The Vacuum Fluorescent Display Watch Is The Quirkiest EVER

Watches on the whole tend to be pretty straightforward, so if you’re looking for something different, how about the retro cool of a vacuum fluorescent display watch? Not only is this most quirkiest of watches awesome to look at, it’s surprisingly affordable too!
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[@Gaeb]

Was fully expecting a price in the thousands of dollars. For $380 there's no way I'm not going to add this to my collection as soon as possible!

[@robertsas9001]

It's sold out unfortunately

[@DarthDickhed]

I bought them all. Price is now $3,000.00 if you want one.

[@pest5373]

@@DarthDickhed nice..

[@tet5ujin]

Preorders available for March / April

[@BJH-iv6nt]

@@DarthDickhed How about 10 bucks?

[@AbeKozz]

This might be one of the coolest things I'd never spend 400 bucks on.

[@WouterZtube]

😂

[@jamesblonde2271]

cos you'd be fuggin late all the time😂

[@gerard518]

Why not? I know loads of folks who spend twice as much on drinks and lap dances on a Friday night. Every Friday... I'd certainly buy it.

[@justanaveragegamer9744]

@@gerard518 I know a couple of guys who go through that much just “getting ready” to go out

[@mikewedgwood697]

You've just described my watch hobby.

[@firminshepherd4834]

Extraordinary price and battery life: pretty sure it’s worth buying just for the WTF factor. Good find, Andrew!

[@cha0s956]

I think this is probably the only watch/time-telling instrument that I'd ever set to 12-hour mode. What an absolutely awesome piece!

[@Krauser1226]

Oh boy I want this real bad. Going to have to add it to my list. I'm a sucker for these kinds of things. While actually reading the time isn't this watches forte, I have other watches for that. And as a guitarist, anything with analog tubes in it tickles my fancy especially hard. What a cool little gizmo.

[@doubleugly1594]

"The Electricianz" is a company that makes some watches with a similar-ish aesthetic to the VFD and Nixie custom offerings. Personally I think the Accutron Spaceview is one of the coolest watches ever and it has a "analog-digital" aesthetic as well.

[@Jason_Quinn]

There was a wide range of novelty watches in the early 2000s that represented time in different fashions. This reminds me of those.

[@giacintoboccia9386]

Scientist here (or wizard if you prefer): Yes there are orange VFDs but they do not contain a gas, those orange ones are neon bulbs, the blue one is probably the VFD part (notice that the light comes from the coating on one of the elctrodes, rather than from the gas sorrounding it, in fact a VFD has vacuum inside).

[@brothberg]

I just interviewed an applicant to my engineering college. He built a watch that tells the time in base-4. Rather than numbers, he displays the time on a 4 by 4 grid. I gave him a positive score.

[@onradioactivewaves]

You mean a 10 x 10 grid

[@fireice2892]

@@onradioactivewaves I see what you did there and I heartily approve

[@exp2745]

That's a tenth the price I would have expected tbh

[@KC93SE]

Only $380?! While it isn't my style, the wow factor in and of itself is enough to justify. I was totally expecting it to be priced north of $1k, so this is certainly a welcome feature.

[@WatchGeek]

Perfect timing!! I played with these a couple of weeks now and am publishing the unboxing and tutorial this Sunday. Also, the BIG boy sadly ISN'T 50mm, as that would be wearable, HUGE, but wearable. It actually measures 55x17mm!!! It is GIGANTIC!!

[@ramblr78]

I saw it and I literally laughed out loud, absolutely ludicrous!

[@benny4162]

I love the glow of the tubes, but I'm not gonna wear a watch that huge just for that!

[@denobuhov7023]

This model is 39x12mm. Nixie watch with in-16 tubes measures 55x17mm

[@000TQ000]

Look forward to Sunday for your vid. This watch seems to be sold out but I would abs6lpve to be able to buy one

[@olivier5053]

However it's made of Nixie tubes and not VFD, right?

[@Remo860]

VFDs are so frickin cool. Vintage hifi gear on your arm. I’m in love.

[@kfwimmer]

You just keep getting better and better and better: "magnet on a stick" - love it!

[@TheWitchfinderGenral]

I was gutted when I saw this, went to the website, and saw that they were all sold out. Fortunately they just opened orders on the next batch so I managed to snag one. Looks wonderful.

[@creynolds1031]

Love the idea. These different ways of time telling are interesting, especially when they highlighted with craftsmanship. I’d enjoy seeing more. Thanks 🙏 for the great vids 👍

[@Conundrum191]

Doubt I'd buy one given how hard it would be to read/use daily, but definitely an interesting piece to see. Definitely keep reviewing ones like this...way better than another clip of a sub clone of a sub clone.

[@TomRauhe]

The point of a watch is not reading the time.

[@L4ftyOne]

@@TomRauhe uhm only to read time

[@balesjo]

You wear a daily driver on one wrist and this one on the other!

[@mickenoss]

I dunno. I was given a binary clock a few years back and I can tell the time at a glance, I imagine you'd get used to it.

[@m.cigledy6769]

I guarantee if this was your daily, within a week you wouldn't even have to think about how to read it.

[@energ8t]

I own this watch and I have to say, it is really impressive, unique and really fun to wear. Telling the time is getting easier as you get accustomed to it. Becomes second nature and boy does it turn heads and start conversations.

[@ArnisKaliFlow]

Mine will be ready next week apparently, I simply cannot wait! Your comment is truly reassuring.

[@gyatak200]

Will it last?

[@redbeam9212]

Already sold out 😂 I absolutely love that WFC is highlighting some really interesting, creative and affordable microbrands. Could watch this all day.

[@galil_6863]

NOOO! I wanted one!!! 😭

[@ludvikhladky3579]

I wasn't sure, why would WFC promote them, if they're already gone. Long story short, I contacted them and -- by their words -- there should be some kickstarter event happening next week. So I suppose "Sold out" in their terms mean "Coming soon". True, they're being kinda misleading -- nevertheless, if you're interested, keep an eye on the "Buy it now" button ;-)

[@redbeam9212]

@@ludvikhladky3579 thanks Ludvik. I had assumed that they sold out when WFC dropped their video due to increased demand, I'll keep an eye out for that button.

[@H0kram]

@@redbeam9212 If you can't get one but absolutely want nixie tubes in your life, you'll have a much easier time getting a desk clock using them :)

[@TheWitchfinderGenral]

They just reopened preorders for the next batch.

[@K.J.H_]

I fully expected you to say it cost 4 thousand, not 4 hundred!

[@Thrillrider10]

I would be tempted to pick one of these up just because of how unique it is, but I feel like I would spend all day staring at it and get nothing done. It is very cool though, I will give it that.

[@schaf012]

What a cool watch. And you explained the technical stuff so good.

[@rif6876]

Love it! Please continue with other quirky watches.

[@nikolailoveikis]

This channel just keeps getting more and more interesting. Thank you!

[@carloszx12]

Awesome review. More like this, please. Thanks!

[@boboso388]

Great segment. Would love to see more of this.

[@jimmurphy6095]

That was really neat. I was waiting for the sticker shock at the end and was very pleasantly surprised.

[@WhileOnEarth]

I love this, please bring more informative content like these❤️

[@ideaynojodas]

Beautiful piece!! My goodness

[@tbone121974]

I really like this. Certainly a novelty and worth having in a collection. Definitely added to my list.

[@MrBownze]

Just preordered the next batch. Thanks!

[@DavidDatura]

This thing is fascinating! And reasonably sized and priced too…I want one! I’ve been a fan of the retro look NIXIE tube tech for a while now. Ever since they were first shown on the Techmoan channel. And yes, make more videos about quirky timepieces like this 👍

[@RandomGuyRandomNumber]

No, absolutely no more of this sort of content ! It's just too interesting and novel and surprising and informative and quirky and fun and enjoyable. I want ever more excruciating detail about the latest differences between historic Rolex model numbers. If there is a change in colour of the typeface on the dial of a limited edition of an obscure Rolex model, I want an hour of close-up macro shots and a doctorate-level essay on the technology used to mix the new paint and a live panel discussion at a specially-convened international symposium to decide if it is more a reddish-brown, or a brownish-red colour. Rolex is my entire world, and I don't want to see or read or hear about anything besides my lord and saviour, Rolex (hallowed be thy name).

[@MyOldNameWasTaken]

BASED

[@pktsqr]

I am truly enjoying this branch of the videos. A little weird? A little affordable? That's my jam!

[@akasickform]

An anode is the positive Cathode is the negative An easy way to remember is : "I got an A+ in electronics but a C- in maths" (or whatever..) However. In terms of current, it actually runs from the negative to positive, but in traditional electronics, we always calculate voltage running from the positive going to the negative.

[@jozefnovak7750]

Super! Thank you very much!

[@markdavis-lorton9858]

More quirky watch’s! This was great!!

[@notnull5878]

To answer you question your question about why vfd's are not lightbulbs, it's because they're not exactly not lightbulbs. It depends on what your definition of a lightbulb is. VFD's are similar to some things people would normally consider lightbulbs, like fluorescent lamps. Which work on a kinda similar concept. A VFD will have a cathode, which you drive current through and create electrons due to something called thermionic emission (just a fancy way of saying you get something really hot and it emits energy), and an anode, which is coated with phosphor and it fluoresces when hit with said electrons. A fluorescent lamp works by driving current through mercury vapor contained in the "bulb" which then creates ultra violet light that hits the phosphor coating on the glass and create visible light. The difference is in the mechanism by which the high energy particles of choice get to the phosphor material. But yeah, they convert electricity to light, and their purpose is to create light instead of like, heat. So it's basically a light bulb. On a side note, if these truly are VFD tubes, there should not be any gas in them, hence the vacuum part of the name. Just phosphor, a tungsten filament (probably) and a graphite (probably) anode. You're thinking of nixie tubes.

[@TheDropForged]

I own both niwa nixie version 1 and 2 and they look absolutely awesome.

[@themojo6291]

Yes! Unique pieces are what I love!

[@shadowninja569]

More content like this, please.

[@JoeGiz64]

Great Time Machine! Love the theme, the tech, how mesmerizing the piece really is. I use tube amps on my sound system so I can appreciate this watch. Let’s see more of these!!

[@roberthepburn7461]

Way back in the early 70s my dad and I went over to spacecraft in Orlando, they got all of the old computers and electronics from NASA cape Canaveral and we bought a old UNIVAC computer console that had 1500 of those lights on the display panel so cool we used it for a handwriting analysis for the carnival business! It was a great show piece

[@SLSAMG]

Something out of metro 2033.

[@anthonydelcollo1945]

Definitely fascinating. Place my vote in the “more interesting / weird stuff” column. Well done.

[@MLightstone]

I love this weird gem. Thank you.

[@tet5ujin]

Beautiful. Instantly visited the manufacturers site and preordered for the next available manufacturing wave.

[@nclivin4220]

Magnet on a stick is common in explosive environments. Like gas detection controllers. We used them at a job I worked at. Pretty cool. Most people had trouble understanding it for some reason

[@EthanMerbaum]

Sold out.... Great job...

[@grandbacon5567]

Very cool watch for a very good price, not very good for actually telling the time but definetly a really cool accessory and a great conversation starter. Definetly want to get myself one of these in the future.

[@KallouWhatElse]

I haven't understood how to read this watch but it's mesmerising !

[@FC-kx7vy]

This watch is very unique! Thanks for the video.

[@WatchmakerErik]

I am a sucker for nonstandard time displays and I honestly have to say I need one of these.

[@victorutomo7244]

Another great video. Thumbs up. With a quirky watch. I would love to have it on my desk.

[@bradleyborrowman2115]

This is the watch that will start my collection

[@TLO7]

very cool , changing settings with a magnet is very futuristic

[@MrValve-fr8hd]

Definitely liked this content

[@bullnose01]

Add a minute repeater function and you will have the coolest watch ever yet never know the time.

[@Failed.painter..]

Love the xenon blue

[@wingi7722]

This is really cool and the flattery charging and flattery life make it really quite functional

[@LuxWad]

What fortuitous timing, lately I've been binging these videos and learning about VFD displays, wondering if perhaps a watch like this existed. Thanks for this excellent video!

[@ginoongboyong]

Wow!! Mesmerising!! Interesting!!

[@sparkyatwph]

That was proper fun!

[@kenormsby6702]

I ordered one a while back, now waiting patiently for it to arrive.

[@jerryg50]

This watch appears to be an interesting novelty. As for myself it is not a type of watch I would want to use since I need my watch for telling time at a quick glance. It is obvious this watch uses a microcomputer with a controller run by software, and uses voltage inverter circuits to generate the necessary voltage level to illuminate the gas filled tubes. Fairly sophisticated. It is using micro reed switch, or Hall device sensing technology to respond to the magnet that is used to set the watch. The small tubes are using Neon Gas. The part number is NE2. Used to be very commonly used in electronic devices. Still used in some types of specialized illuminated switches and indicators. The blue illuminated tube on the right has been used as a power indicator lamp. I cannot remember the part number. It is not commonly used any more. If I remember correctly it was using a gas combination of argon with mercury vapour. The NE2 indicator light triggers on at 63.5 Volts. If AC is applied both elements inside will appear to be lit. It is the cathode side that lights up. With DC the negative side becomes the cathode. It takes a minimum of 400 uA (400 micro Amps) at 63.5 Volts to excite the Neon gas inside of the NE2 lamp.

[@Peter-fo4ec]

Interesting watch ....cool timing of ages...thank you for showing us this

[@Fodagbg]

Definately want to see more..

[@Disciplinez]

Awesome reviews! Always informative and entertaining. Can you review the Sbge 275 from GS, she's quite the beauty!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

This is mesmerizing...

[@legacywatchguy8333]

That's the coolest little watch...I really like that.

[@jerseythedog]

The company that makes this watch has been putting out the most incredible designs for many years. Each watch must be learned and none of them are traditional. Good luck picking the one you want first. This will change your watch game.

[@timetowatch_francois]

😵‍💫 Hypnotizing Thanks for sharing.

[@Dr_LK]

Cathode is the -ve end, anode is the +ve end. Electrons flow from - to +, but what we call current is actually flowing from + to -.

[@Captain1Planet]

Looks Great! The Devon also has an amazing watch with belts thats pretty quirky

[@S2kBPRIME]

Very cool!

[@Brusilov]

need now!

[@reh9999]

Cool. Good job

[@johnstyron6543]

It’s definitely very cool and I enjoyed the video. It’s a reasonable price too even though it’s not something I’d immediately want to go out and buy.

[@dave38x]

Welp, that's me signed up for a pre-order notification. That thing is phenomenal.

[@fahadkhan-db6bh]

I like this new love for quirky pieces and usually the unusual for the channel. But can we have the Omega chronochime 1932 somehow, please? I know it’s early but still

[@englandsammo3904]

When you're viewing a watchfinder & co video and a watchfinder & co add comes on in the middle. It's watchfinder inception.

[@beautyforashes2022]

What a gorgeous watch, I love it.

[@toupac3195]

Glass vaccum tubes that small is mindblowing.

[@timmainson]

I would love to see a segment on nixi tube watches! either in this format or a talk with your buddy and maybe Matthew Taylor of Techmoan? Thanks

[@rottingcorpse6002]

I have several Nixie tube clocks and thermometers. Been wanting a Nixie watch too. Niwa watches(the maker of this watch)has them available.

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, WR4K.

[@renviluan2842]

I want this!!!

[@TheTarrMan]

Fascinating.

[@toddp5026]

Where can I buy it?

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

These are so cool

[@hibernopithecus7500]

Would make a cooler clock & give you that year-round Christmas feeling.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

It has that techie touch, like my BCD clock that nearly no one else can read, yet it is affordable too!

[@digitalords]

From my understanding, the difference between a lightbulb light and fluorescent light is due to residence time of the electrons in excited states; where the electrons that produce fluorescent light have longer residence times than the electrons of a lightbulb, which are caused by spontaneous emission!

[@wasteddude9387]

New viewer of your channel. Please DO feature more of the unusual timepieces available for under a thousand dollars. I am fascinated by the "unusual". Thank you.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

A magnet on a stick. This is one cryptic and cool tshirt idea.

[@mjmorrill081]

I want one!!

[@kpkost]

I adore this content and intend to buy one cause of this video. Let’s be real: none of us here need our watches for the time. I just love the design and brilliant engineering in watches. This and the Devon Tread 2 I really enjoy

[@biblomatic]

Really giving new watchmakers some love.

[@craigwatt5696]

it's refreshing to be surprised by a new style of watch, not only quirky and interesting, actually affordable for those with modest means. I'm sure this a a occcasional segment that would prove to be very popular.

[@STEVEARABIA1]

I’m shocked a charge lasts that long.

[@walshy2116]

Love it!