Metal gurus: Uniform Wares' tech-savvy take on the fabric watch strap
‘As designers, we’ve became used to instinctively working within the limitations of manufacturing methods,’ says Michael Carr, creative director of British watch brand Uniform Wares. Now, however, a new manufacturing method devised to produce an entirely new type of watch strap, has freed them from these restraints.
The brand has collaborated with east London-based manufacturer Betatype, which works more commonly with the aviation, motorsport and medical industries, on a laser powder-fusion process to create a titanium mesh. The Nato-style weave consists of a continuous piece of mesh material formed from over 4000 interlocking links, meaning it is a highly resilient metal bracelet, yet as soft as fabric on the wrist.
‘The reason we started with the watch strap is because it seemed to us to be the design aspect most in need of a rethink in each design,’ says Carr. ‘Not only is it one of the most critical parts of the watch from a functional perspective, it is also the part which seems to have changed the least since the invention of the wristwatch.’ Two variations of the strap – one, a two-piece bracelet version that fits the M-Line series of watches, and the other a one-piece style that works with the C-Line family – are available to purchase separately from their website.
This new method of manufacturing straps obviously promises further creative potential as it presents a chance to produce a much wider range of forms and shapes without the need to consider dead space and cavities. ‘That wouldn’t be possible using traditional manufacturing methods,’ Carr points out. It also offers the possibility of re-using most of the discarded material. Simply folding the strap back on itself will secure the watch, while just pulling the strap through to fit effortlessly adjusts the size. ‘We realised that where we made the weave solid, we could also add in microscopic teeth allowing the strap to grip to itself, a bit like Velcro,’ says Carr. That, happily, led to another design benefit – a seamless strap with no apparent clasp, taking Uniform Wares signature minimalist aesthetic to a whole new level.
INFORMATION
’Materials: Process and Development in Design,’ 17 - 20 September, 83 - 85 Paul Street. uniformwares.com
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
The coolest design-led coffee shops in Seoul
Seoul counts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world – cut straight to our six must-visit spots
By Robert Schneider Published
-
Samuel Ross unveils his Hublot Big Bang watch design
Samuel Ross brings a polished titanium case and orange rubber strap to the Hublot Big Bang watch
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Playful design meets chic heritage in the Hermès Kelly watch
The new Kelly watch from Hermès rethinks the original 1975 timepiece
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Discover the tonal new hues of the classic Nomos Club Campus watch
The Nomos classic wristwatch Club Campus now comes in two new collegiate colours. The perfect graduation gift from the Glashütte manufacture
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Bulgari unveils the thinnest mechanical watch in the world
The new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is a record-breaking feat of engineering
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Breitling and Triumph unite on a racy new watch and motorcycle
1960s design codes are infused with a contemporary edge in the collaboration between Breitling and Triumph
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Gerald Genta’s mischievous Mickey Mouse watch design is rethought for a new era
The Gerald Genta Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse watch pays tribute to Genta’s humorous design codes
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Shinola honours Georgia O’Keeffe with a new watch
Shinola Birdy watch stays faithful to the minimalist codes of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, My Last Door
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Bulgari’s new book celebrates women and high jewellery
Bulgari Magnifica: The Power Women Hold, published by Rizzoli New York, takes a closer look at the female muses who inspired the spectacular Magnifica high jewellery collection
By Hannah Silver Last updated