E-Ink not Just Good for eBook Readers, Good for Watches Too!
E-Ink not Just Good for eBook Readers, Good for Watches Too!
Posted 09/09/2010 at 5:19am
| by Paul Lilly
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Seiko is trying to bring digital watches back in style, and to help do that, the company is equipping new models with e-ink displays.
This isn't the first time Seiko has gone this route, having used e-ink in a handful of limited edition watches for the ladies a few years back. They never really took off, which Seiko hopes is only because it was an idea slightly ahead of its time.
These second-gen e-ink watches sport an active matrix display that allows the screen to "actively" refresh itself whenever needed. The battery is only used when changing the display, so in theory, these suckers should run for long, long periods of time.
It's also equipped with a solar cell, and the movement is radio controlled so that it receives its time from an atomic clock. It all looks pretty promising (and geeky), and if the recent ebook price war is any indication, these things might actually end up being affordable too.
More specs and info here.
Image Credit: Seiko
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codepath
September 10, 2010 at 5:29am
In the linked article, a reader posted a comment at the bottom stating that the current pricing in Japan is about $1200!!
Quote:
Retail Japan market prices are: (There are 3 launch models)
SDGA001 (Stainless Steel) 94,500 Yen = USD $1,123
SDGA002 (Goldcolor plated) 105,000 Yen = USD $1,251
SDGA003 (Black PVD hard coated) 105,000 Yen = USD $1,251Current exchange rate: USD $1 = 83.9544 JPY
novatvstdios
September 09, 2010 at 8:30pm
I have 3 watches in a draw somewhere and a nokia misc model # which is like my wrist watch. As to why this is news, is anyone's guess. Gimmicks gimmicks.. I have a few.
violian
September 09, 2010 at 11:20am
I was never really a watch person until I got my first Skagen 2 years ago. Now, I have a mini collection of high quality watches. I'd love to add this to my collection as I don't have a digital watch. I think their watches never "took off" last time because do ladies wear digital watches?? For guys, yes, we love digital watches.
jac_goudsmit
September 09, 2010 at 10:58am
Very droolworthy! I may want one when they drop under $100.
Eoraptor
September 09, 2010 at 8:19am
I wear a watch on occasion, but only as a fashion accessory honestly. and even that has a minute hnd, a second sweep hand, a day hand, and a date hand.
This is a great idea, but I can't help thinking its the last gasp of dying technology/styles. (much like smart books, zip drives, and DVDs) Unless there's a nuclear war that requires us to all wear all-mechanical omega's, indeed Watches will be and have been relegated to the niche market.
Kodess
September 09, 2010 at 7:16am
Who buys watches anymore?
I will buy this watch! I don't care if watches are old fashioned, I NEED THIS
*droool*
Hamburger
September 09, 2010 at 5:43am
Who buys watches anymore? Yes older generations still may and they can accent a nice formal/business look, but watches just aren't practical anymore and have been obsoleted by cell phones. Just about everyone owns a cell phone anymore and they also tell the time. I dont predeict sales of these watches to be epic. Some gadget lovers may buy them, and I am one myself, but I won't be purchasing one.
tornato7
September 09, 2010 at 3:14pm
I'm 15 and I wear a watch. It takes almost no time to look at your wrist as opposed to take out your cellphone, turn on the screen, and see the time. You also can't take cellphones out during class...
violian
September 09, 2010 at 11:22am
Our corporate office has ~4000 employees, and I'll say 99% wear watches. I'm a watch "connoiseur" so I tend to look at whether or not people are wearing watches whenever I'm in the elevator, and if they are, what they're wearing.
Elric
September 09, 2010 at 10:04am
Literally, every adult I know owns and wears a watch. What planet are you guys on?
Caboose
September 09, 2010 at 7:35am
I'm 27 and I still wear a watch. Mine is a really nice (and expensive) analog watch (I also have the Star Trek limited edition self winding watch from ThinkGeek).
I'd for sure get one of these. Especially if you can do a little customizing of the display. Show the date, plus digital/analog time. Would be really nice!
Rocketpop
September 09, 2010 at 6:21am
I'm 23 years old and I wear a watch. :(
I think it looks stylish. It's also faster than a cell phone when it comes to checking the time.
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