Today we are reviewing a new product from the end of last year – the D1 Milano PCBJ34 watch. They are a continuation of the series of polycarbonate watches. In particular, the Shadow model, designed in a sketch style. Her idea is to reverse the process of creating watches by implementing a paper design directly into the final product.
When looking at a photo of a watch, I immediately remember the definition of the term “sketch” - a design document made by hand on an eye-measuring scale, observing the proportions between the elements of the product. And, as it turned out, not in vain! After all, one of the meanings of the word “sketch” is sketch / sketch / sketch.
But not everything is so simple!
Sketching is also a modern form of drawing that allows you to quickly visualize an object, idea or concept. It can be fun, a serious hobby, a way to develop certain skills, and even a real work tool. This direction has long gone beyond the plane of the paper sheet and is widely used in landscape design, architecture, interior design and many other areas.
Having received the watch, I immediately went to unpack it in a cafe, which was perfectly suited for this. Its interior design is made in black and white sketch style (like the watch itself). Having ordered a double cappuccino in a cup to match the overall design, I began unpacking with anticipation. The watch is delivered in a small neat cardboard box, upon opening which you understand that all expectations were 100% justified.
Case material – polycarbonate with Soft-Touch coating. In the first minutes of getting to know the watch, the tactile coating is a little confusing. It’s hard to get rid of the feeling that you’re holding in your hands not a phone case or headphones, but a watch. The surface is pleasant to the touch and slightly velvety. The elements of the watch and bracelet are well matched to each other. The links on the outside are neatly chamfered, and on the inside the sharp edges are blunted.
This attention to detail is very commendable. With the full length of the bracelet, including metal elements (back cover and butterfly clasp mechanism), the watch weighs only 50 grams (the manufacturer claims 4 grams more). The fit on the hand is good, the bracelet fits perfectly around the wrist. The feeling of warm, pleasant plastic and light weight create a feeling of airiness and freedom.
The watch's diameter of 40,5 mm seems to indicate the versatility of the chosen size, but there is a small nuance. The case is slightly elongated relative to the octagonal welt, and the first link of the bracelet is attached to it almost motionlessly. Visually this increases the dimensions of the watch. Due to the anatomically curved shape, the watch fits well on the wrist, but for those with very narrow wrists, the watch may be too big. The thickness is 8,8 mm, but it feels and looks smaller on the hand.
The glass is mineral, but not plain, but with an anti-reflective coating. This once again demonstrates the attention to detail. What kind of highlights can appear on a paper drawing? They shouldn't be on the dial either. Quartz movement from the famous company Seiko – VJ21. It will remind itself about once every 3 years, requiring replacement of the battery (plus about once a year asking you to move the minute hand a little).
Let's move on to the design of the watch, which the manufacturer itself positions more as a designer accessory than just a watch. And everything is fine here. The idea of translating a two-dimensional design into a three-dimensional object is realized through contrasting lines on the case and bracelet. They are the ones that immediately catch your eye and draw the image of a watch, pushing the actual dimensions and shapes into the background. If you pick too hard, you can find small inaccuracies.
For example, the lines on the watch case and bracelet are straight, and the dial has a hand-drawn sketch design. The clock hands are level again. As a watch enthusiast and perfectionist, I would like to see everything in the same style. But, for example, my wife didn’t even notice this, and when she heard my thoughts, she didn’t attach any importance to them at all.
Otherwise, everything is implemented at an excellent level, in the already recognizable design from D1 Milano. The white version seems more contrasting and elegant; with such a watch you will definitely not go unnoticed. Black, on the contrary, looks more restrained, but no less charismatic.
I like how D1 Milano knows how to consistently and fully develop an idea and then bring it to life. Looking at the clock, it would seem, what else can be added? The watch design looks complete. But no, the idea continues on the other side. The steel back cover has a utilitarian, simple and clean surface, like a blank sheet of paper. Engraved in the center is the silhouette of an ordinary pencil, from under the lead of which a line appears, symbolizing the beginning of something new.
The watch seems to challenge you and invite you to test yourself: try to invent, depict and draw. And who knows, maybe, sitting in a cozy cafe and inspired by the design of the D1 Milano PCBJ34, someone will reach out to draw something on a napkin, and this drawing will become the beginning of a new idea, invention or startup. After all, history knows dozens of commercially profitable and successful cases, the beginning of which was laid on an ordinary paper napkin.
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