Cadence 4 bit binary watch review (& competition)

Today we are aiming for a change of pace, with a look at a rather interesting watch aimed at the tech based audience. Instead of featuring Arabic or Latin numerals, watch creator Cadence have opted for '4 bit binary' markings. Many readers will be immediately squirming in their seats, but thankfully there is also a focus on creating something attractive enough to wear daily. Our sample arrived from America in a rather attractive, bright orange box. The top of the box lifts away from the main compartment. Inside, the watch is nicely presented and held in place with two straps on either side of the box. The watch itself is attractive, which was reassuring, as often products aimed at 'geeks' have some over the top design element which alienates everyone else with any semblance of taste. The watch was designed by John Flear, and according to Cadence his products often incorporate 'high tech motifs into classical objects'. The watch looks like the material is aluminum, but it is stainless steel. This is a very durable material which doesn't mark easily. It is battery powered. Buying a watch is very much down to personal taste. As the images above show, both sides of the face are protected during shipping underneath a sticky film. We found it left a little mark on the back of the watch which was thankfully easily removed with a little elbow grease. The face of the watch is plain white, with black markings. The '4 bit' design is certainly a talking point with friends and family but doesn't stand out that much to actually be that obvious. The analogue design means you don't have to 'read' 4 bit to understand the time. The photographs don't show the luminescence, which is a nice touch. Strangely Cadence have incorporated it into the markers, but not the hour or minute hands. We like the idea of being able to tell the time in poorly lit conditions, but you still need a light source to see the position of the hands, which makes it all seem rather pointless. Cadence are using a lovely, soft leather strap which looks great in the flesh. As can be seen in some of the images on this page, they are using a sexy tan leather on the reverse side, and while many people won't ever get to see it, the duo tone leather style is very appealing. On this page we present some super high resolution images of the product taken with the 24.5MP Nikon D3X camera and 24-70mm ED lens. These will take much longer to open due to the dimensions, especially on slower connections. If you use these pictures on another site or publication, please credit Kitguru.net as the owner/source. When we were told a few weeks ago that a company was sending us a 'geek' watch, we have to admit, we didn't have high expectations at all. Generally when you are told that a product is designed for a geeky person, then you can expect it to be something you would only use indoors, for fear of embarassment. The Cadence 4 bit watch is actually an attractive, understated design which will not draw unwelcome attention to the wearer in public or social situations. Only upon closer inspection does it become clear that the face has been 'tuned' to suit a tech oriented audience. It is subtle enough to be missed, yet clear enough to an observant viewer to form a topic of conversation. We admire the attention to detail, the tan and black duotone leather strap for instance, and the subtle overall design ethic. We would have liked a small date readout, and perhaps luminescence applied to the hour and minute hands, so it would be genuinely usable in dark locations. All in all, its an interesting product, with a little twist, and while we like the fact they haven't pimped the product out with some gaudy extraneous 'extra', it might just be too understated for a percentage of the target audience. You can buy it direct from the company on this page, and the price is currently reduced to $69.95 (from $99). Kitguru readers can use 'kitguru' discount code for a further 25% off the retail price. Pros: It is very tasteful and attractive. leather strap is quality. its understated, yet subtle enough to start a conversation. Cons: luminescence would be better applied to the hands as well. Is it too subtle for some? Kitguru says: A stylish watch which is attractive enough to wear to social events. COMPETITION: We have two of these watches to give away. Simply join our forum and tell me why you should get one. We will close this at the end of September.