NBS-MK1: A Futuristic Wristwatch Inspired by Nuclear Fusion

Designing a Sustainable Energy Symbol

The NBS-MK1, designed by the DELTAt Design Team, incorporates various industrial elements to reinforce its masculine image. The robust casing, removable screws, and special straps with metal buckle and loop details give the watch a strong and mechanical appearance. The movement's balance wheel and escapement fork's operation can be seen through the dial, further emphasizing the overall mechanical image projected by the NBS-MK1.

The design of the NBS-MK1 reflects the solid construction of a nuclear fusion reactor. The tri-sectional design gives it a bold and futuristic appearance, while the dial is modeled after the reactor's core. The robust casing and the three main screws resemble the strong image of the plant, and the metal buckle and loop reinforce the masculine aesthetic while helping to balance the watch's weight. The bottom cover, resembling a safety vault door, adds to the overall design concept.

Technical specifications of the NBS-MK1 include an automatic movement, lumed hour and minute hands, a 49mm case, and a thickness of 20.2mm. The watch features an aluminum bronze case with satin and sandblast finishing, a screw-down 316L stainless steel inner bottom cover with a mirror finishing logo, and three main screws locked bezel and outer bottom cover. It is water-resistant up to 1,000 meters and comes with one set of fine genuine leather straps and one set of unique canvas straps, both designed to match the robust look of the watch.

Wing-Keung Wong, the designer behind the NBS-MK1, dedicated significant time to adjusting the lugs' sizes and distances from the case. The challenge was to find the right balance between avoiding contact between the pin and the main screw at 6 o'clock while ensuring the lugs were not too far away, leaving too much space in between. Selecting a movement that looks best through the open windows on the dial was another significant challenge.

The NBS-MK1 project began in April 2014 and took eighteen months to finalize. Production took an additional six months, with the first batch of watches becoming available in October 2015. All design work and watch assembly are done in Hong Kong.

This innovative design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2017. The NBS-MK1 stands out for its well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. It integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings while contributing to a better world.