LOS ANGELES, 30 August 2012 – Devon Works LLC, a Los Angeles-based advanced engineering and design laboratory made a name for themselves by reinventing the watch when they released their now-iconic timepiece, the Tread 1, arguably the most cutting-edge watch made today that combines striking visuals and breakthrough engineering. The Tread 1 dazzled the watch world with its patented system of interwoven time belts powered by its very own electromechanical hybrid movement. The DEVON team employed experts from outside the watch industry, relying upon engineering talent from within the United States aerospace industry – an industry founded on the principle of constantly achieving seemingly impossible tasks.
Although modern in appearance, the DEVON Tread 1 was actually inspired by the Industrial Revolution and the invention of conveyor belts. Now DEVON’s creative lab is releasing a special edition of their debut timepiece, aptly named Tread 1 Steampunk. “If you love watching the wheels, cogs, and gears do their thing as I do, it doesn’t take too long to connect the dots to the Steampunk design genre and the Victorian fantasies it conjures,” states DEVON’s founder and Creative Director, Scott Devon.
What began as a design study turned into a reality when the first Tread 1 Steampunk renderings were shown to a select group of the world’s most prolific watch collectors. “We were inspired to put Steampunk into immediate production by the responses we received and subsequently moved it ahead of some of our other projects,” notes Ehren Bragg, DEVON’s Managing Director.
Although very similar in size and configuration to the normal Tread 1, Steampunk is instantly recognizable as something special. The piece measures 56mm x 50mm x 18.5mm and exterior case parts are covered by bronze “body armor,” a term coined by DEVON’s Chief Engineer, Jeff Stephenson, because of the way the cladding protects the original Tread 1 case structure. This body armor is a complex system of parts that is accented by extensive riveting as well as screws and fittings made of a pleasantly contrasting mix of brass and bronze finishes. Phosphor bronze spring spacers are placed at the four corners of the armor adding even more depth to Steampunk’s aesthetic. The visual symphony carries on inside the case where the most recognizable features are the movement’s brass motor housings and the newly designed indicator plate that’s intricately etched to accomplish a delicate, vintage appeal. The fiberglass-reinforced nylon Time Belts are dark brown while the numerals are executed in an off-white color. All of these elements, among others, contribute to a decidedly antiqued and bespoke appearance.
The Devon Tread 1 Steampunk will be limited to a special edition of 150 pieces and retail for US $25,000 when deliveries begin this November. “I believe this is a must-have watch for any serious watch collector, I know I can’t wait to wear mine. In fact, it’s been so well-received that we’re even thinking of launching a line of Steampunk luggage and briefcases,” adds Devon. The watch’s charging device is a work of art by itself and it’s easy to see why the lab is considering extending the design to other segments.”There is a quote from Robert Brown that so succinctly defines the world of Steampunk,” concludes Devon. “Steampunk is a sort of dream, the way we used to daydream. It’s like part of your childhood is just bursting forward again.’ My hope is that our inventions continue to prompt the same emotive responses from people that we’ve received thus far.”
About Devon Works, LLC
Led by founder Scott Devon and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Devon Works, LLC is a design lab dedicated to creating innovative luxury products that exemplify the American spirit. Devon Works began with the design of the exclusive Devon GTX supercar and continued with the revolutionary Tread line of timepieces.
King Jewelers is proud to be an authorized retailer for Devon Watches in Miami, Fl and Nashville, TN. For more information regarding Devon, please visit www.devonworks.com. For more information regarding pricing and availability of Devon watches, please visit our Devon page or email us at info@kings1912.com.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti was one of the driving forces behind this circle of artists and wished to reinforce the links between romantic poetry and art. Rossetti’s emphasis was on brilliance of colour and the women he portrayed often symbolized the creative power of Nature. ‘The Daydream’ (1880) is a celebration of controlled female sensuality, blending feminine beauty and mystery. The woman is not a passive beauty, but a powerful beauty, full of intensity.
