22 Design Studio specialse in creating industrial, yet stylish products – their main selling point being the fact that concrete is a major element. Hailing out of Taiwan, their founders were both 22 when they started the company; hence the name.
Their 4D timepiece comes in two options; a simpler “Minimal” version, and this one: the Signature.
Currently on KickStarter until November 20th 2017, they reached their funding within 7 hours – before I even managed to get my review live! Congratulations to them, as this is a very cool watch and I’m pleased it will be getting onto the wrists of many. Let’s take a closer look and also check out a couple of their other products.
The specs
- Dimensions: 45mm diameter x 14.5mm height x 45mm lug to lug
- Weight: 110g
- Water resistance rating: 3 ATM / 30m
- Movement: Sellita SW200-1
- Accuracy: -3.9 s/d
- Lug width: 22mm
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: $760 / £575
- Buy here:
- Kickstarter campaign:
The case
The case is very tall at 14.5mm. The shape is a conical cross-section with a tuck-in at the bottom, so is quite interesting. It has a polished bezel top, whilst the rest remains brushed. There is a keyline through the centre to split the edge up.
It is a completely round case due to the concealed lugs.
The sapphire crystal sitting on top of the case is flat and beautifully clear, the excellent anti-reflective coating makes quite the impression. It really gives the star of the show, the dial, perfect legibility.
The exhibition case back shows off the movement well and is secured in place by 4 screws, with various specifics surrounding the window. These are only laser etched however – it would have been nice if they were engraved. Please note that the markings on this particular model is for a special Taiwan only version.
The regular caseback will look as follows:
The push-pull crown is a intriguing bolt shape, which is polished on the outer edge with a hollow interior. It’s easy to use and feels good in the hand.
The dial
The dial really is the focus of the watch, and is made of something integral to the entire range from 22 – cement. It’s a very distinct circular staircase form, which really is what causes the tall height of the case.
The steps are split into 12 increments, one for every hour stepping up. The 22 logo and “Automatic” are embossed at the centre in the bottom half, as well as a subtle minute track around the outer edge. These are remarkably detailed considering the dial is concrete.
The finish of the dial is rough and ready, but there’s also something striking about it. It’s a rugged finish that you wouldn’t expect on a timepiece.
The hands extend out from the centre, and are straight polished bars. They have lumed channels at the top end, which is a reasonable strength.
The date window is drilled deep into the stepped dial, with a splendid polished metal cylinder surrounding it. It has a magnifying lens sitting on top to help viewing the date (as it’s sunken a lot).
The strap
The strap is made of thick leather, a very dark grey complimenting the steel case and grey concrete dial. It features matching coloured stitching. The leather is very good quality and it feels well constructed on the wrist.
The brushed tang buckle is simple and easy to use, with a shapely tongue which doesn’t cause too much damage to the strap. There are no markings or engraving on the top bar which would be the usual place; but rather there’s a cheeky little 22 on the side which is an interesting touch.
The movement
The movement powering the 22 Design Studio 4D Signature Concrete is the highly regarded Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1. It’s practically the same as the ETA 2824-2, so it’s as good one of the most reliable and reputable automatic movements available. Many believe it’s actually a better option as has an extra jewel (26 vs 25) and is built with newer machines.
Using my Lepsi Watch Scope, the accuracy is coming in at a very impressive -3.9 sec / day. That’s obviously well within COSC specs and is superb. It runs at 28.8k bph (8 ticks per second), and has a 38 hower power reserve.
Final comments
I really like the 22 Design Studio 4D Signature Concrete watch, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the specs are great – Swiss Made automatics are getting more and more expensive so it’s good to see one in here (some Miyota powered watches are the same price).
The design and usage of the stepped concrete dial is a really interesting one too. It’s unusual, unique, and wonderfully distinctive. Unfortunately this is the reason behind the only negative of the watch – the height. But, that’s something I can live with thanks to the epic sense of depth provided by the dial.
The watch is a real winner for me. The design, fit and finish is highly impressive, and whist the price is a little high, you certainly get what you pay for.
Now, let’s take a look at a couple of their other products.
The contour rollerball pen
The writing instrument has a lovely weight to it: perfect balance and a quality feel. The cap is stainless steel and screwed on, but there’s no option to park it. The thread offers a smooth experience.
Ridges extend along the edges, matching the branding and also provides great grip. The 22 logo is embossed on the top of one of the flat edges.
It’s not necessarily the smoothest ballpoint, but the balance and weight makes up for it for writing experience. It also looks incredibly cool and provides quite the impression.
The 4th dimension table clock
4th Dimension Table Clock (Silver/ Dark Gray)
The 4th dimension table clock is basically a much bigger brother of the 22 Design Studio 4D Signature Concrete Watch. It’s entirely made of concrete, which feels smooth to the touch. It provides a very industrial appearance, which will go on any desk nicely.
The clock is battery powered, but has a smooth seconds hands which is a nice touch which takes you by surprise.
It’s been a real pleasure getting acquainted with the products on offer from 22 Design Studio. Their design work is great – these are genuinely stunning products that impress.
