“Inverse” Drivers style analogue watch with mirror system.

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Design submitted by Peter from the UK.

Peter says: Back in the day I did a design called “UFO” which featured a wrap around display that went around the perimeter of the watch and would have been useful as a driver’s watch.

Feasibility was one of the stumbling blocks for that design. Since that design, I have a had a few thoughts on how to make a drivers watch with a similar look but much easier to make.

I then had a eureka moment and realised that it could be done relatively easily using an off the shelf analogue movement.

The time is told in a digital format using two analogue discs but rather than being viewed from above like a conventional watch, the time is viewed from the front face like a drivers watch.

This is made possible by a angled mirrored face which reflects the time shown on the underside of the two analogue discs. These discs could be illuminated either naturally through a transparent panel in the lid or by internal LEDs.

An optional seconds disc could also be used to add a sense of animation.

This design is a novel take on an analogue watch, which should appeal to both the traditionalists and TF fans alike. The driver’s style watch layout gives the watch an usual and slightly futuristic look which leads itself to various styles and finishes.

The analogue movement combined with digital time telling in a drivers watch format separates this design from others.

31 thoughts on ““Inverse” Drivers style analogue watch with mirror system.”

  1. Ingenious. What a clever solution using a mirror. You’re right, it could use a regular movement very easily.

    The seconds disc is a thoughtful touch, as you say even if its just for movement now it brings the top surface into play too which adds a lot.

    Illumination needs some thought. LED+Battery inside could be a challenge for space. Perhaps a battery operated analogue movement which already includes LED 😉
    If part of the top plate was clear light could beam in, but the discs would be in the way.
    Maybe luminescent paint could work for the numbers.

    Its a really unique concept with a clever solution. Full marks from me.

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    • Hi Toky, cheers for posting and commenting! Regards illumination, I thing that the mirror would probably supply enough like for daytime use anyway but maybe the hands could be semi transparent with bold printed numbers if more light were needed trough the lid. I think you could still use a regular backlight panel between the movement and first disc, as long as it was slightly bigger than the movement so it shines some light onto the mirror. It would look like a glowing halo around the top of the mirror. Cheers again 😀

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    • Cheers for the link creator, I haven’t seen that design of Laszlo’s before, it predates my contribution to the blog. It looks very nice and a cool use of mirrors. Mirrors for the win 😀

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  3. Wow, that is a very elegant design and great execution and different thinking of fhow a watch can be. Definitely interested in seeing how this plays out.

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  4. Good work! I always enjoy a simple solution, there’s an elegance to it… It’s not a million miles removed from one of my as-yet-unworked ideas, but not really the same thing. This looks like something I’d seriously consider buying; it really appeals to me.

    I’m not sure I’d actually choose to buy that particular model, but the tri-colour RAF roundel-style ‘face’ does draw the eye, doesn’t it? =)

    As for illumination, I think a black-light LED and flourescent numbers might look cool.

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    • I like the blacklight idea, that would work and would have a nice glowy effect. Yeah the roundel is a bit neich but it may appeal to patriotic brits, and lambretta fans 🙂 That same design in different colours may mean different things to differnet people. Maybe there should be decal kits available for customisation? Cheers for the feedback and support sir! 😀

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  5. Not sure what it is, but this one doesn’t really grab me. Maybe having to twist the wrist to view the time? Not sure…

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    • No worries DZ, they cant all grab you, otherwise you’d be all grabbed out and that’s not a good thing to be 😉
      Maybe the next one will gently caress your likey button! 🙂

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  6. Oh gosh this is clever. And super simple to make!!! 5*/yes please ^^ The second hand thingy being visible on top is great! Something turbiney and a smooth movement would be perfect. Outstanding sir.

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    • Glad you likey sir! 🙂 Yeah its a really simple method of getting the wrap around effect using off the shelf bits. Fingers crossed that this could temp TF into trying their hand at another analogue. x^^x

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    • Cheers Lewis! Lets not get into who has the tiniest mind here sir, you win.. or is it lose?….My point proven lol
      Cheers for the support sir! 😀

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  9. Hey, Pete–what do you think of rotating the digits 90 degrees clockwise for wearing on the left wrist, and a second version with digits turned 90 degrees counter-clockwise for wearing on the right. That way your arm could stay at your side and you wouldn’t even need to rotate your arm in. Just a thought.

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    • It’s certainly an interesting thought, like you say in those orientations you could see the time without moving your arm when they are by your side or when out stretched. Not sure if it would make sense the rest of the time. The current orientation works in the driver’s watch situation. Your suggestion might be worth a render 🙂

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  11. I wasn’t too keen on this initially, but looking at it again, I now do like it.
    I don’t normally go for the “mechanical digital” watch, but this certainly looks great. Being able to show seconds as well increases the appeal.
    My only concern is the angle of view. The third image is direct view and so the time is obvious, but the 2nd, 4th and 5th angles do not show the time correctly. These are all probably angled more than it would be on the wrist, but do make me wonder if any variance from direct would be a problem.
    Hopefully my concern is unrealised – good luck and 5* from me.

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    • Hi Nev, cheers for giving the design a second look and letting it grow on you. The the majority of the views I have shown are to show the look of the watch. The straight on views that better show the time aren’t the most descriptive of the style etc. if you look at a traditional analogue at a vague angle the time telling would be on the skew too. So I don’t think it would be an issue, you would just naturally move your arm to the appropriate angle. Cheers for the feedback, luck and vote sir! 😀

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  12. Inverse is such a awesome drivers watch concept. The Brown strap with RAF Roundel has a retro quality. On the other hand the the black strap / monochrome case with seconds disc has a minimal stealthy look.

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  14. I like the idea & the overall look. I prefer the 2nd model (7th pic) but would prefer to have the “fan/seconds disk”/circle around it/case/lugs in a different color because 1 color is too plain.

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    • Nice suggestion regarding a two tone version of the model with the seconds fan on show. The areas you mention could be steel coloured as if the watch was IP black coated and then the edges were polished. Cheers for the feedback and the support! 😀

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  15. This one ends soon, another one bites the dust!
    So all that’s left to do is say a big thanky to TF for posting here and everyone who took the time to comment, vote and share! Cheers everyone!

    Pete from Blighty! 😀

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