Like all good watches, the DWC Hydromatic started with a moment of inspiration.
This moment came unobtrusively at the end of The Grey NATO’s interview with aquanaut Fabien Cousteau. It was born of a side comment, really, tangential to the wide-ranging interview that covered plans for the underwater station Proteus, watches, and motorcycles. But there it was: Cousteau’s early experience with what is sometimes referred to as a “water-powered” watch.
It would be understandable if you came away from the interview with the impression that Cousteau got the inspiration for his life in the leagues under the sea from his genetic heritage. Those relations, specifically, being hIs descent from his grandfather, the GOAT of underwater exploration, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. On closer inspection, however, one wonders about the role that this simplistic hydrological “water powered” gadget played in Cousteau’s development and fondness for the sea. Could this object, in some minuscule way, have been the launching point for his oceanic career? Although exceedingly unlikely, this is possible and an enormously helpful exercise to support what follows.
Now, given the potential waves of influence Cousteau’s water-powered watch could have had on the study of the oceans, the Dogwatch Watch Company (DWC) has reimagined this “water-powered” watch, and introduces a novel rendering of this instrument. It is an homage to the original, and honors all things aquatic.
The Design
Styled in silicon dioxide glass, a rugged Heaton-esque bund strap, and barebones engineering, the DWC Hydromatic is the in-your-face embodiment of aquatic horology. Less precedes more in its design, and balance is its very foundation.
The Power
The energy for the Hydromatic does not come from water at all. Although some descriptions of water watches suggest that water is the source of energy for this style of watch, this interpretation misses the point.
In these watches, water is simply a vehicle for the movement of a current of electrons from one wire (often zinc) to another (usually copper). The delicate pairing of the oxidation—the loss of electrons—on a zinc surface, with the reduction—gain of electrons—on a copper wire produces the push that makes this movement go.
The water provides the road, and the chemical reactions provide the engine.
Saying that water “powers” this watch is like saying that the copper in a normal wire powers an electric circuit. Putting the water in such a “water-powered” watch or clock is instead the act of using liquid water to complete the circuit of a simple battery.
The Movement
Two fine silicon dioxide (glass) reservoirs hold the path-giving water. On two poles of the glass circumference rest the zinc and copper wires. These lead artfully from the depths of the jar to the water’s surface, then making their way in arcs to the poles of the movement.
The Face
An understated digital readout tracks the movement of time. The electrical current—its energetic origin in the oxidation-reduction process—finds its way through miniature wires of the digital movement to make the readout tick forward. Although larger and more elemental, the Hydromatic is faithful to the smaller wristwatch Cousteau wore as a child.
The Schematics
Exquisite and highly detailed drawings reflect the careful engineering and workmanship undertaken at the state of the art DWC design and production facilities.
Water Resistance
The simplistic design of the “movement” of this watch should allow it to work at virtually any depth, if the seals hold. Which they won’t. And the digital display has a delicate zero resistance to water.
The Band
The rugged leather strap of the Hydromatic is evocative of the bund straps of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. Hodink-o-philes will be familiar with Jason Heaton’s thorough review of these straps, but suffice it to say that the Hydromatic takes the bund to its logical conclusion: There is a large pad, and large straps. And there are a few more smaller straps. It is kind of a bund strap’s bund strap, if you will.
A Symbol of Balance
Just as Cousteau’s work focuses attention on the precarious balance of our world’s oceans, the Hydromatic requires attention and care. The waters of the world give life, and need our steadfast support. So too does the Hydromatic. Careless human steps can have perilous effects. However, slow, steady, and mindful attention will curate the beautiful simplicities of science and the wonders of the passage of time.
Price: By request
Comments and inquiries: Below
Photo credits: Riley H. Canfield
Additional information on this kind of cell can be found in: Kelter, P. B., Carr, J. D., Johnson, T. and Mauricio Castro-Acuna (1996). “The Chemical and Educational Appeal of the Orange Juice Clock,” Journal of Chemical Education 73(2), 1123-1127.
