Art Mécanique’s 16-01 stood out by pairing a conventional automatic mechanical movement with an unusual way to show time: three rotating discs for hours, minutes and seconds. Period coverage described the watch as a configurable Swiss-made project, but its campaign prices conflict across reports and do not establish either a final sale price or current availability.
How the Art Mécanique watch displayed the time
Instead of hands, the 16-01 used three rotating discs to indicate hours, minutes and seconds. Monochrome Watches described reading the indications along an imagined line running from the dial’s center toward 12. The upper part of the dial showed the time, while the lower section carried decorative finishes. The concept’s appeal was this contrast: a familiar mechanical watch inside, with a less familiar display on the face.
That layout is a design choice, not evidence that the watch was easier or harder to read than a conventional dial. The sources describe the display but do not provide comparative readability tests.
Movement and reported specifications
Monochrome Watches and Chronotempus identified the movement as an automatic Schild 280 and reported a 40-hour power reserve. Monochrome further described it as an ETA 2824 clone and listed 28,800 vibrations per hour and 26 jewels. These are specifications reported in 2016 coverage, not independently verified measurements.
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#1 Best Overall
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
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| Specification | Period-reported detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic Schild 280; Monochrome calls it an ETA 2824 clone | Monochrome Watches, 18 July 2016; Chronotempus, 17 July 2016 |
| Power reserve | 40 hours | Monochrome Watches and Chronotempus, 2016 |
| Frequency and jewels | 28,800 vibrations per hour; 26 jewels | Monochrome Watches, 18 July 2016 |
| Case size | 42 mm diameter; 9.4 mm thick | Monochrome Watches, 18 July 2016 |
| Case and crystal | 316L stainless steel; sapphire crystal. Monochrome also reports an optional black DLC-coated case. | Monochrome Watches and Chronotempus, 2016 |
| Caseback | Engraved | Monochrome Watches, 18 July 2016 |
Materials, finishes and configuration choices
Period descriptions name a 316L stainless-steel case and sapphire crystal. Monochrome also reports a black DLC-coated case option, multiple dial-cover finishes, grey or black discs, and several strap options. Chronotempus says the 16-01 was presented in seven versions, with more than 500 possible configurations and interchangeable straps.
Those configuration counts describe the project as covered at the time; they do not establish which combinations were ultimately made or remain available. The reports do not state a lug width, so they are not enough to confirm compatibility with third-party straps.
Rank #2
- Seiko 5 Automatic Black Arabic Dial Men's Watch SNKP21J1
What the Kickstarter pricing reports said
The two 2016 watch articles give different campaign-era price ladders. They should be read as separate reports, not combined into a single confirmed price list.
| Publication | Reported campaign-era prices | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Monochrome Watches, 18 July 2016 | CHF 385 for early limited editions; CHF 405 for the regular edition | Prices reported during the campaign period; not verified final or current prices. |
| Chronotempus, 17 July 2016 | CHF 389 for the first 100 models; CHF 849 thereafter | A different campaign-era price account; not verified final or current prices. |
TechCrunch reported on 7 July 2016 that the project was seeking $100,000 and described the watch as costing about $400 if funded. That coverage captured the campaign while it was under way; it does not establish whether the target was reached or what the final price became. See TechCrunch’s campaign report.
Rank #3
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
Who was behind the project
Monochrome Watches identified the founders as Adriano and Fred and attributed 35 years of combined experience in watch design, marketing, engineering and micro-technology to them. Chronotempus named Adriano and Frédéric and reported 32 years of combined experience. Because the publications differ on both the second founder’s name form and the experience figure, neither account should be treated as a definitive combined total.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the value proposition did—and did not—establish
The project’s clearest point of distinction was the disc-based display paired with an automatic mechanical movement and decorative finishing. The reported case materials, dimensions and configuration choices supplied useful context for a prospective backer, while the conflicting price accounts make it difficult to state a single campaign price from these reports.
Rank #4
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] There's no need to worry if the battery is dead because this watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 30m (98FT) -suitable for daily water resistance, withstands splashes and light rain. Not for swimming, showering or diving
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
The sources reviewed do not establish the campaign’s final outcome, current availability, final delivered specifications, or third-party strap fit. The 2016 prices are historical reports, not a present-day offer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
