Eberhard & Co. Chrono Traversetolo Noir
Limited to just three hundred and thirty three pieces worldwide, the Chrono Traversetolo Noir is a special edition version of the standard Chrono Traversetolo chronograph from Eberhard, the Geneva-based Swiss watch maker.
Typical of the larger men’s watches offered by Eberhard, the Chrono Traversetolo Noir’s case measures 43mm in diameter and its masculine appearance is further emphasised by Eberhard’s special patented DLC-Dianor (Diamond Like Coating) black carbon coating. Tougher and more scratch-resistant than the more common PVD treatment this should mean that the Noir edition lives up to it’s name for many years to come. The sleek look is finished off with a black dial and contrasting red detailing and a black caoutchouc strap.
The Noir is fitted with the same Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement as the standard Chrono Traversetolo and the mechanism is visible through a sapphire crystal glass on the back of the case. The rotor is decorated in 18ct. gold with the Côtes de Genèves and the old symbol of Eberhard watches, the letter “E” on a shield.
Nissan Qazana Concept
Following the success of the Nissan Qashqai concept that was shown at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the company’s central London design studio has been busy penning a smaller sibling, the Qazana, intended as a teaser of how a future production vehicle will look.
The curvaceous exterior draws its inspiration from beach buggys and mixes this with various nods to the design language and features of other Nissan products; boomerang taillights that are an evolution of those found on the 370Z, a side-window line that rises as it reaches the c-pillar like the production Qashqai and US-market Rogue and a practically full-width front grille that similar to that found on the Murano. The outsize wheelarches are also a nod to other Nissan SUVs and, together with the car’s high waistline, belie its relatively small dimensions (the Qazana being only slightly larger than the European Nissan Micra). The overall impression then, is of a compact yet tough vehicle.
Inside, the sporty character of the car is clearly present. The centre tunnel in particular draws its inspiration strongly from the forms of motorbike fuel tanks and the interplay of hard and soft materials lends a semi stripped-down feel that is balanced by the sweeping curves of the door panels, seats and dashboard.
Standing out from a sea of show cars that mostly failed to accurately gauge the mood of the times when it was unveiled earlier this year in Geneva, the big test for Nissan now is whether they can keep from watering down the unique character of this car as they ready it for production.
See more images of the Nissan Qazana concept after the jump.
Volkswagen Concept T from Detroit Motor Show in 2004
First shown at The Detroit motor show in 2004, the Concept T was designed in Volkswagen’s California design studio and is a crossover vehicle mixing elements of sports car, beach buggy and off-roader. Part of a long line of sporty off-road show cars, the Concept T distinguishes itself through stylish detailing and an avant-garde interior.
The body is a mix of sensuous, muscular surfacing and technical componentry, matching a strong rear fender and coupe-like volume with innovative, some might say quirky, features (the stainless steel tailpipes are located inboard of the rear lights, to improve the ramp angle at the back of the car for when you are hitting the big dunes). This latter feature also neatly echoes the tail lights of the mark five Volkswagen Golf, keeping the whole thing in the family, even if it is a lot wilder than its production stablemate, the Touareg.
More after the jump.
High backrest armchair from Driade by Phillipe Starck
Unveiled at the Milan furniture fair, the Out-In range is the latest fruit of the successful collaboration between Philippe Starck and Italian manufacturer Driade. Created in collaboration with Eugeni Quitllet, the high-backrest armchair and the rest of the Out-In range are designed for use both outside and inside, hence the name. Intended to cocoon the user and allow them to curl up in a variety of positions, the armchair is an interesting evolution of Starck’s Oscar Bon and Lago chairs that he has previously designed for Driade. The simple, clean surfaces and unadorned, tapering legs are typical of much of Starck’s furniture and the range is an interesting addition to the versatile high-end polyethylene pieces that Driade has experimented with, such as the notable ‘Tokyo Pop’ stool and lounge chair from Tokujin Yoshioka in 2002. Available now at Made in Design.
