The Appeal of Wristwatches
At the same time, I also considered the values of "wristwatches" and "smartwatches."
Image source: Apple website
https://www.apple.com/jp/newsroom/2018/09/redesigned-apple-watch-series-4-revolutionizes-communication-fitness-and-health/
With smartwatches, new features are added and OS upgrades prompt users to replace their "devices" every few years. Each time, accumulated "data (memories such as photos and texts)" is transferred to the new "device." From this usage pattern, I believe that for users, the most important and cherished thing is the "data (memories)" that records their past, and that the "device" itself does not hold as much sentimental value as the data.
In contrast, if a wristwatch is loved and used for a long time, it becomes imbued with the user's feelings and becomes irreplaceable. Such a wristwatch, even if it breaks and stops working, becomes a precious item (existence) that cannot be thrown away.
This is the great appeal of wristwatches and a value that clearly distinguishes them from smartwatches.
Customization
We want people to become interested in wristwatches, to pick them up casually, and to feel excited when wearing them. By spending a long time together like a companion, an "attachment" is formed, and it becomes irreplaceable. This is the design direction that has taken shape.
How can we create excitement and make the watch a companion for the user? The concept we arrived at as one answer is that users can express their individuality through the watch. As a means of this, we considered allowing various ways to customize how it is worn. The design is based on the idea of attaching it to a bag, carrying it on a strap or key holder, or wearing it as a necklace—focusing on different ways of wearing and carrying it.
This concept model was named "BEANS CUSTOM" with the hope that it would be a "seed" for new possibilities in wristwatches. Incidentally, the seeds of leguminous plants are called "beans," while "seed" is a general term for plant seeds. Since the silhouette of this model somewhat resembles a bean, we chose "BEANS" instead of "SEED."
Exploring New Possibilities for Wristwatches
The form seen from the front is an oval shape that is symmetrical vertically and horizontally. It is designed to allow easy band replacement by attaching a pass-through band. A feature is that the band can be attached without using spring bars. By supporting the widely available 18mm pass-through bands, users can easily change to their favorite bands. It might also be nice to customize it with things like friendship bracelets. In addition, we devised ways to allow various ways of wearing it besides on the wrist.
The case is modeled after a flat, round "broad bean," minimizing protrusions and recesses, and both the front and back surfaces are composed of a single conical surface. The design features a simple, curved, flash surface that does not feel thick. The case size is set to feel just right not only when worn on the wrist but also as a pendant or key holder.
To ensure a long product life, it has a simple structure that is durable and easy to make. The parts are kept to a minimum: movement, crystal glass, hands, case, dial, crown, and case back. There is no bezel or indicator ring. The dial indexes are not applied but are printed on the case.
A rubber protector can be attached to protect the case from scratches. By offering a variety of protector colors, users can customize it with their favorite color.
We also envisioned using a chain or leather cord to wear it as a pendant like an ID tag, or attaching it to a bag. We would like to offer services such as engraving personal information or messages on the case back, or laser engraving favorite designs or text on the entire case as a canvas. Users could even do their own metal engraving. The possibilities for customization are endless depending on your ideas.
We proposed "BEANS" with the hope that, like a plant seed sprouting, it would become a seed for new possibilities in wristwatches. Rather than imposing fixed specifications from us, it is a watch that leaves room for users to freely customize, allowing for various ways of wearing and expressing individuality.
A Proposal for New Styles and Customs of Wristwatches
With the "spread" of smartphones and the "rise" of smartwatches, the trend away from wristwatches is accelerating, especially among younger generations. We believe it is also necessary to explore approaches that make wristwatches appealing and ways to coexist with smartphones.
In the future, for wristwatches to survive, we believe it is necessary for us to change our mindset and propose new styles and customs for wristwatches.