A solar-powered watch designed as a tool to reconnect with nature.
Hong Kong-based Matte Works designs and makes watches with classic geometric shapes inspired by minimalist architecture. The brand’s first timepiece is also made with sustainability in mind. The solar-powered design aims to encourage users to reconnect with nature and thus improve their well-being. Named Solution-01, this watch has a solar panel unit under the dial that works with a rechargeable battery to power the movement for 6 months on one full charge. The solar unit works with any source of light while the battery has an impressive longevity, of up to 10 years. The design also references the solar theme, with a dial informed by the pattern created by a solar plant’s rotating heliostat mirrors. Luminous hands glow in low-lighting conditions.
Matte Works designed Solution-01 comes with white and black dials. Both versions have an ingenious strap attachment system that allows the user to quickly change straps as needed. The watch comes with a leather and a nylon strap, providing a convenient way to transform the timepiece for more formal or more casual occasions, respectively. While the leather straps come in chestnut brown and black, the sportier nylon straps are either pine green or black. Solution-01 has a brushed stainless steel 40mm case with a scratch-resistant as well as anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Inside the case, there’s a VS42A Japanese solar movement. Matte Works has launched the Solution-01 watch on Kickstarter on August 29, with the initial goal quickly surpassed. You can still find the timepiece in the early bird package, at a price of $195. The campaign ends on September 28, 2022, with shipping starting from November. Photography © Matte Works.
