Devon introduces the Tread 2

Following up on the storming release of the Devon Tread 1, Devon Works presented a first prototype Tread 2 at last year’s Baselworld. Reactions were once again strongly positive, and all seemed well, until something stirred within the creative depths of Scott Devon, founder and owner of Devon Works.

When re-designing the prototype, Scott Devon decided to stay true to the original idea of the Tread 1, featured here on Monochrome before. Again combining mechanical and battery operated watchmaking. The result is just stunning and is a less raw machine, it’s probably more matured. Let us introduce… Devon Tread 2.

The fundamentals for a Devon Tread are quite obvious; high-grade technology combining mechanics and electronics, displaying time through multiple belts, and a super-industrial design with a big impact. Scott wasn’t happy with the final Tread 2 prototype, and ordered his design team back to the proverbial drawing board. Risking complaints from consumers and retailers, Scott and his Managing Director Ehren Bragg gave the team carte blanche in designing the final version of the Tread 2.

Scott Devon: “I felt the original Tread 2 design was in danger of being considered a derivative of the Tread 1, sort of like when the successful rock band plays it safe with their second album.”

In more ways than one, I think this was eventually the wise thing to do. When the people behind a product are not happy with the creations they put out, it runs a high risk of failure. The final result is something that is distinct enough to stand in its own right, but nevertheless very “Devon”. A redesigned case and a couple of new features for the movement help it to be much more than “just a follow-up”. The complicated system of brackets to secure the bezel onto the case was scrapped, and instead eight screws hold it down. These screws also provide some visual impact to the watch-face. Besides the renewed bezel, the crown is also overhauled. The innovative articulating arm is still there, but the design resembles the “business-end of a hunting knife” according to Devon Works.

The changes are not merely esthetical, but also technically things have been altered a bit. The movement still turns fiberglass-reinforced Nylon belts through an intricate system of one step motors but will be more refined and more user friendly. Recharging the Lithium-polymer power cell is still done by placing it into the wireless inductive charging station.

Possibly the best part of the redesigned Tread 2 is an actual chronograph incorporated into the movement. When pushing down on the crown you activate the chronograph, which will no doubt be a stunning visual treat. Seconds are counted on the minutes belt, minutes will be counted on the hours belt. A pusher placed inside the crown can be pushed to reset the Chronograph, and display the current time again.

Production of the Devon Tread 2 is set to start in June, delivery will commence in July. The Tread 2 will be available in 4 versions; bare steel, black DLC-coated, black DLC-coated with red accents, and full white version. Price is believed to stay under $10,000 which will be significantly less than the Tread 1.

We all have to wait a few more months, until Baselworld 2013, to see the Tread 2 live, but we will be sure to pay our friends a visit at the fair. For more information, contact Devon Works through their website or Facebook-page.

Specifications:

• 44.2mm x 41.7mm x 14.5mm 316L Stainless Steel case
• 1mm thick sapphire crystal
• Water resistant to 10m
• Leather and rubber straps will be available
• .002” thick fiberglass-reinforced Nylon Time Belts©
• Lithium-polymer rechargeable battery, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge
• Inductive wireless charging system.

This article is written by Robin Nooij, contributing writer for Monochrome Watches.