Thanks to emerging technology, the digital watch is seeing a resurgence of popularity. So what does it take to stand out among the giants like Timex and Casio? Phosphor Watches has been making E Ink based watches for some time, and they recently released the World Time. The World Time features a curved E Ink display that is form-fitted to your wrist. The extreme contrast of the e-ink paired with the ability to track any timezone makes for a potent package for the digital connoisseur.
Here are the specs:
- Curved E-Ink display.
- 35×9.3mm thick (5mm at edge).
- Twin timezone display.
- 5 user-selectable display modes.
- 50m WR.
- MSRP of $150-$195.
The main draw factor of the Phosphor World Time is its Electronic Paper Display, manufactured by E Ink. It’s a low-power, high contrast screen that quite literally looks like printed paper. I found this display to be excellent, viewable at almost any angle and still very usable in low light. The screen is the same technology as the one used in the Amazon Kindle.
As a watch, the World Time works out well, its curved case and simple one button interface is a good example of clean design and form meeting function. The button is actually a rocker switch of sorts that can be pressed on either side. The left side can be held down to change the contrast set of the screen (either black on white or reverse white text on black). The right side of the button cycles through the different display modes that show the time as small, large, world time, time plus world time, and time plus calendar (see the included video). The review model provided by Phosphor came fitted to a black polyurethane strap that is flexible and comfy as well as stylish.
Seiko has been flirting with E-Ink technology for a while (and will have something to announce very soon), but the Phosphor is available now and for a very reasonable price. Phosphor is selling the World Time direct from their website for $150 on a rubber strap, $165 on a leather strap, and $195 on a stainless steel bracelet.
We really like Phosphor watches, and this one does not disappoint. It’s well made, stylish, tech-savvy and easy to use.
We would like to thank Phosphor Watches for providing a review sample.
By James Stacey
