Futuristic Hexcell watch you can customise, upgrade yourself.

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Design submitted by Peter from the UK.

Perter says: This is “Hexcell”, a variation/evolution on a earlier concept of mine called “Honeycomb“. Both designs are/were inspired by the natural hexagon shaped structures found in nature.

The “Honeycomb” design was a single LCD display divided into smaller hexagon shapes by a rubber like cover. This version uses a aluminium extruded body with many hexagon holes in it which allows small individual moduals or cells which tell part of the time to be inserted into it.

This allows for simple idividual components and a simple watch body which can be customised by the wearer.

The time is very simply told by a selection of idividual displays. These displays tell a small part of the overall time and can be bought seperately or as a kit as per the wearers preference. This means that they can add extra displays if they wanted more info at one time, ie they could have seconds or date, am/pm, world times etc etc. The individual displays could also be a variety of styles, which could include LCD or LED and maybe analogue. Each display could be set individually or synced via a small cable. These displays simple clip into the apropiately sized hexegon holes in the body (these holes could be a consistant size or random like my example). Other charms could also be available for extra individuality.

This design has the possibility of being very masculin or very feminine depending on the material finish and/or selected displays and charms. This gives the design a potentially wide market. The type of display could be selected by the customer again allowing them to have their preference. So no-one should be put off.

The potentially simple and cost effective parts should allow this design to be financially viable, the customisational quality should allow each watch to be as unique as the wearer. So both it and the wearer will stand out in the crowd.

49 thoughts on “Futuristic Hexcell watch you can customise, upgrade yourself.”

  3. Pete,Pete,Pete….!! This is another awesome concept, and (as always) impeccably presented!! I love the Hex, and configuration capability. I want one bad! Good luck!

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  5. Interesting design, Pete.
    Where does the power come from for the separate cells? I assume each has to contain its own battery, so lots to change when they run out. Or do you have something better in mind?
    Also, I’m not sure that the solid strap looks right with it or if the honeycomb effect needs to continue around the wrist somehow (although that might then be a challenge for adjustments).
    Not one for me, as I prefer more complex time telling and don’t think seeing my wrist through the holes works, but I do think this is really impressive if it can be made, so good luck with it.
    Oh, and congrats on the addition of Blade to the TF range.

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    • I started out with the notion that each unit had its own power and time setting adjustment. But later came to the conclusion it might be better if the watch body/frame contains a battery and various contacts in each hole. So when a cell/modual is inserted it connects up. There may well be better ways to do it, buts its a start point. The time telling could be made easy or hard depending on the moduals available/chosen. I’m glad you like the concept even if its not your taste! Cheers! 😀

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  6. Dear Peter,
    I love the concept of moduals and how one can make his own watch. The only thing I would change are the edges. The sides of the watch schould be smooth and closed or you will get stuck on your clothes…and other stuff.

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    • I did play around with closed sides but for some reason decided I like the look of this more. It wouldn’t be an issue if the sides were complete and smooth. It’s a very loose concept with plenty of room for development. Cheers for the support and feedback Vonk! 😀

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  7. Cool concept Pete! Modular time telling… very interesting! As for the power question of Nev I would say letting each cell have its own battery would be… I’m not sure if its too impractial. Maybe there is one bigger cell with the power and the power gets sent out into the grid (maybe with induction, maybe via cable and screened contact points) and the cell comes and gets its energy when inserted. There must be a little hold-in-place mechanism for them. I’m not a fan of the hour telling but pfft, it’s modular. TF could provide different cells in different styles and I just pick what floats my goat. Vonk makes a good point about the sharp edges on the sides. Maybe the straps get wider and surround the case, en…casing it. So you keep the dissolving hexagon look and have save borders. Great concept 5* would make an outstanding watch /YES. Good luck!!

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    • I tought about both methods of power. Individual batteries per unit and the main body being powered and the moduals connecting up. The later is more practicle from the users perspective and the former probably easier to make. Hopefully there is a viable method out there. If connecting them proved to be the easier method that could also be the means of syncing. The alternative would be for the body to carry the bater and brain of the watch and then the moduals would be simply displays. Like connecting a monitor to your pc etc.
      Im interested to see your suggest regarding the strap and case, that could look very nice indeed! If you ever feel in a sketching mood feel free to share! 😀

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  8. Clever thinking Pete! I like the hap-hazard look of the hex pattern, and the modular display (though I shudder to think about the feasability of it…=)
    I agree with Vonk about the sides, you’d probably get it caught in all sorts of things… But it does look cool!

    Regarding batteries, I first thought when I saw it that it could have connectors in the sockets, so that the display elements connect to a larger battery in the body. But individual batteries probably work better; less complicated and since it only has to drive a few LEDs battery life should still be decent. One problem I see is how to make sure the displays synch. you could set them one by one, but if you set the single minutes first then they’ll get a head start on the 10’s, if you see what I mean… anyway, only a detail… Best of luck!

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    • Most of what I would reply here I probably just said to Sam (please read the above comment) saves me re-typing. I would love to know what TF’s thoughts are regarding the viablity and which is the best scheme.
      Cheers for the feedback sir! 😀

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  9. Great concept Pete – it is right up my alley!! I love the chrome one!!! I’d be interested to see how it will be powered. I also think Vonk has a valid point about the sharp edges. But I don’t think it would work if the sides were encased/closed – being open is what adds to the charm & gives it a great honeycomb look….. I’d definitely buy this watch!!!! Well done & good luck!!

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    • Thanks a lot PW 🙂 Im glad you likey! I dont think the edges would be a major problem. Many bracelets have notches and facets and grooves etc and they tond tend to catch on clothing that much. Also watches with stickyout buttons could catch clothing but that doesnt put many people off u-boat, welder and the such.
      Im pretty open to suggestions regarding the closed/not closed edges at this stage. This is a loose concept that could be developed either way.
      Regarding the power issue, it could be done either way really, it would ultimately be dictated by cost I would imagine. Cheers for the support and the feedback! 😀

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  10. Hi Pete, I have a weakness for the steel version.
    The hexagonal shape as the triangular shape pleases me in general, and your version is really attractive.
    5 * / Yes for Pete, still a good job!

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  11. great watch, i think we had the same mind set when i made my spare time watch, that’s not to say your watch is not original. I think you know what i mean

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    • GMTA! Yeah we both seem to like the mix of style/elements in the display. Keeps it interesting and diverse! Cheers for the feedback sir! 😀

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    • Do you mean the empty hexholes? (yay I made a new word!) or the chance of the moduals falling out?
      Regarding the likelihood of moduals falling out, they would either be a rubber like finish and therefore a tight “interference” fit or would have barbs on the end that locate when the moduals are inserted. Either way the likelihood would be minimal. 😀

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      • I meant losing pieces. What if you took one out and it rolled out of your hand, across the floor and into a small hole in the ground? I could see this happening…you’d have to be ultra careful changing positions. Despite this, I think it’s an awesome idea!

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      • Yeah there’s not much that could be done to allow for those a instances. Other than having a teather on each modual. But that would look untidy and you would still need to disconnect them at some point. I think there will always be a risk. 😀

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  16. Bias aside, 30+ positive comments, 90+ shares, 67 likes on FB……. but a 3.6 rating?
    I’m not a maths geek but if I were I think that would not add up! :S

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    • It’s the downrater at work again. Seriously, downrater, do you really think it helps? Can’t you do something better with your time?

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  17. a unique watch that can be further customize to be unique per TF customer, i just lost my brains there
    Pete i’ll go broke if TF decides to make all your recent concepts to a reality lol 😛

    5*

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    • Thanks for the awesome comment Glenn! I know what you mean regarding funding our collections! I considered becoming scar burglar, but I don’t think I’d get enough for a cat to buy one watch! lol

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  18. Hey, Pete–what kind of coffee do you and Sam drink? Pete’s? I’m not convinced you guys actually sleep. This is a fun design. I agree with others that the band would supply power and distribute it to the entire grid. As for fear of losing the modules, make the band/modules magnetic, and have a lip on the back of the modules that would only allow you to remove them from the inside of the band, when it was off your wrist.

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    • Hey Xian,
      I have gotten used to living on 4 hours of sleep a night which does buy a little extra time 😉
      Fair suggestions regarding the power and fixing methods. I think locating barbs seem the most sensible, then like you say you can only un-clip them when the watch is off the wrist. Cheers for the feedback sir! 😀

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  19. it can be a watch or bracelet and it is fully customisable…

    9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999/5 stars

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  20. 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999/5 stars

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  22. WOO!!! After spending over an hour and a half looking at the other submissions, I kept this design as a comparison. Some, not all, but some of the other watches look like what TokyoFlash already offers. This design is Totally Different!!! I’d buy one! Maybe Three!!! I like the design! Good Job!!!

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    • WOW! Couldn’t ask for a better comment Alexander! I’m glad you like it and hope you get the chance to buy three one day! Cheers for the support sir! 😀

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  23. The case remind me of “American fists” weapon. I like the idea of customizable position of the small modules. The black/gray & black/green are nice. However, I wouldn’t buy.

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      • Thanks a lot for checking both concepts out. I really like the original version but it obviosuly didnt tick enough boxes. Im glad you like the concept even tho its not for you. Maybe a different design wth this ethos would appeal. Who knows what the future brings? Cheers for the comments sir! 😀

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  24. Time runs out for this design soon, so just want to say a big thank you to TF for posting it here . Cheers to every who voted commented and shared. Cheers everyone! 😀

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