Tokyoflash Unveils Binary Flow Watch
Arguably This Year's Most Unusual Men's Watch Concept
It is fair to say that not everyone agrees with Tokyoflash's assertion that its latest men's watch concept, the USB-rechargeable Binary Flow, is "extremely simple to read".

On the face of it, the watch's design sounds relatively straightforward - hours, groups of ten minutes and single minutes are displayed in three different sections, with each line indicating an hour, a group of ten minutes or a single minute. The date is shown in the same format.

Design Breakthrough for Men's Watches

According to technology website technabob.com, the Binary Flow "laughs in the face of easily telling the time".

It certainly isn't a watch that can be glanced at in order to tell the time in an instant. The e-paper display, encompassing both time and date, is partially wrapped around the wearer's wrist. While this may not be entirely practical, it is more of a challenge actually deciphering the binary numeral system.

Binary: Great For Those Who Like a Challenge

The Binary Flow almost looks like a normal watch until its display is noticed, which consists of a series of two symbols, 0 and 1.

According to Tokyoflash, this is great for watch enthusiasts "who like a challenge", and challenging it certainly is.

While binary won't suit everyone, the numeral system appears to have found favour on the Tokyoflash blog, with visitors awarding the Binary Flow a 4.2 out of five rating.

The Binary Flow's Durability

While still in the concept stage, there are predictions that the Binary Flow will be going on sale sooner rather than later.

So what can potential customers expect from the watch in terms of durability? Tokyoflash has manufactured prototypes using a variety of materials to create a strong case and strap, with stainless steel merging into rubber and the e-paper display embedded within.

USB Memory Watch

March has been a busy month for Tokyoflash, with the Japanese company having also revealed its USB Memory Watch concept.

The LED time piece encompasses an integrated USB flash memory, which will allow users to store data and carry it effortlessly without having to use a memory stick.

Featuring a rubber wrist band and stainless steel case, the USB Memory Watch features three rings that tell the time - hours are displayed in the large, outside ring; groups of five minutes are shown in the upper circle and single minutes are displayed in the lower circle.

The remaining ring indicates how much storage space has been used and how much is remaining.

Tokyoflash's concept designs point to an exciting future for men's watches, although at this stage it is unclear just how popular the Binary Flow will be, despite the encouraging early signs. Charlie Gilbert