?Architectural? is a word that gets tossed around frequently in design circles, and it?s easy enough to see why. Architecture is industrial design writ large?the grandest possible canvas for functional creativity. When elements usually seen in buildings make their way into smaller-scale forms, then the results can be dramatic. That?s the approach for newcomers Moduco (short for Modern Urban Company), and their eponymous first effort simply styled as MODUCO. The Swiss/American team behind the brand aimed to capture the grit, sophistication and most importantly the verticality of the modern cityscape. With a unique design, wide variety of options, and reliable power plants, this looks to be a strong first effort from the firm.The case (measuring 44mm) of the MODUCO is perhaps its strongest selling point. Rising up like a medieval turret from the sandblasted outer case and lugs is an aggressive, vertically brushed cylindrical center case. From the side, the main outer case not only contrasts in surfacing, it cuts through the harsh geometric lines of the inner case in a gentle continuous arc. This lends some organic, lighter qualities to a design that could quickly become too aggressive. Viewing the case from above, the look is slightly more conventional with a wide bezel framed by a mirror polished bevel. The heavy brushing from the sides continues here, but in a surprising direction. Instead of conventional radial or even vertical brushing, the coarse grain of the bezel ru...