Nubeo redefines the intersection of gaming and watchmaking, bringing new depth to collaborative creations. The Ventana Automatic Missile Command embodies Atari’s legendary 1980 arcade game within a striking 50mm mechanical watch. It’s a limited run, with only 100 watches per colorway, offering a piece for true enthusiasts.
The dial artfully recreates pixelated missile trajectories, fighter jets, and a radar system, layered over a multi-disc mechanical movement. At 12 o’clock, the score “0120” shines, and the 6 o’clock mark bears the “Atari ©1980” stamp. The exhibition caseback uniquely features the Miyota 8215 automatic movement, surrounded by original arcade cabinet artwork, offering a captivating dual-faceted design.
When you dim the lights, the Super-LumiNova transforms the colorful dial into a monochrome green glow, reminiscent of a vintage 1980 CRT screen. Nubeo’s collection, priced at $500 per piece, features five colorways: Assault Yellow, Strike Green, Vector Red, Command Black, and Impact Blue, exclusive to Atari.com.
The legacy of Missile Command
Released in 1980, Missile Command harnessed a unique psychological intensity, according to designer Dave Theurer. The game, centered around an unwinnable scenario of defending cities from nuclear missiles, resonated with Cold War anxiety. Its cultural impact was substantial, visually encoded into pixels and trackball physics that many grew up with, and its legacy is preserved through Nubeo’s design.
Artistry in design and function
The Ventana watches employ a multi-layered disc system, adding genuine depth to its visual narrative. The concentric radar rings on a separate disc plane create a mesmerizing parallax effect as the watch moves. The hands themselves resonate with the game’s iconography—the second hand representing the targeting reticle, while the minute and hour hands carry game-specific symbols.
Super-LumiNova covers the full dial surface, transforming the vibrant scene by day into a unified green glow by night. This glow mimics the analog phosphor warmth of retro screens, a testament to Nubeo’s commitment to authenticity and detail, elevating the collaboration beyond typical licensing agreements.
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Details that elevate the experience
Within the watch, the Miyota 8215 rotor is surrounded by nostalgic arcade-inspired artwork, making it an engaging spectacle. Each watch is engraved with the model reference NB-6138, water resistance, limited edition status, and individual number, offering both style and museum-quality craftsmanship for just $500.
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The 50mm stainless steel case, 16mm thick, combines with a sapphire crystal and 200M water resistance, along with a tactile rubber strap, reflecting the arcade era’s spirit. At 179 grams, it stands as a solid reminder of its presence. Nubeo has found a sweet spot with this mid-tier priced, high-design watch.
Available through Nubeo, with the exclusive Impact Blue on atari.com, this limited edition of 500 pieces ensures the iconic cities on your dial are forever protected in style.
Source: yankodesign.com