Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010

The press release for Idea International’s latest brand, Untrod, talks a lot about questioning “existing product typologies” and challenging the status quo. We don’t know about all that, but we’d sure feel spiffy if we hit the town with one of these little numbers strapped to our wrist. The Sol, created by interior designer Shin Azumi, is a hybrid-powered timepiece that wears its solar panel with pride—function as form, if you will. Admirably chunky, it’s available in five different colors, ranging from tasteful to lurid.

Sol by Untrod, ¥8,400. Available from branches of Idea International and via www.idea-onlineshop.jp