Concept watches are incredibly horological showcases, but are rarefied to the point of uniqueness, not the kind of timepiece that anyone could call accessible. By channelling their own iconoclastic school of design however, Phantoms Lab have managed to create pieces that share the same cutting-edge, boundary-defying style of a concept watch in a far more accessible way – such as in the Laser series.
The first thing you notice about the Laser is its shape. It’s sharp, faceted shape is described Aby Phantoms as a time coffin, part modern take on tonneau, part classical momento mori minus the skulls. It’s a chunk of stainless steel and rubber about as big, bold and over-the-top as any Richard Mille or Hublot.
That unusual case shape is mirrored in the indicators across the dial, which fan out from the centre. Between the colourful, oversized indexes at almost absurd angles, a separate 24-hour dial and 0 – 100% power reserve indicator make for a futuristic watch that’s a lot to take in at first glance. At second though, it’s clear, legible and seriously sporty.
Powering all that is a movement that’s far more common than you might expect. Accessible as the Miyota 9132 movement may be, in the Laser series it’s been pushed to its greatest potential, making for a piece that, while mechanically complex, will set you back just $880 – around £685.
The Laser is available in four distinct colourways depending on your own personality. The Spearic is the most nuanced, combining orange with pale blue and black for something entirely individual. The Flaming and Sparklic Lasers on the other hand play up the obvious links to hypercars and racing machines with sporty flashes of red and yellow respectively. Then there’s the Negatronic Laser, which combines ever-trendy blue with red for a more pared-back, under-the-radar feel.
Unmissable, unmistakable and aesthetically magnetic, the Phantoms Laser series might not be the horological concept watch it first appears, but from its unique style you’d never know it. This is the cutting-edge made accessible.
More details at Phantoms Lab.
