Weird Watch Wednesday – The Black Belt Watch
A new watch has been introduced into the market specifically to honor the achievements of black belt martial artists, aptly named the Black Belt Watch. Apparently this new piece has been designed to recognize the achievements of martial artists who have reached the peak of their chosen art. Forgive my ignorance, but I thought that was what the actual belt itself was for? Regardless, the Black Belt Watch is this week’s weird watch and for good reason.
Are They Serious?
Firstly, I’d just like to state that I have the upmost respect for those who have shown the skill and dedication required to achieve black belt status in their chosen martial art. That said, this new watch concept is quite possibly one of the most ridiculous things I have heard in a long time.
Next we will see watches designed exclusively for hairdressers who have reached the pinnacle of their profession. Certainly nothing against hairdressers here but you the see point I am trying to make.
The grading systems that exist within most forms of martial arts have been passed down through generation after generation. There is no way a simple watch such as this one could even seek to pay sufficient homage to this incredible history. Add to this the fact that this is possibly the most unattractive watch I have ever laid my eyes on and you understand my misgivings.
The Watch Itself
Precious little information is available on the official website about the watch other than that it was “imagined, designed and manufactured by the best watchmakers”. This in itself makes very skeptical, as I am quite confident that the best watchmakers in the world could not produce a monstrosity such as this. The site indicates that the watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical high-end movement entirely manufactured in Switzerland. I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that this is a ETA movement of some description.
The case is stainless steel with satin-finished and highly resistant PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. The bezel is also steel and has been sandblasted and stamped with polished Kanji characters. Featuring prominently across the dial (there is no mistaking what this watch represents!) is an engraved “Black Belt” which is stamped with its emblematic representation. As a final touch the background’s pattern emulates the fabric used for kimonos and the hands have been designed to replicate a Shinai, the sword used for practice in Kendo.
The Final Word
The Black Belt Watch has failed to impress me in any way, shape or form. It seems that little thought has gone into the creative design of the piece and it is more than likely just another Swiss Made watch powered by a simple ETA movement and certainly not worth the 3,000CHF price tag that comes attached with it. The only redeeming factor of this watch is that a percentage of sales will be donated to the No Difference program that aims to grant young people with a handicap, the chance to realize their passion for a martial art.
Having said that, as the watch is only being offered exclusively to black belt holders, of which I am not one, none of the above really matters I guess. Would I buy one if I did hold a black belt in some form of martial arts?
Would you!?
Category: Wow Watch Wednesday
