The amazing QlockTwo Watch is the first ever wristwatch to display the time in actual words instead of digits. Though I have some doubts regarding its overall practical usefulness, I must admit the design is pretty slick. The large LCD display features a grid of 110 letters that light up in unexpected places to show the current time when the stainless steel button is pressed.
Available from September 2012.
The QlockTwo Watch is more than a gadget; it is a conversation starter, a statement piece, and a showcase of modern craftsmanship. But what makes this timepiece so unique, and why is it garnering attention from horology enthusiasts and casual buyers alike? Let’s dive deep into the innovation, craftsmanship, and philosophy behind the QlockTwo Watch.
Table of Contents
Revolutionizing the Art of Telling Time
The QlockTwo Watch abandons traditional clock hands and numerical displays in favor of an innovative typographic grid. Instead of pointing to numbers, it uses a matrix of letters to spell out the time in phrases like “It is ten past three” or “It is half past seven.” This unorthodox approach transforms checking the time into a uniquely interactive experience.
How It Works
The watch face consists of a square grid of letters, and behind this minimalist facade lies sophisticated technology. The QlockTwo uses LED lights to highlight the relevant words in the grid, illuminating them to form phrases that display the current time. These phrases are updated every five minutes, offering a blend of precision and poetic charm.
To fill the gap between five-minute intervals, the watch employs a clever system of dots in the corners of the grid. Each dot represents one minute, allowing users to discern the exact time while preserving the elegant, word-based interface.
A Minimalist Aesthetic with Maximum Impact
The QlockTwo’s aesthetic appeals to fans of minimalism and avant-garde design. Its sleek, uncluttered face and stainless steel or leather strap options make it a versatile accessory for any wardrobe. Available in various finishes and colors, the watch caters to a range of personal styles, from understated elegance to bold modernity.
Why Words Matter
By using words instead of numbers, the QlockTwo Watch encourages a slower, more deliberate interaction with time. It subtly invites wearers to reflect on the moment rather than rushing through it. In an age of instant gratification, this shift feels refreshingly deliberate, almost meditative.
Engineering Excellence Meets Artistic Vision
The QlockTwo Watch is not just a triumph of design but also a masterpiece of engineering. The creators, German designers Marco Biegert and Andreas Funk, are renowned for blending art with technology. The watch is a scaled-down version of their original QlockTwo Clock, which graced walls with its innovative time-telling approach.
Precision Engineering
Shrinking the QlockTwo concept into a wristwatch was no small challenge. The creators had to fit advanced LED technology and a rechargeable battery into a compact, wearable device. The result is a watch that is both highly functional and durable, meeting the rigorous demands of daily wear.
Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Each QlockTwo Watch is meticulously crafted in Germany, a country celebrated for its precision engineering. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the watch, from the seamless integration of the letter grid to the smooth finish of its materials. This dedication to quality ensures that the watch is as reliable as it is visually stunning.
Customizable and Timeless
One of the standout features of the QlockTwo Watch is its customizability. Users can choose from different languages, allowing the watch to spell out the time in English, French, German, and more. Additionally, the magnetic straps can be swapped out easily, offering wearers flexibility to match their mood or outfit.