After the horrific news that the record setting 650 HP carbon fiber Devon Motorworks GTX was not going to see the light of day, we discovered Devon Works, LLC has found a different way to pass the time (pun definitely intended). Okay, that might have been a bad joke, but it is absolutely true. Devon Works has created a new timepiece that will boggle the design mind in a very good way. The Tread 1 consists of Devonʼs patented interwoven system of time belts that create an interesting display of the time. The idea of such an interesting and unique design came from industrial conveyor belts and motorcycles. The belts used in the Tread1 timepiece are made of 2/1,000 of an inch thick fiber-reinforced glass nylon. All belt assemblies are mounted on a central chassis to give the illusion that the pieces are floating in the CNC-milled steel case.

The accuracy of the Tread 1 is monitored consistently with the use of an optical recognition system that oversees each belt position. The movement of the belts is accomplished by four extremely compact microstep motors. These motors are powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable cell that, on one charge, can last up to two weeks. The timepiece can be found online at www.devonworks.com.

Hit the jump for the full story.

The design for this unbelievable timepiece was not something that could have been thought up over one night of wacky, drunken brainstorming. No, only Devon Works, LLC would enlist the help of a California aerospace engineering company and Peter Arnell of the world-renowned multidisciplinary brand and product invention firm, Arnell, to plan out, coordinate, and invent the pieces and intricate technology that would allow for this timepiece to come to life.

Devon founder Scott Devon says, “In the aerospace industry, people go to work every day to make the impossible happen.” Working with California-based talent also follows in line with Devonʼs other mandate: “Our timepieces will be wholly developed and manufactured in the U.S. in order to capture the unique character of American dreams.”

This is not just your everyday watch. Thanks to the help of engineering and branding geniuses, Devon Works, LLC has been able to bring us a technologically based design that is visually appealing and keeps us on schedule.

Press Release

For the watch enthusiast with a passion for innovation and ingenuity, the new must-have timepiece is the Tread 1. This engineering masterpiece, the debut watch from the new line of timepieces from Devon, is a big, bold, sexy declaration of independence from the status quo.

The Tread 1ʼs unique functionality reinvents the watch, extending far beyond the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The movement of the Tread 1 is a mesmerizing display of Devonʼs patented interwoven system of time belts. This series of belts expresses hours and minutes in exacting motion, while the seconds indicator runs in continuous motion. To ensure temporal accuracy, a proprietary optical recognition system monitors each belt position at all times. The sleek, bold Tread 1 has a unique aesthetic unlike any other timepiece. Design inspiration for this luxury watch came from industrial conveyor belts and motorcycles.

Four extremely compact microstep motors, powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable cell that will run for up to two weeks on a single charge, drive the movement of the four belts with efficiency, exacting power and steadfast accuracy. The belt assemblies are mounted on a central chassis, which allows for the perfect clearance of the moving parts and also creates the illusion that the parts are floating within the case. Fiber-reinforced glass nylon allows for belts that are only 2/1,000 of an inch thick while being strong and stable enough to ensure continuous accuracy.

The design of the Tread 1 tested the limits of current watchmakers, so Devon went to an industry experienced in pushing the limits of engineering, physics and even gravity. Devon enlisted a California aerospace engineering company to help develop the intricate technology required to support the revolutionary movement of the Tread 1. As Devon founder Scott Devon says, “In the aerospace industry, people go to work every day to make the impossible happen.” Working with California-based talent also syncs with Devonʼs other mandate: “Our timepieces will be wholly developed and manufactured in the U.S. in order to capture the unique character of American dreams.” To articulate this vision and launch the brand, Devon enlisted the expertise of Peter Arnell of world-renowned multidisciplinary brand and product invention firm Arnell to oversee brand identity and communications. As Chairman of Arnell, Peter Arnell spearheaded strategic brand planning and ideation, including logo design, digital brand identity, website, brochure and collateral design.

Whether working on a car, motorcycle or watch, Scott Devonʼs challenge to his design team is both simple and daunting: “We seek to create a design that redefines the category. We consult with experts in a variety of fields in order to build new innovations and keep pushing boundaries.” He demands that his team of artists, inventors and designers work together to deliver technological breakthroughs and fresh, modern, never-seen-it-before designs.

All of this adds up to head-turning aesthetics. With Tread 1, Devon immediately establishes a leading-edge vision and an exquisite command of the artistry of watch design. This must-have timepiece is an essential addition to any serious watch collection. The Tread 1ʼs groundbreaking design raises high expectations and anticipation for future luxury products from Devon.

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact Ehren Bragg, Managing Director of Devon, at (310) 402-1530 or visit www.devonworks.com.