Adley Fixi T1 Arelo'i

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Adley Fixi T1 is a distinctive timepiece as the overall design evokes the image of cycling. The dial design follows the proportion of the cycle, the dial is filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility. The case profile, crown location and central chain ring are signature design features , with water resistance of 10 ATM. The caseback graphic tells the story of the cyclist never ride along. Mechanical movement generates power from kinetic energy. The watch is capped off with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Dimensions & Packaging

The case measures 13.6mm in depth, including double-domed sapphire crystal, with a diameter of 40mm. The bespoke 20mm wide rubber strap aims to convey the cycling handlebar and enhance the watch's comfort. The bespoke recycled vinyl watch wallet and recycled paper watch packaging aim to minimise waste and reduce shipping costs. 10 ATM water resistance ensure the watch is suitable for all weather.

Tags

Fixed gear bicycle-inspired design, automatic mechanical watch, designed by architect and cycle enthusiast, clean line, contrasting texture, wheel arch shape case, durable & sustainable materials.

Production Technology

The 316L stainless steel case is manufactured using CNC machining. The design process involves Revit and Rhino 3D rendering and 3D printing mock-ups to test the ideas. During the three-year design process, three rounds of the prototype were commissioned to ensure the end products met every expectation. Each stage of the prototype was road-tested and reviewed with the collaborator. The final watch benefitted from this process.

Design Challenge

As the cycling-inspired watch is a niche market, the main challenge is translating the essence of a fixed-gear bike into an elegant design.
This is also my first watch; designing and manufacturing a product from scratch has been a learning curve. It has been a long process of research, brand development, and finding and working with the right watch manufacturers to make FIXI-T1 a reality.

Research

The collaboration involved numerous professional cycle messengers, bespoke bike builders, watch enthusiast forums, social networks, The Bike charity and industrial insiders to ensure a refined and desirable end product. The design received almost 800 likes and 100s of positive comments, many of them expressing they would purchase Fixi-T1 watch due to the design resonating with the passion of cycling, technical specifications and price point. Those positive responses were a great reassurance for me to continue with the design journey.

Inspiration

As a trained architect passionate about cycling, I identify several similarities between a cycle and a watch. Both items have a simple form yet are complicated in their mechanics. The attribute was a strong concept for me to design a contemporary wristwatch that captured the essence of fixed-gear cycling, adding high-end components and a modern watch manufacturing process. This uncompromised production method is echoed by British hand-made bicycle builders who created a timeless fixed-gear cycle.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2019 in Surrey, England, and the production model was ready in October 2022 in Surrey, England.

Operation Flow

Like a bicycle, Fixi-T1 is a mechanical watch powered by the person's movement. The NH35 mechanical movement is renowned for being a workhorse movement, with incredibly durable and straightforward mechanics for easy service and repair. The ethos of the mechanical watch is to reduce waste compared to battery-powered quartz watch whilst providing a watch for life.

Patents

ADLEY Watch Co. Trademark No. UK00003448220
ADLEY FIXI-T1 WATCH Trademark No. UK00003842285

Image Credits

marc@fsgdesign.co.uk