
I never understood the date-megane (lensless glasses) fad that has been all the rage in much of Asia. Ok, so maybe you want to change up your look once in a while or feel smart before taking your midterms, but wouldn’t it make sense to put in some non-prescription lenses? That way you could at least avoid a Three Stooges eye poke.
Now, for those of you who are done fiddling around with nose-pinching plastic, here comes another mystifying fashion item: faceless watches. Read on to find out a little more about this accessory and the public’s reaction. We’ve included a few other options too, if the last thing you want to do is live by the clock!
The “Lost Time” faceless watches were created by Bambi, a well-established Japanese company that specializes in wristwatches and interchangeable bands in a rainbow of colors. The company even provided OEM parts for famous Swiss watchmakers. So why did a team of horologists that value time above all else design a curious doohickey that seems to laugh in its face?
▼ Japan must be serious about watches. Who knew such a niche magazine existed?
It turns out, the “Lost Time” fashion accessory, which goes on sale in mid-July, was created to be an item that will remind the wearer to enjoy the moment and not forget what’s really important in life (or confuse people around you, like my friend who peeled off the stickers and made an all-black Rubik’s Cube). The ad also said, “Show off your wild side by letting others know that you don’t care about the time!” The bracelet retails for 4,800 yen (US $47), and optional bands in brown, red, or beige cost 2,300 yen ($22.60) each.
▼ A watch for tsundere types? “I-It’s not like I want to tell time or anything! I don’t even like watches!”
And here’s a sampling of Japanese netizens’ mixed reviews:
Cool! Wish it cost less.
They should lose the band too!
You could just pretend that you’re wearing this and have the same effect, right?
Put on some rubber bands, they’re more useful.
Unless you’re completely naked, you’ve given yourself up to societal restraints. Putting something on isn’t going to express that you’re wild and free.
Just draw one on and always make it snack time!
▼ Seems like a pretty popular idea (you could also go permanent):
If your boss tells you to get a watch, this will be great!
You can just look at your cell phone anyway.
Re: Silly! The wristwatch was invented to avoid having to take out your pocket watch every time. Now you’re taking out your phone every time?
Isn’t this bondage gear?
I bet this watch is only visible to smart people.
I thought it was a Dyson fan:
So, if you’re the time-conscious type you’re probably better off with a regular wristwatch, unless you can get your arm hairs to function as a sort of sundial. Though the people who buy this probably rely on their iPhone 5 to keep them on schedule anyway, right?
Lastly, for your amusement, here are some other “timeless” timepieces!
▼ Haldimann’s H8, a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture that doesn’t reveal the time no matter how long you look at it (the action starts at 1:45). It’ll also set you back 200,000 bucks!
▼ Julia Rothman’s temporary but affordable watch tattoos, available at Tattly:
▼ Dae-Hoon Jung’s futuristic Dial Phone, masquerading as a bangle!
Sources: MyNavi News, BAMBI 1, BAMBI 2, 2Channel, Haldimann
Images: MyNavi News, BAMBI, C’s-Factory, Hikōki Gumo, Rate My Ink, Dyson, Tattly, GZ Breath
Video: YouTube








What time is it? Time for a Cardcaptor Sakura watch, and an umbrella too, while you’re at it!
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】