New TokyoFlash watch concept calls time on Rorschach test

Part of the appeal of owning a watch by design studio TokyoFlash is being in on the secret of how to actually tell the time on one of its pieces. Some of the methods are particularly cryptic, especially when looking at the user-submitted concept designs. The Rorschach test watch is no exception, with the numbers clearly visible but almost indiscernible unless you know both what you're looking for and where you should be looking.

The Rorschach test, otherwise known as the inkblot test, is a technique used by psychologists to determine emotional well-being and underlying personality traits. The patient is shown a symmetrical inkblot shape and asked to interpret it in whichever way they see fit. With this as its inspiration, the functional-yet-funky timepiece could cause significant frustration and potentially lead to those not in on the secret seeking psychological help.

This concept watch was submitted by "Sam from Germany," who has clearly put a lot of thought into the timepiece. The result is a watch whose face is very reminiscent of the types of shapes thrown up during a Rorschach test. The starting point of the design process was showing the numbers clearly, then they were mirrored, before finally being melded together. This means each minute of the day is a brand new inkblot-style splodge on the e-paper display.

It's actually surprisingly easy to work out the time using the Rorschach test watch – once you know how. The hour is visible in the top-right of the display, with the minutes visible in the bottom-left. Considerable thought has even gone into the design of the strap, which is leather with a metal clasp in order to evoke the restraints that are sometimes applied to people in states of "high emotion." The whole watch is presented in black and white materials to ensure a simple but effective duality.

This is the sort of watch that would attract attention and be a magnificent talking point among friends. The Rorschach test e-paper watch is garnering extremely high ratings, with an average of 4.6 out of 5 at the time of writing, so we may see it make it onto TokyoFlash's production roster before too long.

Source: TokyoFlash