2. Tribute: The Computational Watch

Object: The Computational Watch

Concept: 

The mix of old and new allowed me to create an object with a humorous and light character. Sort of a wink to a contemporary smartwatch. Despite its mini size, a user can still make mathematical calculation on it. 

More importantly, I hoped to achieve a reflective value on technological progress. People have been relying on counting tools since ancient cultures. Even though heavily influenced by technological progress at the moment, they have been an inseparable part of our daily life since then. 

Work on the project:

Most of the work on the object involved bending and soldering the silver wire. Beans were bought at a jewelry store, bracelets were taken from an old watch.  

Abacus represents a computational ability. First trails of using the abacus as a calculating tool are dated from the period of 2700-2300BC in Mesopotamia. Originally it was made of marbles or stone beans in grooves in sand or in tablets of wood, stone or metal. It was deliberately chosen to combine it with the black velvet bands and a sleek metal wire that reflects universal, modern and elegant aesthetics. 

Tribute: 

Casio CA53 Watch, a watch with a built-in calculator, was one of the coolest and most desired gadgets of my 90s childhood. Now, looking from perspective, I consider its launch as a technological and design milestone in the history of smartwatches. For a fashion and accessories lover like myself, it felt natural to pay it a little crafty tribute. 

Image: original Casio Calculator Watch from 90s