Mission 1: Sense the spirit of the times

A digital watch, which was released and known as the Rotocall in the past, was beloved by people in the 1980s. I designed these new creations honoring the original models known as the Rotocall .

This remarkable device features a unique rotary switch mechanism. By turning the octagonal bezel, you can access eight distinct functions, each assigned to a different side. The nickname Rotocall likely comes from combining “rotary” (rotating) and “call” (to call out).

This watch, high specification for its time, also carries a compelling story. There is an epic historical anecdote about it: it was beloved by astronauts. The story behind a product can give it depth that goes beyond its specifications. As a designer, being part of creating something like this brings immense joy.

Through working on this digital watch, I felt that people today are rediscovering the value of past technologies. In that sense, I was motivated to take on the challenge of creating these new timepieces.

Mission 2: Decipher the historical blueprints

We immediately faced our first and biggest hurdle: no one remained who knew the development status at the time, and almost all blueprints that could guide the process were gone. Development had to start entirely from scratch.

Why an octagon in the first place? Why not a regular one? Why is the knurling so pronounced, and the button protruding so much? We have no way of asking the original developers about their intentions.

As I carefully studied the remaining blueprints, the meanings and thoughts behind the design gradually became clear—and it was fascinating.

The reason it isn’t a perfect octagon is likely to maintain visual stability. Designed for harsh conditions, the watch features deep, highly grippy knurling for reliable mode switching even when wearing gloves. The raised buttons prevent accidental presses. It becomes clear that these aren’t merely shapes meant to convey a “tough impression,” but rather to express functional beauty—a design conceived with specific usage scenarios in mind.

Mission 3: Express my unique vision

Studying the blueprints felt like a dialogue with past designers, a valuable process that revealed the product’s development philosophy—from material choices and structural design to the user experience.

The next challenge was recreating parts for which no drawings existed and dimensions were unknown. Rather than inventing them purely from imagination, I referenced similar components from the same series. I repeatedly made measurements down to 1/100th of a millimeter under a microscope and verified the manufacturing methods used at the time.

What must not be forgotten is that my task is not “perfect reproduction,” but an “expression” of redesign. While understanding the past is fundamental, incorporating my own interpretation as the creator is equally essential. This, I believe, is what gives true meaning to my involvement in the project.

We focused on enhancing the watch’s overall texture. For example, distortion in the rotating bezel was minimized by adjusting the angles of its surfaces and adding extra finishing. The machining of the lug tops was adjusted to a turning process to achieve a clean hairline finish. The bracelet was structurally redesigned, with its cross-section reevaluated to improve both texture and comfort. While retaining the original size to preserve the 1980s aesthetic, every component has been thoughtfully improved upon.

Mission 4: Design with the future in mind

While working on the redesigned model, I was reminded that some things endure through the ages, while others fade away.

Technology and materials evolve, and values shift over time. Yet the designer’s “passion” preserved in the blueprints still speaks to us—whether it’s care for the user, a focus on operability, or the designer’s own aesthetic sensibility.

In the distant future, the watches I create today may become candidates for redesign. I found myself imagining that possibility. I want to craft pieces that carry my dedication and passion to the future designers who will one day discover them.

This model is currently available through a popular collaboration with Space Brothers . A collaboration model with the fashion brand Godard Haberdashery is also scheduled for release soon. We hope it has aroused your interest.