XS Horizon: Redefining Time with Innovative Design

Dabi Robert's Award-Winning Wrist Watch Concept

Dabi Robert's XS Horizon, a unique wrist watch design, is making waves in the world of fashion and technology. This innovative timepiece, which won the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2023, redefines the way we perceive time, with a design that is as much about aesthetics as it is about functionality.

Robert's inspiration for the XS Horizon stemmed from a desire to create a compact wrist watch that would appeal to all genders. The design was influenced by an existing model that used a disc and a regular hand. However, Robert took this concept and transformed it into a new idea featuring two gradient-filled discs. This design not only aligns with the concept of past, present, and future but also produces a more uniform appearance.

The XS Horizon stands out from other wrist watches due to its unique properties. The watch uses a sharp line moving through time space to visualize the present moment while separating the past and future. The past is represented with a shade of color that fades into oblivion as it diverges from the present, while darkness symbolizes the unknown future. This innovative approach to time-telling is a testament to Robert's creative prowess.

The watch's realization technology is equally impressive. Instead of using hands, the Japanese Miyota quartz movement drives two transparent synthetic discs, which are printed with multiple layers each. The order and opacity of each layer is important to ensure that the gradients are readable with every alignment. The watch casing and strap are made of 316l stainless steel, and pvd color is used for the rose gold and black models. Additionally, the strap features a quick change mechanism at the spring bar.

The XS Horizon is not just about innovative design; it also boasts impressive technical specifications. The watch features a 316l stainless steel casing with a matte finish, available in Rose Gold or Black options with pvd color. The casing is 9.7mm thick and 31mm wide, with a twist-lock, matte-finished 316l stainless steel case back. The watch face consists of a solid gradient hour disc and a transparent gradient minute disc. The Milanese mesh strap is 16mm wide and comes with a tool-free quick change mechanism. The watch is powered by a Japanese Miyota 2026 quartz movement and has a hardened mineral crystal glass. The battery lasts approximately 2 years, and the watch is water-resistant up to 5 atm.

Robert's design process was not without its challenges. The brand often received customer feedback that there was a demand for a smaller watch. So Robert designed a new casing that is just three quarters the size of all their existing casings. The design is oriented at one of their best selling models, with a refined and flatter appearance. He also developed a new concept for the watch face, which resembles one of the existing models a little bit, but works different technically. For this new dial design, it was necessary to experiment with printing. Not only finding the right Pantone color hues, but also the right order of printing the layers and opacity.

The XS Horizon watch is a testament to Robert's innovative design approach and his commitment to creating unique, fashion-forward timepieces. It's not just a watch; it's a statement piece that tells a story about the wearer's style and sophistication. With its unique design and innovative features, the XS Horizon is set to become a must-have accessory for the fashion-conscious individual.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Dabi Robert
Image Credits: Robert Dabi
Project Team Members: Robert Dabi
Project Name: XS Horizon
Project Client: Dabi Robert


XS Horizon IMG #2
XS Horizon IMG #3
XS Horizon IMG #4
XS Horizon IMG #5
XS Horizon IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant