Focus on U.S. Immigration and U.S. Technology: Central Standard Timing in Chicago, United States, has created the world's thinnest watch, with a thickness of only 0.8 millimeters, which is even thinner than a credit card. This thinnest watch is named "CST-01" and features a curved stainless steel plate with an electronic ink display to show the time. The electronic ink design of the CST-01 uses the same technology as the screen of the Kindle e-reader.
The CST-01 watch was designed by designer and company founder Dave Wardle, who incorporated a flexible electronic component with a thickness of only 0.5 millimeters, powered by a Thinergy micro-energy battery. This battery can be charged in just 10 minutes, can be recharged 10,000 times, and has a lifespan of up to 15 years. Test results show that the micro-energy battery only needs to be charged once a month. The CST-01 uses a high-efficiency embedded system on a chip from Seiko Epson. To reduce the thickness of the CST-01, Central Standard Timing did not install any knobs or buttons on this watch.
Wardle co-founded Central Standard Timing with his colleague Jerry O'Leary. Both were interaction designers and electrical engineers at IDEO Labs in Illinois. In the company's laboratory, they tested the CST-01 watch. One time, Wardle wrapped the electronic ink panel around his wrist, and this casual action inspired him to design the CST-01. He told O'Leary, "I want to design a watch like this." Wardle stated, "In the development of the CST-01, we carefully considered every aspect from design to engineering. The CST-01 has unique functionality and aesthetics. It is currently the thinnest watch available." O'Leary pointed out, "The time of the CST-01 is embedded in the strap."
In February 2013, Wardle and O'Leary raised funds through the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to launch the CST-01 watch development project. They showcased the watch at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Wardle and O'Leary raised over $1 million, and the first batch of CST-01 watches is expected to be delivered to Kickstarter supporters in September. Other consumers can pre-order the watch on the Central Standard Timing website, with expected delivery in December.
The CST-01 comes in four models, each available in small, medium, and large sizes. The black CST-01BL and white CST-01WH models feature uncoated stainless steel bands, priced at £69 (approximately $109). The CST-01NR features a black-coated stainless steel band with a black face; the CST-01RG features a rose gold-coated stainless steel band, also with a black face. Both of these models are priced at £76 (approximately $119).
All four CST-01 models have both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. To charge the watch, consumers will need to pay an additional £22 (approximately $35) for a charging dock. The charging dock uses a micro USB cable that can be plugged into any standard USB port. If charging from a wall outlet, consumers will need to pay an additional £10 (approximately $15) for a universal wall outlet adapter.