Iron Man's Watch (Philippe Starck PH1100)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Philippe Starck PH1100
Date:	05/02/09 (352 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks Great

Disadvantages: Strap System

I've owned a fair few watches over the years - many of which were cheap and unspectacular timepieces that only cost only a few quid. I've rarely paid more than £50 for a watch, as I don't wear them much - instead relying on finding out the time from my mobile. However, when I saw the Starck PH1100 (Made in collaboration with Fossil), I just had to have it. The perspex front is completely see through, except for the LCD numbers which seem to float magically in the centre of the square face. The product uses technology from the Starck (That's Phillipe Starck, not Tony Stark aka 'Iron Man'!) 'Crystal Clear' series, which apparently makes it the "the first ever see through LCD in a watch".

The fairly chunky silicone strap looks stylish - in fact, it's probably difficult to get an impression of what this watch looks like, so if you type PH1100 into Amazon, you can view it for yourself - although the picture doesn't really do it justice.

Measuring approximately 34mm x 30mm x 7.5mm, the watch isn't too bulky, although it's probably a bit large for a lady to wear. The reason the PH1100 appeals to me is its simplicity and clean lines - it doesn't have any buttons or dials sticking out from its sides - the strap merges seamlessly into the face.

As well as it's simple looks, the watch has very simple features. The display shows the time, date, and seconds - and that's it. There's no alarm, stopwatch, or even backlight - just the basics.

Now, with most of the stuff I buy, there is generally a problem - and with this watch, it lies with the way you adjust the strap. Unfortunately, the strap doesn't have an buckle type system like most watches do - No, that would be too simple for the good people at Fossil...! with the PH1100, you basically need a degree in engineering to get it to the correct size. The process involves prizing open two chrome tabs on the back (IMPOSSIBLE), and then sliding out two pins (IMPOSSIBLE) - and then CUTTING the silicone to the size of your wrist before putting it all back together. To help me illustrate how hard this process is, I took the watch to a watch shop to get it done, and they said it was too difficult!... Doh!

Basically, in the end (and this is no joke), I had to use a hammer and chisel to open the clasps. Anyway, it took me a while, but now I've got a perfectly functioning and beautiful watch. I would give it 5/5, but the ridiculous strap mechanism takes at least one star off the final score.

The Philippe Stark PH1100 has a recommended retail price of £120, but can currently be purchased for £90 from Amazon.

Summary: Designer Watch