Devon Tread 1: $15,000 Watch Uses Moving Belts for Timekeeping
Devon Works’ Tread 1 uses four microstep motors and moving belts to display time, with a lithium-polymer cell providing up to two weeks of operation between charges.
Devon Works, a Los Angeles-based engineering company, has launched the Tread 1, a wristwatch retailing at $15,000 and powered by a system of moving belts rather than traditional gears. The Tread 1 is the debut model from the brand and is expected to reach retailers later in 2010.
Instead of hands or a digital display, the Tread 1 uses a patented system of interwoven belts to show the hours, minutes and seconds. Each belt is driven by its own microstep motor, allowing for precise movement. The seconds belt runs continuously, while the hours and minutes advance as needed. The belts themselves are made from fibre-reinforced glass nylon, just two thousandths of an inch thick, providing both strength and flexibility for continuous operation.
A proprietary optical recognition system monitors the position of each belt, correcting any deviation and ensuring accuracy. The entire movement is powered by a lithium-polymer rechargeable cell, which Devon Works claims will run for up to two weeks between charges. The belts and motors are mounted on a central chassis, creating a floating effect within the case. The company describes the design as both space-age and robust, aimed at buyers seeking a statement piece rather than a conventional watch.
Technical approach and market positioning
The Tread 1’s use of belts and stepper motors sets it apart from both mechanical and digital watches. While most high-end timepieces rely on intricate gear trains or quartz crystals, Devon Works has opted for a system more akin to industrial automation. The watch’s rechargeable battery and optical sensors reflect a blend of horology and electronics rarely seen at this price point.
At $15,000, the Tread 1 enters the market as a statement piece for collectors and enthusiasts interested in unconventional timekeeping. Its scale and technical complexity position it closer to limited-run horological art than to mainstream luxury watches. Devon Works has not announced production numbers, but the price and technical approach suggest a niche audience.
Charging and maintenance
The lithium-polymer cell is recharged via a contactless system. Devon Works claims up to two weeks of operation per charge, though actual usage may vary depending on how often the belts are activated. The reliance on electronic components and moving belts means long-term durability and servicing requirements could differ from traditional mechanical watches, though the company has not detailed service intervals.
The Tread 1’s launch marks an attempt to offer something different in the high-end watch market, targeting buyers who value engineering innovation and visual spectacle over tradition. Early interest from collectors is expected, but its long-term place in horology will depend on reliability and support as much as its unique design.
