Creator Frédéric Garinaud & CSH developed the Opus 8 with a new twist on mechanical-digital watches.

Inspired by pin art games, which create 3D impressions of objects pressed against them, the numbers in the display will only appear “upon request,” activated by a bolt on the right hand side of the case.

Nothing appears until the mechanism is wound.

A plate joins together small segments, both mobile and fixed. Just underneath is a disc driven by the movement, which turns independently in real time. When the mechanism is wound, the pieces adjust to display the time.

As the plate descends, the small segments remain visible, “blocked” by the crystal, allowing the hour to be read for 5 seconds. In addition Opus 8 features a strikingly original dial display.

On the left is a four-digit hour display – two for the hour and two for the time of day (AM/PM). When it is 20h00, the watch will display 08PM. On the right is an innovative minute counter, with a layout and display from bottom to top. Set in 5 minute segments (precision being secondary), the 5 minute indicator is an arrow-shaped ring. The hour and minute numbers recalls the symmetrical hexagonal typography found in liquid crystal mechanics.

Only 50 pieces will be offered, worldwide but Rumor has it that these were sold out before they being presented.

Via hour-hand