All we can do is watch the time flows. We cannot master it, but we can follow it, moreover, in special and beautiful ways. Who do you think introduced the most innovative time machine in recent years?
Time. What a magical word, isn't it? The dictionary definition is exactly as follows: a concept that arises from the sequencing of flowing events according to repetitive celestial events. A measure corresponding to the angular distance (hour angle) of the sun and stars relative to noon.
Our desire to follow the time started by looking at the sun. Maybe it would be more correct to say our obligation. It must not be possible to live without knowing the time spent and time left. We made calculations using primitive tools and shadows. Over time, we have discovered methods that are more accurate after a lot of observation, science, and engineering. The wristwatches that now adorn your wrists are just one of these micromechanical products that reveal the latest stage of those developments.
We recall almost the same form when it gets to watches. It does not matter whether it is round or angular; we can read the time by the hour and minute hands that we encounter in almost all of them. Do you look at the thousands of options sold in the market and think that they all look so similar? Well, you are not alone.
First, let us start with the image that comes to our mind when it comes to watches. The watches are divided into two groups: Rolex and the others. Although this sentence contains plenty of mockery and irony, it still makes sense. Look around, it is possible to see hundreds of models of dozens of brands that do their best not to look like a Rolex Submariner, but at some point cannot avoid featuring similarities. The most amazing part of the job is that Rolex has achieved this more than half a century ago. Briefly, we will not be exaggerating if we say call Rolex a milestone in its league. Don’t blame me for serving you the good old Rolex as innovation. What else would you call those designs, technologies, and models that Rolex brought to the industry if not innovations? Since we remembered where we came from, we may proceed...
Let's come to the innovations of modern times.
HYT: fluid mechanics, brought to life in time machines is fascinating. Let's be honest, it is an ingenious and inspiring idea to display the time by a capillary tube with the help of a colored liquid that moves with pressure. HYT makes watches as surprising as they can be the definition of innovation.
Urwerk: the brand is among the most unusual watchmakers of modern times. The brand that serves very special and few customers under the leadership of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei makes its mark on the list of innovative brands thanks to its unique ‘satellite display’.
Apple Watch: as a mechanical watch enthusiast, I cannot believe I included Apple watch on this list. Like the expression says: if you cannot beat them, join them. This is exactly what Apple has done to the watchmaking industry. Neither the first, the most advanced, nor the most special... Being the most successful connected watch ever, Apple Watch continues its path by breaking new grounds in innovation.
Finally, I would like to add another brand to the list that exceeds the borders of modern times. Casio. Yes, Casio. You know, these G-Shock watches are virtually indestructible, inexpensive, simple and, functional. Although Casio's digital watches are almost ordinary consumer products today, we cannot ignore the fact that they are one of the most innovative designs when they were debuted.
