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A concrete watch inspired by the “trench watch” from WWI.
Taiwan-based design studio and brand 22 Design Studio creates stunning products that make the most of concrete. Apart from sculptural writing tools, the studio also produces brutalist-style watches with concrete dials and premium quality movements. The new Sector concrete watch looks to the battlefields of WWI for inspiration. More specifically, to the “trench watch” design, originally introduced as a more convenient alternative to the classic pocket watch. With the new timepiece, soldiers could save precious moments while checking out the time.
Apart from not requiring removal from a chest pocket, the trench watch also featured a simple, easy-to-read dial with concentric circles divided into 12 and 60 equal parts, respectively. Years later, the design inspired iconic watch manufacturers like Longines or Patek Philippe, who launched their own versions of the Sector Dial watch. Fast forward to 2020, and the classic design has received a concrete makeover. The 22 Design Concrete Sector watch has a contemporary dial with a vintage soul.
Made using the “béton brut ” technique, the concrete dial is handmade and cast in one piece. Three-dimensional grooves divide the dial into 12 and 60 parts that correspond to the hours and minutes. At the 22th minute mark, the grid rises slightly – a subtle nod to the brand’s name. The Concrete Sector watch comes with a Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic winding movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. Super-LumiNova® paint on the hour and minute hands and on the hour marker of the dial ensure that the current time is easy to see even in low-lighting conditions.
Water-resistant up to 50 meters, the watch also boasts a sapphire crystal glass that offers superior durability, scratch-resistance, and high temperature resistance. The Sector concrete watch comes in different versions, from watches with light or dark concrete dials to 40 mm or 43 mm cases with a gray or a golden finish. The leather straps come in varied colors, with a green nylon woven strap also available. Prices range from $240 to $670.
