The argument that mechanical timepieces are completely impractical in the modern world is the oldest, most overplayed cliché in watch journalism. But if that’s the case?and I won’t get into it too deeply here?then why not embrace the impracticality of it all" Watchmaking remains one of the purest, most focused design exercises for a product designer regardless of a watch’s (at least functionally) unnecessary nature. 22 Design dove headfirst into this realm of pure design with the 4th Dimension Concrete Watch Minimal Edition. There?s an ultramodern architectural feel at play here, further accentuated by the unusual concrete dial surface. But how does it stack up as an actual timepiece" Let?s dig in.

$760

Hands-On with the 4th Dimension Concrete Watch Minimal Edition from 22 Design

Case Stainless steel

Movement
Sellita SW200-1

Dial
Concrete

Lume
Yes; on the hands

Lens
Sapphire (front and back)

Strap
Leather

Water Resistance
30m

Dimensions
45mm x 45mm

Thickness
14.5mm

Lug Width
22mm

Crown
Push/pull

Warranty
Yes

Price
$760

Let?s get this out of the way right at the beginning?the 22 Design 4th Dimension is seriously thick. While the case measures 14.5mm deep, its slab-sided and truncated cone shape coupled with a completely flat crystal and case back with no wrist-hugging curve makes it appear and wear much taller. Setting it next to a comparably tall case with beveling and contours makes ...