Review and Giveaway: Kisai Futuristic LED and LCD Watches

kisai_x_acetate_watch

Can you read the time on these watches? It’s not supposed to be easy. TokyoFlash Japan designs watches meant to be art pieces that happen to keep time as well. In fact, they recommend that if you are looking for a watch that simply tells the time, you should probably look somewhere else. Check out the rest of the post to find out how you can enter for a chance to win one of  TokyoFlash Japan’s unique timepieces!

I can read the time on the watches because I have learned the pattern. It makes me feel a little bit like a secret agent with a decoder ring. Here’s a diagram that explains how to decode the time on the Kisai X Acetate shown above.

diagramAs you can see, the hour is read top to bottom, and the minutes are read left to right. The digital LED numbers light up for 10 seconds when you press the large button on the side of the watch. Now, can you read the time on the watches in the top picture? Go try it now.

The one on the left reads 04:34 and the one on the right reads 10:15. Can you see it now? Pretty cool stuff. The X Acetate takes it’s name from the obvious pattern of the display combined with the top quality material the band is made with. Acetate is used in the production of high end sunglasses and other fashion accessories. It is lightweight and has a deep gloss.

One of the coolest features of this watch is that it is USB rechargeable. There is a small screw on the side that, when removed, exposes a charging port.

kisai_x_acetate_red_led_watchThis means no need to replace the battery. A full charge lasts for about a month and it takes a few hours to fully charge. You can choose to display the time in 12 or 24 hour format and there is an optional animation that plays automatically every 10 minutes when enabled. The only drawback to this watch is the requirement to push a button to show the time. It kind of defeats the purpose of wearing a watch. However, as an art piece that grabs attention, the X Acetate definitely gets the job done.

The second watch I have had the privilege of testing out is called Kisai Space Digits LCD. Telling the time is a little more intuitive, but does take some getting used to.

space_digits_black_silver_pair

The picture is self explanatory and also points out the best feature: there is no need to press a button to display the time. You do have the ability to activate the backlight when it is dark to illuminate the numbers. I also love that both the time and date can be read at a glance. The time is read horizontally while the date is read vertically.

spacedigits_black_gold_pairThe Space Digits model is twice as heavy as the X Acetate due to the stainless steel band and heavy display. I do love the design of this watch though. It screams retro future with it’s smooth lines and angled display. One drawback of this design for me is the arm hair grabbing. As I am a bit of a beastly man, the tiny gaps between the band links tend to pinch and grab hairs. That’s the price of being hip I guess.

In case you are still having issues reading the Space Digits, check out the diagram below.

diagram (1)Both watches have adjustable bands. TokyoFlash Japan does advise getting this done by an expert, but if you can do it yourself, that’s cool too. The Space Digits watch has a removable  standard watch battery that can be easily removed and replaced. The battery should last at least 12 months.

There is an optional warp speed animation (you can imagine what it looks like) that runs automatically every 15 minutes when enabled. The time can also be displayed in 12 or 24 hour format.

When I first received the watches, I was sure I would love the X Acetate more than the Space Digits. But the cool look and ease of use has helped me overlook my now silky smooth (hairless) wrist and the Space Digits has won me over. It has more of a formal feel, while the X Acetate is more casual and novel.

Now it’s your turn to decide which one you would like best! In the comments below, let us know which watch you think is best and why. One lucky reader will be chosen and TokyoFlash Japan will send you your very own unique piece of art that also happens to keep time.

Good luck!

For more information on TokyoFlash Japan’s unique lineup of watches, check out their website. Each watch description includes a demonstration video where you can see the animations I was referring to.

 

 

 

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