Modern Watch Design Uses Shadow Gradients to Tell Time

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

In 2014, timepiece company Anicorn Watches launched the first in its series of unique watches. Known as The Trio of Time, the popular collection consists of Series 000Series K452, and, now, Hidden Time, a minimalist approach to time-telling designed by designer Jiwoong Jung.

Structurally, Hidden Time is quite similar to other watches. It's composed of a circular face and simple band, which both come in 3-color combinations: black and midnight, rose gold and coffee, and white and snow. What sets the modern timepiece apart from other designs is its unique alternative to the hour hand. Instead of a traditional ticking needle, Hidden Time uses a UV-printed gradient design to indicate the hour. Since the numbers are rendered in white, they blend in with the pale background when not offset by the swiveling shadow, evoking the idea of “hidden time.”

When coming up with the concept of the watch, Jung was predominantly inspired by the natural world. “When designing the watch, I was thinking about how to naturally hide passing time,” he says. “My research began with how hiding occurs in nature, which led me to one of the best known examples—the chameleon’s protective color. Their defense mechanism is a kind of optical illusion, but a simple and effective way to have two things together naturally when superimposed.” Once he finalized his design, Jung and his team created a Kickstarter page, where you can currently pre-order your own avant-garde watch for a cool $154.

This is Hidden Time, a new watch by Anicorn Watches.

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

It uses a shadow-like gradient to tell time.

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

Its frame is available in 3 colors: black, rose gold, and white.

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

Similarly, its leather straps come in midnight, coffee, and snow.

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

hidden time trio of time jiwoong jung anicorn watches gradient watch shadow

Anicorn Watches: Website | FacebookTwitter | Instagram | YouTube 
h/t: [Design Milk]

All images via Anicorn Watches.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content