The follow-up to the successful Tread One, the new Tread Two was just introduced at Baselworld 2012. Here is a video of the incredible machine as explained by Devon Works chief engineer Jeff Stephenson. -video and copy thanks to HODINKEE
California company Devon Works is following up on their popular Devon Tread 1 watch with a second generation, the Tread 2, this year at Baselworld. Both issues have been addressed with the Tread 2
without compromising any of the original charm. While in Basel last
week, we sat down with Devon engineer Jeff Stephenson for an explanation
of some of the new features.
The first thing you'll notice about the Tread 2 are its far more manageable dimensions. Further helping in the practicality department is the new crown system which uses an articulating arm to access many of the watches features. The arm adds a nice visual touch to the new case design as well, which is constructed of multiple pieces varying in texture. Another big change is the removal of the seconds belt. However, this does remove the most animated element of the watch; but if you're missing that bit you can put the minutes belt into a seconds mode.
The Tread 2 also has the capacity to enter "chronograph" mode, which zeros the minute belt and sets the hour at 12. From there you can time events as you would any chronograph. Watch above as Jeff explains.
The first thing you'll notice about the Tread 2 are its far more manageable dimensions. Further helping in the practicality department is the new crown system which uses an articulating arm to access many of the watches features. The arm adds a nice visual touch to the new case design as well, which is constructed of multiple pieces varying in texture. Another big change is the removal of the seconds belt. However, this does remove the most animated element of the watch; but if you're missing that bit you can put the minutes belt into a seconds mode.
The Tread 2 also has the capacity to enter "chronograph" mode, which zeros the minute belt and sets the hour at 12. From there you can time events as you would any chronograph. Watch above as Jeff explains.
It's important to note here that the Tread 2 is not yet in final
form. Some of the functions are still being hammered out, as are a
variety of possible color combinations. Look for a final Tread 2 to hit
the market later this year, and we're told pricing will be around
$10,000 - $7,000 less than the Tread 1.
photos of Tread 2 prototypes courtesy of ablogtoread.com
Hands on with the Tread 2 via ablogtoread.com
The
DEVON Tread 1 was nominated for the GRAND PRIX D’HORLOGERIE DE GENÈVE
in 2010 for Best Design and Concept Watch among a field of very storied
and esteemed brands, the first time an American watch company had ever
been included in the competition. Now DEVON is building upon the success of the Tread 1 with another groundbreaking design called Tread 2. The
Tread 2 will deliver DEVON’s patent-pending Time Belt technology in a
package that’s more sophisticated than the avante-garde Tread 1.
“As
with the Tread 1, the DEVON Tread 2 will continue to be developed
within the United States Aerospace industry's network of suppliers and
engineers. We’ve become known for
pushing the envelope of acceptability, and The Tread 2 incorporates
many innovative features that have never before been seen in the world
of haute horlogerie,” said Scott Devon, the company’s founder.
A
few of the most obvious innovations are a one-of-a-kind clamp system
that is used to secure the bezel to the case, the four distinctive lugs
which help to define the shape of the watch as well as the crown’s
unmistakably unique articulating arm. All of these features give the
Tread 2 a unique depth of character.
The movement, similar to the Tread 1, relies heavily on aerospace technology. For
instance, the glass-reinforced Nylon Time Belts used to display the
current time were adapted directly from aircraft instrumentation. The
belt assemblies remain mounted on a central chassis, which allows for
the perfect clearance of the moving parts while creating the illusion
that the parts are floating within the case. Two extremely compact
micro-step motors drive the movement of the hour and minute belts with
efficiency, exacting power, and steadfast accuracy. The lubricant-free
pulley system moves freely thanks to the integration of jeweled
bearings.
A
temperature-compensating and calibrated quartz crystal provides an
extremely accurate time-keeping signal to the onboard microprocessor
that controls the movement’s two micro-step motors. Power for this
“Visual Symphony” is provided by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.
When a recharge is necessary, simply placing the watch onto its
charging cradle will wirelessly charge the battery through the use of
electromagnetic induction.
DEVON will be debuting the watch at March’s Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show in private showings to retailers and press. Production will begin shortly thereafter and deliveries are scheduled to commence in June, 2012.
Preorder your Devon Tread 2 Watch here; Devon Works Tread 2
Preorder your Devon Tread 2 Watch here; Devon Works Tread 2
