being automatic,” Brabec explains. “So it’s basically the Swiss Army knife on your wrist with this incredible design with this incredible technology that’s behind it.”

The mechanical complexity required to achieve this functionality is staggering. A typical perpetual calendar movement contains hundreds of components working in precise coordination to track multiple calendar functions simultaneously. The movement must “remember” which months have 30 or 31 days, account for February’s 28 days, and automatically adjust for leap years every four years.

“The craftsmanship of that product is absolutely insane and it does all of that mechanically, and that’s what’s so fascinating to me,” Brabec continues. “It’s one thing that you’re able to see something like that on your phone or wherever, but for the actual mechanical machine to be able to track all that and think how smart it is, the fact that it tracks leap years, 1, 2, 3, 4, and that’s why it’s called perpetual calendar, because as long as you keep winding it, it will run forever.”

The programming of leap year cycles into a mechanical movement requires extraordinary precision. The watch must track a four-year cycle and automatically adjust February from 28 to 29 days every fourth year. “It knows that this year is the year when February will have 29 days, and after 29 it jumps to number one of the next month, and it jumps to March one. And it does all of that every four years, because it knows that’s how the calendar works.”

This level of mechanical intelligence, achieved without any electronic components, represents centuries of horological development and refinement. The fact that Audemars Piguet can package this complexity into a relatively thin titanium case demonstrates the brand’s mastery of both traditional complications and modern manufacturing techniques.

Collecting Philosophy: Passion Over Profit

YD: What advice would you give to someone starting to collect Hublot watches?

FB: “Don’t try to make it an investment. Hublot is not necessarily a brand that fares super well in secondary market. So the way to buy, from a value standpoint, is used because if you can find a good used Hublot, you’re probably in pretty good shape, and your discount will be pretty sizable.”

Brabec’s approach to collecting emphasizes practical considerations over speculative investment. His strategy of purchasing pre-owned pieces allows him to acquire watches that would otherwise be financially out of reach while avoiding the steep depreciation that affects many luxury watches in their first years.

“The watch market is tricky, and I think a lot of people try to make it an investment, but I think that’s the wrong way to go,” he continues. “You should not make it about investment. You should make it about what you love.”

This philosophy extends beyond Hublot to his entire collecting approach. When discussing Audemars Piguet, he clarifies: “I would consider AP as an investment, yet I would not purchase an AP as an investment. I would purchase AP as something I love, and it also happens to be an investment. I would not be motivated by the investment unless I have to explain it to my partner.”

The Evolution of Taste

Brabec’s collecting journey illustrates how preferences develop and refine over time. “When you’re developing your collection, you’re developing esthetic and kind of a direction and opinion and what you like and what you want to have and what you aspire to have,” he explains.

This evolution involves both acquisition and divestment. “You acquire certain things, and you love them, and you kind of have them and then you realize over time that there are some pieces that you love and that will probably be with you forever, and there are some pieces that you bought and you like them, but you all of a sudden realize two years later that you really hardly wore them.”

The natural progression leads to portfolio refinement. “You kind of start feeling like, you know what, maybe I need to sell this watch, because this is maybe not speaking to me as much as I thought, and that’s how, for me, it’s a kind of evolution of taste, evolution of philosophy of how you piece your things together.”

Practical Collecting Strategies

Beyond emotional attachment, Brabec considers practical factors in building his collection. “For me, it’s also a fashion statement. So for me it’s also how it fits other things that I wear. So I also think about that, and I also think about similar style watches.”

His most important rule involves avoiding redundancy: “You should try not to have two similar style watches, because they’ll always fight, and you’ll tend to always prefer one. The other one will naturally always be sitting, and then it’ll be like that thing that you wore one Saturday. And you think, yeah, that’s kind of cool. But then nine out of 10 times you wear the other one.”

This insight reflects years of collecting experience and highlights the importance of considering how each piece fits within the broader collection rather than evaluating watches in isolation.

Defending the Polarizing Brand

YD: Hublot seems to generate strong reactions in the watch community. How do you respond to critics?

FB: “It’s to some degree a polarizing brand, because I think typically you either love Hublot or you hate Hublot. There aren’t very many people that are like, Hublot is in between, I’m okay with Hublot. You don’t get that often.”

The criticism often centers on Hublot’s departure from traditional watchmaking aesthetics and techniques. “There are haters who are saying, basically they’re not at all in line with the classical sort of watchmaking. But you know, Jean Claude would tell you that they’re not trying to be classic. They’re a young brand, and as a result, they want to be doing new things.”

This perspective highlights a fundamental divide in the watch collecting community between those who value heritage and tradition versus those who appreciate innovation and contemporary design. Brabec firmly places himself in the latter camp, viewing Hublot’s willingness to challenge conventions as a strength rather than a weakness.

The brand’s approach to materials exemplifies this philosophy. While traditional Swiss watchmaking relies heavily on precious metals and established techniques, Hublot has pioneered the use of ceramic, carbon fiber, and unconventional material combinations. This innovation requires different manufacturing processes and design approaches that may not align with classical watchmaking traditions but represent genuine technical advancement.

The Future of Collecting

Brabec represents a growing segment of watch collectors who approach the hobby through a contemporary lens. Rather than seeking connection to watchmaking’s past, they appreciate brands that push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern timepiece design and manufacturing.

His collection strategy of focusing on pieces he genuinely loves, purchasing pre-owned to maximize value, and avoiding redundancy offers practical guidance for collectors who want to build meaningful collections without falling into common traps of speculation or impulse buying.

The modular nature of his Hublot pieces, with their interchangeable straps and bezels, reflects a modern approach to luxury that prioritizes versatility and personalization over static perfection. This philosophy may well represent the future direction of luxury watch collecting as younger collectors seek pieces that can adapt to their lifestyles rather than requiring lifestyle adaptation to accommodate the watches.

Through his thoughtful approach to collecting and his willingness to defend unconventional choices, Filip Brabec demonstrates that there are multiple valid paths through the world of luxury timepieces. His collection tells the story of a collector who has found his own voice in a hobby often dominated by conventional wisdom and traditional preferences.

The post Inside the Mind of a Tech-Savvy Collector: Filip Brabec on Hublot, Audemars Piguet, and the Art of Watch Collecting first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jacob & Co. and Bugatti have had a long-standing partnership in creating unique timepieces. The Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal and the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Watch being their crowning examples. Both these high-end brands initiated their partnership at the Baselworld 2019 with the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition, and to date, the duo has created more than five timepieces that stand out from the rest.

Their latest creation is the limited edition Bugatti Calandre Table Clock that is designed in association with French crystal master Lalique, and is destined for a Bugatti enthusiast’s desk. This timepiece is inspired by the iconic Bugatti Type 41 Royale, having the signature horseshoe grille front and center, which dates back to the Bugatti Macaron. The clock measuring 264mm wide x 196mm tall is as rare as you would get from a watchmaking brand.

Designer: Jacob & Co and Lalique

Design That Bridges Eras

The Calandre Table Clock is a study in collaborative design that spans three fields: automotive engineering, fine watchmaking, and crystal artistry. Its silhouette is directly modeled after the horseshoe-shaped grille of the 1930s Bugatti Type 41 Royale, one of the most iconic front-end designs in automotive history. But it’s not just homage—it’s a functional reinterpretation of that legacy in sculptural form. The grille is reimagined in satin-polished crystal, crafted by Lalique in Alsace, France. Known for pioneering glass techniques since the Art Deco era, Lalique brings depth and texture to the design with its signature satin and polished finish.

The outer casing is rendered in brass, available in either black or chrome-plated options, framing the piece with industrial precision. The Bugatti blue Macaron logo anchors the design at the center, adding an authentic visual connection to the car brand’s design language. Overall, the Calandre presents itself as a fusion of historic reference and contemporary object design—an ornamental yet mechanically rich piece meant for display.

Engineering Meets Craftsmanship

At the core of the Calandre is the JCAM39 movement, developed by Jacob & Co. This manual-winding mechanism features 495 components and offers an impressive 30-day power reserve. The exposed architecture allows visibility through the front and sides of the crystal body, merging movement and form in a way that recalls both high-end watchmaking and kinetic sculpture. Every component—whether mechanical or structural—is hand-assembled in Switzerland. The precision and complexity of the movement echo Jacob & Co.’s expertise in haute horlogerie, while Lalique’s crystal work pushes the boundary between functional product and decorative art.

Only 99 units of the clock are being produced, making it a rare collector-grade item for those who value design, engineering, and material excellence. At $240,000, it is less a traditional timekeeper and more a mechanical object of desire—one that blends heritage and forward-thinking craftsmanship.

The post Jacob & Co. and Bugatti Partner with Lalique for a limited edition bespoke table clock first appeared on Yanko Design.

Freshness and a dash of whimsy rarely meet as gracefully as they do in the Green Apple watch, a creation born from the unlikely pairing of Swiss watchmaker Cauny and the masterful Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. It’s the kind of collaboration that immediately grabs your attention, not just because of the names involved, but for how it manages to bottle youthful energy within a neatly crafted timepiece.

The story behind this watch starts with an apple—specifically, the green apple, which Ando regards as a symbol of youth. That idea, borrowed from Samuel Ullman’s poem, infuses every inch of this playful design. “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind,” Ullman writes, setting the tone for a watch that dares to look and feel a little unripe, a little tart, but full of promise and verve.

Designer: Tadao Ando x Cauny

Glancing at the Green Apple watch, you’re greeted by a burst of green that feels just as invigorating as biting into a crisp apple on a summer morning. The case, the dial, and even the strap come together in a striking shade of green that’s impossible to ignore. Unlike the usual parade of monochrome minimalism, this watch is confident in its vibrancy, inviting a second look and maybe even a smile.

Where the design really starts to charm is in the details. The hour hand, shaped like a delicate leaf, floats across the dial as if caught in a gentle breeze. It’s a subtle nod to the inspiration behind the watch but one that makes checking the time a small delight. There’s a sense of mischief in how Ando hides these poetic references in plain sight, refusing to settle for the straightforward or the expected.

For those who prefer their accessories a bit more understated, there’s also a brushed steel version that swaps the apple’s tart green for a cool, silvery sheen. This model quietly references Ando’s architectural roots, especially his love for concrete and clean lines. The steel finish offers a different kind of energy, one that’s calm, enduring, and perhaps a bit more reserved, while still carrying the spark of youth at its core.

Both versions of the watch share a rounded, pebble-like case that sits comfortably on the wrist, as if designed for both the young and the young at heart. The Italian leather strap wraps things up with a touch of sophistication, making the watch feel special without being precious. The anti-reflective sapphire glass adds a dash of practicality, ensuring the vibrant dial is always easy to admire.

It’s hard not to appreciate how the Green Apple watch brings together color, form, and narrative in such a thoughtful way. Each element, from the playful leaf-shaped hand to the poetic echoes of Ullman’s words, feels carefully considered. Whether you fall for the juicy green or the cool steel, there’s a sense of joy and possibility that lingers long after you slip it on your wrist.

The post Tadao Ando’s Green Apple Watch Blends Playful Design with Youthful Spirit first appeared on Yanko Design.

H. Moser & Cie introduced the Streamliner Alpine Mechanics Edition at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, marking the first time a luxury Swiss watchmaker has created a connected timepiece specifically for Formula 1 mechanics. Developed in collaboration with Swiss tech company Sequent, this timepiece debuted during the Barcelona race weekend where Alpine team mechanics used the watch in live pit lane conditions. The collaboration emerged from Alpine team mechanics requesting timing tools that could withstand the demanding environment while providing race-specific data access during critical operations.

Designer: H. Moser & Cie + Sequent

Barcelona Grand Prix Debut

The Mechanics Edition made its operational debut during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Alpine team mechanics wore the watches throughout practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself, testing the functionality under real Formula 1 conditions. The timing coincided with the watch’s official announcement, allowing immediate field testing in the high-pressure environment the timepiece was designed to serve.

During the Barcelona weekend, the watch provided mechanics with real-time access to session schedules, countdown timers for practice and qualifying sessions, and alerts for critical pit lane operations. The debut demonstrated the watch’s capability to function reliably in the demanding conditions of a Formula 1 race weekend, including exposure to extreme temperatures, vibrations, and the constant activity of pit lane operations.

F1-Specific Race Mode Functionality

The specialized race mode transforms the timepiece into a comprehensive Formula 1 operational tool. The system provides upcoming race schedules with automatic updates for weather delays, session postponements, and technical regulation changes that affect timing. Countdown timers display precise timing for practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and race starts, ensuring mechanics maintain synchronization with official race timing.

Team-specific alert systems deliver customized notifications relevant to Alpine’s operational workflow. Mechanics receive alerts for driver changes between sessions, pit stop preparation calls, technical briefing schedules, and car setup modifications. The notification system includes vibration alerts that supplement visual notifications when ambient noise levels in the pit lane make audio alerts ineffective.

Formula 1 Operational Features

• Pit Stop Alerts: Real-time notifications for pit stop preparations and execution timing
• Driver Change Notifications: Alerts when drivers switch between practice and qualifying sessions
• Session Countdown Timers: Precise timing for practice, qualifying, and race session starts
• Technical Briefing Schedules: Automated reminders for mandatory team meetings
• Weather Delay Updates: Real-time schedule adjustments for weather-related postponements
• Regulation Alerts: Notifications for technical regulation changes affecting operations
• Car Setup Notifications: Alerts for vehicle configuration changes between sessions
• Fuel Load Calculations: Integration with team systems for fuel strategy timing
• Pit Lane Integration

The watch integrates with Alpine’s pit lane communication systems, providing mechanics with essential timing information during high-pressure pit stop operations. Split-second chronograph functionality displays timing to 1/100th of a second, critical for measuring pit stop performance and identifying areas for improvement. The system accounts for FIA regulations regarding pit lane speed limits and mandatory pit stop procedures.

During pit stops, the watch provides countdown timers for tire change operations, fuel delivery timing, and driver safety checks. Mechanics receive notifications for pit lane entry and exit protocols, ensuring compliance with Formula 1 safety regulations. The vibration alert system ensures mechanics receive critical timing information even during the intense noise and activity of pit stop operations.

The timepiece connects to Alpine’s telemetry systems, receiving real-time data about car performance, tire degradation, and fuel consumption that affects pit stop strategy. This integration allows mechanics to prepare for pit stops based on actual car performance data rather than predetermined schedules, improving operational efficiency during race conditions.

Connected Movement Calibre DI0

The connected movement Calibre DI0 measures 32.5mm × 33.9mm × 6.9mm, developed through collaboration between H. Moser and Sequent. The movement contains 186 components with accuracy of ±0.3 seconds per day. Power management operates on dual systems: 12-month reserve for analog time indication and six hours of continuous digital display operation with 9,000 power reserve capacity.

Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 connectivity enables secure pairing with Alpine’s team communication systems and individual iOS/Android devices. The connection protocol prioritizes essential data transfer while minimizing power consumption during standby periods. Autonomous operation allows the watch to function independently while syncing data on demand with team networks.

Case Construction for Motorsport Environments

The 42.6mm × 14.4mm stainless steel case receives blue composite treatment that creates the signature Funky Blue finish matching Alpine’s racing livery. This coating system provides enhanced impact resistance through multiple application layers designed to withstand the physical demands of pit lane operations. The case construction includes additional gaskets at critical junction points where moisture infiltration could compromise electronic components.

Water resistance reaches 120 meters, acknowledging exposure to hydraulic fluids, cleaning solvents, fuel vapors, and weather variations common in Formula 1 environments. Enhanced sealing protects internal components while maintaining functionality under stress conditions including vibrations from pneumatic tools and temperature variations between garage and track environments.

The integrated blue rubber strap includes steel pin buckle designed for quick removal when mechanics need to comply with safety protocols. Strap construction resists degradation from exposure to automotive fluids and cleaning chemicals used in Formula 1 operations. The material maintains flexibility across temperature ranges encountered during race weekends.

Digital Display and Interface

Sapphire crystal integration houses a digital display embedded within the crystal structure, creating interface harmony between analog and digital elements. The “magic” digital display positioned at 6 o’clock maintains analog dominance while providing comprehensive data access. Anti-reflection coating ensures readability under pit lane lighting conditions where glare can obscure critical information.

The interface design prioritizes quick information access during high-pressure situations where mechanics cannot afford distraction from primary tasks. Digital functionality includes split-seconds chronograph displaying 1/100th of a second, perpetual calendar, GMT with country selector for international race scheduling, and the specialized F1 race mode with comprehensive operational features.

A Funky Blue fumé subdial at 12 o’clock houses analog hour and minute displays, establishing visual hierarchy that prioritizes traditional timekeeping. The transparent lacquer “H. Moser & Cie” inscription maintains brand identity without overwhelming the digital interface. Black screen integration creates contrast zones, allowing analog elements to dominate the aesthetic while digital functions remain accessible when needed.

Manufacturing and Production

Production limitation to 500 pieces reflects manufacturing complexity rather than artificial scarcity. Integration of Swiss mechanical traditions with advanced digital components requires specialized assembly processes that constrain production capacity. Each timepiece undergoes dual quality control protocols: traditional Swiss chronometry testing for analog components and digital functionality verification for connected features.

Assembly requires technicians trained in traditional watchmaking and contemporary electronics, limiting production throughput. Component sourcing involves suppliers from mechanical watchmaking and technology sectors. Swiss chronometry standards demand mechanical accuracy within specific tolerances, while electronic components require functionality testing under various environmental conditions including the extreme conditions found in Formula 1 environments.

Complete Technical Specifications

• Reference: 6D10-1200
• Movement: Connected Calibre DI0 (H. Moser & Sequent collaboration)
• Movement Size: 32.5mm × 33.9mm × 6.9mm
• Components: 186 components
• Accuracy: ±0.3 seconds per day
• Power Reserve: 12 months (analog) / 6 hours (digital display)Power Capacity: 9,000 power reserve
• Case: 42.6mm × 14.4mm stainless steel with blue composite
• Crystal: Domed sapphire with integrated digital display
• Water Resistance: 120 meters
• Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3
• Compatibility: iOS, Android, and Alpine F1 team systems
• Strap: Integrated blue rubber with steel pin buckle
• Production: Limited to 500 pieces
• Debut: Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona 2025

The post Swiss Innovation Meets Formula 1: The H. Moser Alpine Mechanics Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s something undeniably charming about a watch that refuses to blend in with the crowd. Smartwatches are handy, sure, but their uniform screens and familiar shapes tend to drain away any hope of real personality. That’s why so many watch collectors and design fans keep turning to mechanical and digital timepieces, where creativity can run wild and a little flair is always welcome. If you’ve ever wanted a wrist accessory that sparks a smile or a conversation, the PROTO X Retro Future Digital Watch could be exactly what your collection needs.

This quirky digital watch tosses out the rulebook when it comes to traditional watchmaking. The whole thing looks like it could’ve been ripped straight from the golden era of vintage tech, or maybe even the props department of a 1980s sci-fi movie. Its square case and boldly exposed electronics give it a “circuit board chic” vibe, while the transparent design lets you peek at the heart of the machine. There’s something playfully subversive about wrapping visible tech around your wrist in a way that feels both nostalgic and unexpected.

Designer: 830 Watch Store (Hachisanmaru)

The display is a throwback in the best possible way, relying on a 7-segment LCD for pure, old-school digital charm. No fancy animations or color screens here, just crisp, straightforward numbers that call back to the gadgets of decades past. With a simple quartz crystal oscillator at its core, the watch keeps accurate time, displaying hours in a 24-hour LED format. All it takes is a press of the left button to light up the time, and a quick push on the right to set it, making daily operation as intuitive as it gets.

Customization is another reason the Proto X stands out in a sea of cookie-cutter wearables. The bands come in a mix of monochrome and colored retro designs, each one echoing the quirky patterns and colored components that defined vintage electronics. Whether you want something subdued or a mix of colors, there’s a strap to match your mood and your wardrobe. It’s a welcome nod to the days when tech wasn’t afraid to experiment with personality.

Of course, the exposed electronics mean you’ll want to treat this watch with a bit more care than your average digital piece. It’s splash-resistant, so everyday encounters with water droplets won’t be a problem, but serious submersion is off the table. This slight fragility is part of its charm, though, making it feel like a genuine artifact from a wilder era of design.

Produced in small batches, the Proto X Retro Futuristic Digital Watch isn’t for everyone. Its appeal is deeply rooted in nostalgia and the playful spirit of retro-futurism. It’s less about packing in features and more about projecting a sense of individuality and fun. If you’re a collector, a lover of quirky accessories, or simply someone who enjoys the intersection of tech and imagination, this watch is a bold little statement that proves style can be just as important as substance.

The post PROTO X Retro Future Digital Watch Channels Vintage Tech With Playful Style first appeared on Yanko Design.

While I’ve gotten used already to wearing a smartwatch for the past few years, I still miss the days when I could wear different watches. Analog ones didn’t cost as much (well, depending on the brand of course) and had a lot of fun designs and colors. Casio’s Baby-G line was a favorite of mine and I could still remember getting my first one as a birthday gift. Over the years they have continued to make fun and stylish pieces. Their latest one is a fun blend of analog and digital coupled with an eye-catching design

The Baby-G Playful Heart BGA-10-3A stands out as a charming blend of robustness and playful aesthetics. It is characterized by a subtle yet sweet heart motif integrated into its dial design. This playful element is rendered in a contrasting color, adding a touch of whimsy without being overly saccharine. It’s a delightful detail that makes this watch feel uniquely feminine and fun.

Designer: Casio

The BGA-10-3A boasts a refreshing green resin case and band, a color that evokes a sense of energy and vitality. This vibrant base is beautifully accented with splashes of pink on the hands, index markers, and within the digital display. This combination creates a lively and youthful feel, making it a great choice for those who love to express their personality through their accessories.

This Baby-G model seamlessly blends the classic appeal of analog hands with the practicality of a digital display. The analog face provides easy readability for telling the time at a glance, while the digital window offers access to a range of useful functions. This hybrid design ensures you have the best of both worlds on your wrist. True to the Baby-G tradition, the BGA-10-3A is built to withstand the rigors of daily life. It features 100-meter water resistance, meaning you can confidently wear it while swimming, showering, or even participating in light water sports. The durable resin case and band offer excellent shock resistance, protecting the watch from bumps and accidental drops.

Beyond its stylish design and robust build, the BGA-10-3A is equipped with a variety of features that make it a practical tool for everyday use. This includes World Time features to keep track of time in different cities, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, daily alarms, a full auto-calendar, and an hourly time signal that gives you a discreet beep with each passing hour. It’s also equipped with an LED Light

The Casio Baby-G Playful Heart BGA-10-3A is an excellent choice for women (and men too) who appreciate a blend of style and functionality. Its vibrant green color and playful heart detail appeal to those with a fun and expressive sense of fashion. The watch’s durability and water resistance make it suitable for active lifestyles, while its range of features ensures practicality for everyday use, whether you’re a student, a young professional, or simply someone who values a reliable and stylish timepiece.

The post Casio Baby-G analog-digital watch brings fun design with active features first appeared on Yanko Design.