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Solution 01 watch in black

Matte Works launches watch informed by "sci-fi-like" solar energy plants

Promotion: Hong Kong watch brand Matte Works is launching its first product – a solar-powered timepiece called Solution-01 with an interchangeable strap.

The Solution-01 watch collection launches on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter on 29 August and is intended to help wearers make clean, solar energy a part of their everyday lives.

Solar-powered watch
Matte Works is launching the Solution-01 collection on fundraising platform Kickstarter

Its dial and hardware aesthetic is informed by the sun-tracking heliostat mirrors of solar power plants, according to Matte Works.

"In Solution-01, we reimagine solar watches and encapsulate the art of solar energy into the design," said Matte Works. "The beauty happens from the accurately calculated heliostat pattern, resulting in a futuristic, sci-fi-like landscape."

Solution-01 watch with white dial and brown leather strap
The collection features watches with black or white dials

A solar cell under the dial converts light into electrical energy which is stored in the watch's rechargeable battery, reducing the need for disposable batteries like those used in conventional watches.

The collection includes black and white dial colour options, as well as choices of black and chestnut leather straps or black and pine nylon straps.

Nylon straps of Solution-01 watch collection
A variety of strap materials and colours are included in the collection

The straps can be easily removed and attached to enable wearers to change them to suit different occasions and activities, with the leather more formal and the nylon more durable.

At 40 millimetres in diameter and 9.7 millimetres thick, the brushed stainless steel case is thin and lightweight in order to be suitable for all wrist sizes.

Solution-01 watch with black nylon strap
The brand said the dial design is based on solar energy plants

The bezel has been given a high-polish chamfer, while the sapphire-coated crystal is scratch-resistant and treated to be anti-reflective. The brushed pencil hands are luminous in low-light conditions.

Founded in 2021, Matte Works has positioned itself as having a focus on sustainability and wellness.

Leather straps of Solution-01 by Matte Works
A solar cell under the dial powers the watch

In its design, Solution-01 responds to increasingly sedentary and screen-centric lifestyles, encouraging wearers to rediscover the outdoors.

"The release of this product marks the first step in our mission to provide a new way of reconnecting with nature, as a means of educating communities on the impact of screen fatigue and ultimately cultivating wellness practices," said the brand.

Luminous hands of Solution-01 watch
Hands of the Solution-01 watch illuminate in low light

Following the 30-day Kickstarter funding campaign, the first Solution-01 watches are expected to be delivered to backers by early November.

To view more about Matte Works, visit its website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Matte Works as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

More images

Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works
Solution-01 watch from Matte Works