
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!
Transforming kanji watches not so great for telling time, perfect for being awesome
Gucci releases a new Japan-exclusive Grip watch with “Gucci” written on the face in katakana
Is this Tokyo government office still one of the best places in the city for a curry rice lunch?
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Japan’s Human Washing Machine pods are now on sale for home use, and they’re not cheap
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
All-you-can-eat sashimi from Tokyo’s fish market, convenient location make this budget hotel great
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Taste-testing Japan’s real-world Dragon Balls and Senzu Beans at Marugame Seimen
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says