Audemars Piguet

It's obvious that AP put some thought into being able to quickly read the time, even with just a fast glance at the dial. The white band on the original Star Wheel was designed to isolate the important part of the dial; it focuses on the section that tells the time. It's the contrast between the background and numbers that make it easy to read. And to me, the biggest advantage of the original Star wheel is that it's a very easy to read digital dial, created using a unique movement, unlike other digital watches. It would be a shame to give up the readability of a digital watch for the sake of art.

I think we all really appreciate the effort that you've put into this project - I certainly do - but perhaps you can address the readability aspect in another design. One that would be as readable as the original, but with your own idea as to how to isolate and emphasis just the section where the actual time is shown.

Sorry for being picky, especially since so many have already said that they're happy with your current direction. But in my previous life I was heavily involved with design (advertising and marketing design, actually) and as creative director it was always a constant battle to keep the art directors and designers focused on usability as much as the look. I know at times I had to scrap a great looking design for the sake of the product's intended use, and that was certainly frustrating at times. But in the end I was always glad that I was able to step back and rethink things. It always ended up for the best in the end.

Of course this just one man's opinion and as I've said, you efforts thus far are really appreciated.

Emil