Hamon: A Clock That Captures the Essence of Time

A Unique Clock Design by Kensho Miyoshi

Kensho Miyoshi, a renowned designer, has always been fascinated by the design of clocks and their representation of time. With his latest creation, Hamon, Miyoshi delves deeper into the concept of time and presents a clock that goes beyond simply telling the present time.

Hamon is a clock like no other. Made of a flat round chinaware and water, it combines art, design, and technology to create a mesmerizing experience. The clock's hands rotate, gently ruffling the water every second. The behavior of the water surface is a continuous overlap of ripples, representing the passage of time from the past to the present.

What sets Hamon apart is its ability to showcase not only the present time but also the accumulation and attenuation of time. The ever-changing water surface reflects the constant flow of time, creating a captivating visual display. The name "Hamon" is derived from the Japanese word for ripples, perfectly encapsulating the essence of this unique clock.

The realization of Hamon required innovative technology and craftsmanship. The clock is made of a flat and round chinaware with a hole in its center, allowing the clock movement to be attached. To ensure the movement remains functional, an external microcontroller is used to control it, as the electronic board inside the movement is susceptible to water damage. The movement is carefully coated with sealant to make it waterproof, allowing it to operate seamlessly within the water-filled chinaware.

With its 400 mm diameter and 60 mm height, Hamon is a striking piece that demands attention. Its presence in any space adds an element of sophistication and intrigue. Additionally, when light interacts with the ripples on the water surface, it reflects and projects another ripple onto the surrounding walls, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

The journey of creating Hamon began in June 2013. The first model, featuring black chinaware and gold clock hands, was exhibited in July, followed by a second model with white chinaware and black clock hands in December, both showcased at the University of Tokyo in Japan.

Miyoshi's research for Hamon was rooted in the ancient methods of timekeeping, where natural phenomena such as the movement of astronomical objects or the fall of water were used to interpret time. With this clock, he aimed to bridge the gap between modern mechanical clocks and the philosophy of time. By designing the phenomenon itself that the clock marks, Miyoshi explores the deeper meanings behind our perception of time.

Creating Hamon came with its fair share of challenges, particularly in waterproofing the electric modules of the clock. However, Miyoshi's dedication and expertise allowed him to overcome these obstacles, resulting in a truly remarkable design that pushes the boundaries of what a clock can be.

Hamon's exceptional design and innovative approach to timekeeping have garnered recognition in the design community. In 2014, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With Hamon, Kensho Miyoshi has created a clock that not only tells the time but also captures the essence of time itself. Its mesmerizing display of ripples serves as a constant reminder of the ever-flowing nature of our existence. Hamon is a testament to the power of design to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and redefine our perception of everyday objects.